When you blend two different instruments together you may create an interesting new sound, but you also lose something from each individual.Ĭombining timbres is a lot like combining colors. This is because different instruments are often kept separate from each other. Every instrument in the music feels very tangible and the color succinct. Not only does Elfman use a specific palette of instruments, he also makes sure that you can hear them. So how does he use these different colors in the context of the orchestra? Separation of Colors It’s not the fact that Elfman uses women’s choir and celeste that defines his style, it’s the fact that he uses them almost without fail. What is unusual, however, is their frequent and constant use. It’s important to notice that none of these “characteristic instruments” are particularly exotic or unusual. Women’s choir, especially when on a single syllable such as “ooh”, can create a very spooky and mysterious feeling. Bells and chimes, for example, add a touch of magic. The instrument choices are not arbitrary but serve the score. Although usually setting a foundation of a traditional strings/brass/woodwind orchestral palette, he also often adds saxes, piano (particularly in the left hand), bells and chimes, frequent use of harp, and of course women’s choir. (note: I realize that there are many Elfman scores that do not necessarily have the “Danny Elfman” orchestral sound, such as something like Good Will Hunting, but this article is going to focus on those scores that do.) Choice of Instrumentsįirst and foremost the “Danny Elfman” sound is defined by his particular choice and combination of instruments.
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If you’re new to orchestration check out our article on orchestration books to get you started. In this article I’ll discuss a few characteristic features of Elfman’s orchestration, and hopefully uncover some tips and insight that you’ll be able to apply to your own work. Danny has worked with many different orchestrators over the years but his music has maintained a consistent sound and style, which suggests that many of the orchestration directions are his own even if he isn’t filling in all of the black dots. Of his many stylistic traits, one that often stands out to people is the way his music is orchestrated. He is one of those rare composers who’s music is widely popular not just among film music fans but film and music lovers in general. Danny Elfman is one of the most prominent film composers of the last thirty years.