Many popular films have used classical music in their soundtracks, and in so doing have helped turn fan-favourite scenes into truly iconic moments. We have compiled a list of ten classical pieces featured in movies that have made film history.
When you think of film music, your mind will probably go straight to scores setting a variety of moods: epic quests (The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones), dramatic moments (Shining, Psycho) or, why not, simply memorable scenes. We often tend to forget, however, that existing pieces have also been adapted for, and sometimes made famous by, the silver screen!
Classical music is perhaps the most striking example. This genre often proves to be the perfect background, capable of hugely amplifying the emotional impact of a scene.
If you are a movie buff or looking for royalty-free music for your film, short film, corporate video or podcast, keep reading and let yourself be inspired by the most creative uses of classical music on the big screen.
- Fantasia (1940): Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 "Pastoral"
Originally, the sequence dedicated to a day in the realm of the Greek gods at the foot of Mount Olympus in Walt Disney’s 1940 classic was meant to feature Gabriel Pierné's ballet Cydalise et le Chèvre-pied (Cydalise and the Satyr). In the end, however, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony turned out to be more suitable and easier to animate. - The Shining (1980): Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14: "Dream of a Witches' Sabbath"
This famous piece by Berlioz served as inspiration for film composer Wendy Carlos, who set Stanley Kubrick’s cult opening sequence to music drawing on the themes of the symphony’s fifth movement to evoke the omen of death that haunts the whole film. - The King's Speech (2010): Beethoven, Symphony No. 7 in A major: II. Allegretto
This incredibly famous symphony by Beethoven, and its second movement in particular, perfectly lends itself to the more tense and contemplative sequences of the film dedicated to King George VI and his stutter. - Platoon (1986): Barber, Adagio for Strings
Originally composed for string quartet, conductor Arturo Toscanini suggested that Samuel Barber orchestrate the piece for a bigger ensemble and... the rest is history! - There Will Be Blood (2007): Brahms, Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
At the time when it was composed, this famous Violin Concerto was considered almost impossible to perform. Its appearance in There Will Be Blood, although perhaps unexpected for viewers, was instead carefully thought-out and proved to be the perfect way to end the film. - Pretty Woman (1990): Verdi, La Traviata
La Traviata, heard in the famous scene where Edward takes Vivian to the opera, is perhaps a metaphor for this classic film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere: the parallels between the two works are many, starting with their main characters. This common thread has certainly played a part in the success that Pretty Woman still enjoys today! - Five Easy Pieces (1970): Chopin, Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No. 4
When people think of piano excellence, they often think of Chopin. His Prelude Op. 28 No. 4 is therefore very fitting for this film, which tells the story of a talented upper-class pianist who wilfully opts for a blue-collar existence cutting off all ties with his family to escape the suffocating routine of his life. - Up (2009): Bizet, Carmen
Sometimes pieces are featured in scenes that apparently tell a different story. The use of Bizet’s Carmen in the animated film Up is a great example. But why does it work? The orchestral version certainly helps, but what’s even more effective is the continuous bass line that conveys the repetitiveness of the main character’s mornings. - Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), Mozart, Don Giovanni
Although in a version orchestrated by Hans Zimmer, director Guy Ritchie featured Mozart's famous opera Don Giovanni in his sequel to Sherlock Holmes; in this case, it is used to increase the suspense. In short… the combination of a thriller with classical music never disappoints! - The Black Swan (2010): Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake
This was pretty much a no-brainer, as the plot revolves precisely around Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake ballet. The new arrangement, written by composer Clint Mansell, reflects the profound sense of malaise that pervades the film.
These are only ten pieces, but the list goes on: after all, as you have seen, classical music and the silver screen are a match made in heaven. Feeling intrigued? It’s the perfect time to visit our YouTube channel! We’ve compiled some of the greatest film soundtracks of all time for you to enjoy: “Classical and Orchestral Film Music”.
Are you looking for music for a video project, film, presentation, or school project? With our extensive catalogue of royalty-free classical music for non-commercial use, the Halidon Licensing platform has everything you need and more. For commercial uses and custom quotes, get in touch with us at info@halidononline.com. We will help you create an unforgettable and compelling soundtrack for your project, drawing on the greatest masterpieces of classical music.
