Hollywood Harmony: Musical Wonder and the Sound of Cinema

Hollywood Harmony is a book that explores the inner workings of film music, using music theory, musicology, and music psychology to understand its sound and evoke wonder. It offers a first-of-its-kind introduction to neo-Riemannian theory, a versatile method of understanding music as a dynamic and transformational process. Author Frank Lehman draws from his extensive knowledge of cinematic history with case-studies that range from classics of Golden Age Hollywood to massive contemporary franchises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Hollywood Harmony delves into the intricate world of film music, exploring its profound impact on our emotions and auditory perception. By combining insights from music theory, musicology, and music psychology, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the inner workings of film music. Harmony, particularly chromaticism, plays a central role in defining the distinctive sound of film music, often evoking a sense of wonder and cinematic emotion. To assist in navigating this complex musical style, Hollywood Harmony introduces a groundbreaking introduction to neo-Riemannian theory, a versatile approach to understanding music as a dynamic and transformative process. This application of neo-Riemannian theory to film music provides a valuable entry point for curious newcomers while also making significant scholarly contributions to the broader field of music theory. Author Frank Lehman, with his extensive knowledge of cinematic history, presents case studies spanning from classic Golden Age Hollywood films to massive contemporary franchises and obscure cult films. Special emphasis is placed on scores for major blockbusters such as Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Inception, providing a deep dive into the musical composition and interpretation of these iconic films. With over a hundred meticulously transcribed music examples and over two hundred individual movies discussed, Hollywood Harmony captivates fans of film and music alike, offering a rich and immersive exploration of the symbiotic relationship between these two art forms.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190606404