Two shadows in the moonlight : music in British film melodrama of the 1940s

Morris, John

Two shadows in the moonlight : music in British film melodrama of the 1940s

Master Thesis

2008

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Centre for Film and Media Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

In this thesis I examine the differences between music in the two cinemas. Concentrating on exemplary films from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, I show how the apparent differences are manifested, and by analysing a number of key British films, I illustrate the modes of musical expression used. There are many ways to approach film music. My own interest lies in the connection between music of the romantic period of the 19th century and what became of it during the 20th. "Serious" music from Schoenberg onwards became increasingly dissonant, but the rich melodic tones of romantic music appear to have found a new home in the cinema, and in this thesis I explore how film composers kept the previous traditions alive.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (p. 135-140).

Keywords

Film Studies

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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