The Soundtrack Show

In part 1 of our look at Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, we discuss the history of both Hitchcock and film composer Bernard Herrmann, and explore the strength of their collaborations. We give detailed history on the production of Psycho and its film score, and provide a breakdown of several pieces of music... including the most famous horror scene of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Universal created a rich cast of fascinating monsters ... and evolved their film scoring techniques through the process. Through the creation of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, the Mummy, and more, we hear the evolution of film scoring progress through each movie, culminating in some of the most important and innovative scores of the early 20th Century. Learn more about you...

We take a detailed look at the film score for Tron, examining multiple cues and breaking down their melodic and rhythmic qualities. The history of the film score's creation is also discussed, as are the songs written for the movie, We even listen to music that was omitted from the final film, and compare it with a famous sequence that was released without music. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Tron's film score is as innovative and groundbreaking as the movie itself: part synth score, part orchestral score, it carefully balances tech-savvy storytelling with the triumph of the human (and program) spirit. We discuss the plot to Tron, how it was received by critics and audiences in 1982, and how the movie, and music has aged in the years since.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

In our final look at Back to the Future, we discuss how themes are used, and how often. Secondary themes are examined, taking a close listen to how they're all related. We discuss the relationships between characters, and how music functions as a storytelling device. We even talk about the blues, and how Marty McFly was able to jam out with very little instruction given to his bandmates. Learn mor...

In part II of our analysis of the music in Back to the Future, we focus on how the orchestral score is presented to us, and its important relationship to the pop music in the movie. The decision to use pop music is also analyized, as we musically break down the movie's transition from teen comedy, to science fiction and time traveling adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

In our first look at Back to the Future, we take a deep look at the past, discussing stories that brought composer Alan Silvestri, director Robert Zemeckis, and producer Steven Spielberg together. The main themes fo Back to the Future are also discussed, and a musical breakdown is given for why they fit the story so perfectly. We compare Back to the Future to other famous works, play clips, and so...

In part 2 of our interview with former Disney Music President Chris Montan, we discuss his work with legendary film composers like Hans Zimmer, Jerry Goldsmith, Randy Newman and more. Mr. Montan takes us back to the early days of Pixar, and describes how Toy Story invented their magic musical formula. Different composer's styles and sound are discussed, as are the challenges of adapting Disney cla...

In part 1 of our interview with former Disney Music President Chris Montan, we discuss his incredible career as an executive music producer on some of the most memorable soundtracks, musicals and song scores of the past 35 years, including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and even live action films like Pretty Woman, Beaches, Sister Act, and more. Beyond film, his Broadway...

We take a first look at the work of composer Max Steiner, and sample his work from King Kong, Casablanca, Gone With The Wind and more. We also discuss the incredible influence that Steiner has on today's most beloved film franchises, and the important role he played in the development of modern film music techniques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part II, David watches the second half of Jurassic Park. More behind-the-scenes stories and insights are revealed, as well as discussions about script-writing, character arcs, and how music was used to reinforce the drama.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part I, David watches the first half of Jurassic Park. Characters, musical themes, sound design and story are heavily discussed, as are background stories about the film's technical achievements.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jurassic Park doesn't always function like a typical film score. In this episode, we discuss the role that music plays throughout the film. We also touch on the film's amazing sound design, the appearance of "Dies Irae," a breakdown of a theme for predators, and so much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first episode dedicated to Jurassic Park, we explore the emotion behind the music. How is it different than Spielberg and Williams' first monstrous collaboration, Jaws? We delve into the history of Jurassic Park's development, discuss the differences between the film and the original novel, and the critical role those differences play in the creation of the film's beautiful sountrack.  Lear...

In Part II of our interview with Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, we discuss the inspiration and stories behind their Oscar-winning song from Disney/Pixar's film Coco, as well as their musical influences, what it's like to work with some of the most talented musicians in the world, and where they see their already-stellar careers headed in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

In our first interview, we talk with Disney and Broadway songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who have penned hit songs for Frozen, Coco, Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, and more for Disney. We discuss their creative process as songwriters, their work-life balance, and the challenges of bringing Frozen, the hit Disney animated musical, to Broadway earlier this year.  Learn more...

Bonus episode! We conclude our look at Star Wars by discussing the 2nd half of the movie. We chat more about temp scores, the creative challenges of mixing, the incredible end battle sequence, and so much more. Grab a snack, sit back, and watch the 2nd half with The Soundtrack Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus episode! In part one, David watches the first half of Star Wars and provides commentary about its soundtrack, unscripted. Orchestral music history, opera, sound design, and dialog recording are also discussed. Grab a bucket of popcorn, sync up the Soundtrack Show at the top, and watch along! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our musical analysis of Star Wars comes to a conclusion as we examine music cues that didn't make the final cut of the film. We discuss the creative process, and listen to what could have been, speculating on why certain pieces were omitted or changed. We also break down Star Wars musical themes by the numbers, discovering which themes are most dominant in the movie. Plus musical storytelling tech...

We continue our journey through the legendary music of Star Wars from 1977, discussing how music is placed strategically throughout the film. We also take a listen to a long-forgotten theme for Darth Vader, the playful jawas, and we explore the scum and villainy of the jazzy Mos Eisley cantina. Plus, movie clips, listener feedback, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Star Wars and its characters are driven by musical motifs, or themes. We dive into Luke's theme, the Force, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Rebel Alliance, and Princess Leia. We take a close look at how these themes tell the story of Star Wars, plus we hear some listener feedback, interview clips, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we begin our journey into that galaxy far, far away, we discuss the life of George Lucas, the development of Star Wars, and the early temp scores that led to a symphonic masterpiece: the soundtrack for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Star Wars and Superman, there were the film scores of child prodigy Erich Wolfgang Korngold. When revisited today, his music and life story are both incredibly powerful. Discover how Korngold changed film scores forever, how music saved him and his family, and how he blazed the trail for decades of film scores to come.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jump in and explore the music of Super Mario Bros, in all of its 8-bit glory. We discuss the surprising power of video game music, the technology and innovation that drove it, and the creative process that led to this 1985 classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahoy! Our look at Jaws concludes with the sea voyage of the Orca, as our characters attempt to hunt the hunter. The score focuses on the human spirit, and resurrects the swashbuckling film scores of classic Hollywood. Take a listen to how Jaws ushers in a renaissance of classic orchestral film scores in this action-packed climax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices