Music is a language, and composers have a musical word that means "Death." It's been used to convey doom and gloom for over 100 years, and without knowing it, you've heard it in some of your favorite movies. From The Lord of the Rings to The Shining, we'll listen to clips that may surprise you. Composers speak with music, and now we'll know it when we hear i ... Show More
Mar 5
The Phantom Menace - A Musical Introduction
In 1999, Star Wars and its music were about to change forever. In this introductory episode to the Phantom Menace and prequel trilogy, we discuss how George Lucas and composer John Williams had changed the entertainment industry with their genius, and how their work between trilo ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2026
Middle-Earth Sound Design: an Interview with David Farmer (Part II)
Part 2 of our interview with The Lord of the Rings sound designer David Farmer. We discuss the sounds of the Balrog, the Ents, and other various creatures across all three films. David also describes his technical workflow, and speaks with great fondness about the many months he ... Show More
37m 52s
Jun 2018
What Is Music's 'Word' for Death?
Composers use musical references to classics in their own work to help create mood -- and as a wink at other music lovers. Learn how one such reference, 'Dies Irae', or 'The Day of Wrath', is often used in film soundtracks in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-c ... Show More
4m 43s
Jan 2018
Six O'Clock Soundtrack: The art of TV news music
Ever wonder how the music on your favorite news stations is created? Dive in with news music appreciator + journalist Victor Vlam; Composer Matthew Kajcienski, Composer Irad Eshel, Composer Adarsh Thottetodi, Composer David Lowe, Musicologist James Deaville, Film and TV studies P ... Show More
26m 18s
Apr 2024
Fast, Furious, Fortissimo
<p>Very often, when I tell people that I'm a classical musician, I am told, "wow, I love classical music! It's so relaxing!" I think almost all classical musicians have heard that before, and you know what? Sometimes, it's true! Classical music can be relaxing! But sometimes, and ... Show More
46m 31s
Oct 2021
BrainStuff Classics: What Is Music's 'Word' for Death?
Composers use musical references to help create mood -- and as a wink at other music lovers. Learn how 'Dies Irae', or 'The Day of Wrath', is often used in film soundtracks in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/why-s ... Show More
5m 7s
Feb 2023
The Good, The Bad And The Film Music…
From 'Jaws' to 'Genevieve', 'Gone with the Wind' and 'Bond', every brilliant movie has to have a great theme tune. But who were the composers who wrote these iconic pieces of music? In this episode, Joanna and Stephen dive into the greatest film scores ever written.
35m 42s
Feb 2016
Lady Gaga, Sam Smith and 5 Other Best Original Song Oscar Nominees
The musical artists behind 'Til It Happens to You,' 'Writing's on the Wall,' 'Earned It,' 'Simple Song #3' and 'Manta Ray' discuss the origins, music, lyrics, functions, oddities and impact of their songs.
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1 h
May 2021
Episode 247: Junkie XL On The Music Of Justice League & Godzilla Vs Kong
Our latest guest on Soundtracking is a composer returning for a second visit, having scored pretty much every blockbuster to hit our screens in recent weeks.The work of Tom Holkenborg - or Junkie XL, if you prefer - can currently be heard in the epic Snyder Cut of Justice League, ... Show More
55m 45s