The Art of Scoring with Contemporary Techniques

As a composer with decades of experience scoring for films, television, and video games, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and incorporate a wide range of contemporary techniques in my work. In this post, I’ll share some insights on how these techniques can enhance your scores and bring depth to visual storytelling.

The Evolution of My Compositional Journey

My journey with contemporary techniques began during my studies at the University of Southern California. While the curriculum was primarily traditional, it laid the groundwork for my later explorations. After graduation, I spent three years studying twelve-tone music with George Tremblay, which I consider my unofficial “master’s degree” due to its intensity and focus.

It’s important to note that as film and game composers, our primary job is to underscore emotions and serve the visual medium we’re working with. While it’s exciting to incorporate interesting techniques, they should always enhance the storytelling rather than distract from it.

Key Contemporary Techniques in Scoring

Let’s explore some specific contemporary techniques I’ve used in my compositions:

Musique Concrète

Musique Concrète is a style of composing that developed in France after World War II, heavily influenced by advancements in recording technology. It involves using recorded sounds from the world around us, mixed with musical ideas to create a sort of musical montage.

How I’ve Used It:

In the original BioShock game, I incorporated Musique Concrète techniques to enhance the underwater atmosphere. For example: I included nautical sounds like whale recordings and boatswain’s whistles in the “fisheries” section, I also used the sound of a concertina to evoke a salty sailor ambiance and incorporated recordings of people with lung illnesses breathing to create an eerie atmosphere.

Tips for Using Musique Concrète

When using these techniques, be cautious not to confuse the audience. Manipulate the sounds enough so they create an interesting atmosphere without being mistaken for diegetic sound.

Sprechgesang

Sprechgesang is a vocal technique that lies between speaking and singing. It was pioneered by Arnold Schoenberg and is characterized by its half-spoken, half-sung quality with bent notes and an ironic tone.

How I’ve Used It:

I used Sprechgesang in the game “Metamorphosis,” based on Franz Kafka’s works. This technique perfectly complemented the game’s expressionist style.

Tips for Using Sprechgesang

• Find a singer skilled in this specific technique
• Use it to add an ironic or unsettling quality to your score
• Consider it for projects with an expressionist or surreal aesthetic

12-Tone Technique

The 12-tone technique, developed by Arnold Schoenberg, involves using all twelve chromatic tones before repeating any. It can create atonal, dissonant clusters that can be challenging but effective in scoring.

How I’ve Used It:

I’ve used 12-tone technique in games like BioShock Infinite and Metamorphosis. In one cue, I transitioned seamlessly from 12-tone to tonal music, creating an effective tension-and-release dynamic.

Tips for Using the 12-Tone Technique

• Study with an expert if possible
• Create a “book of rows” based on permutations of a basic tone row
• Don’t be afraid to “cheat” – if 11 tones work better than 12, go with it
• Consider combining 12-tone sections with tonal music for interesting contrasts

Aleatoric Music

Aleatoric music involves elements of chance or improvisation within controlled parameters. It was popularized by composers like Krzysztof Penderecki and György Ligeti in the mid-20th century.

How I’ve Used It:

I’ve used aleatoric techniques extensively in games like BioShock, Dante’s Inferno, and the Middle-earth series. It’s particularly effective for creating creepy, tense, or chaotic atmospheres.

Tips for Using Aleatoric Techniques:

• Study scores by composers like Penderecki, Ligeti, and John Corigliano
• Experiment with combining aleatoric elements with tonal music
• Use it to create tension, eeriness, or unsettling atmospheres
• Be specific in your notation to achieve the desired effect

Vocal Techniques

Contemporary vocal techniques can add unique textures and emotions to your score. Paolo Tortiglione’s book on contemporary orchestration techniques is an excellent resource for exploring these.

How I’ve Used It:

I’ve used various unconventional vocal techniques in scores like Dante’s Inferno, creating eerie and unsettling atmospheres that complement the game’s hellish setting.

Tips for Using Aleatoric Techniques:

• Have singers use their hands to mute their voices
• Experiment with singing with lips closed or half-open
• Try opening and closing the mouth while singing for interesting effects

Tips to improve your workflow

Planning Ahead of Recording Sessions

When incorporating recording of live musicians in your music, you may face some technical challenges, here are some tips to overcome the most common ones:

• Use clear, commonly understood notation to minimize confusion during recording sessions.
• Add descriptive words above the staff (e.g., “creepy, eerie, watery sound”) to guide performers.
• Make sure you truly understand the notation you use so that you know what effect to expect.

Remember, the goal is to spend more time rehearsing and recording good takes rather than answering notation questions.

Collaborating with Developers and Filmmakers

When using unconventional techniques, clear communication with your collaborators is crucial:

• Use sample libraries or your own recorded effects to give a close approximation of the final sound but try to steer away from becoming locked to them.
• Briefly describe how the technique will enhance the emotional impact of the scene or gameplay.
• Be prepared to adjust your approach if it’s not aligning with the project’s vision.

Finding Inspiration in Other Art Forms

Don’t limit yourself to musical inspiration. I often find ideas in visual arts, literature, and other creative fields:

• Study paintings: The expressionist works of artists like Egon Schiele can inspire unique musical textures.
• Watch documentaries: “The Mystery of Picasso” offers fascinating insights into the creative process.
• Take walks: Sometimes, stepping away from your workspace can free your mind and spark new ideas.

Conclusion: Balancing Creativity and Functionality

While exploring contemporary techniques can lead to unique and powerful scores, always remember that your primary job is to enhance the emotional impact of the visual media you’re scoring. Writing boring music that fits like a glove is better than writing interesting music that doesn’t work with the picture.

The sweet spot is when you can create music that’s both interesting from a purely musical standpoint and perfectly underscores the emotion of the scene. It’s not always possible to achieve this balance in every cue, but it’s what we should strive for.

Keep learning, keep experimenting, and always be open to new influences. But most importantly, serve the project you’re working on. That’s the key to creating truly effective and memorable scores.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on an insightful interview generously given by Garry. Portions of the content have been transcribed and organized using AI assistance to ensure clarity and flow. While AI was used in the transcription process, Garry’s thoughts and expertise remain faithfully represented throughout the article.