Key Constellations: Interpreting Tonality in Film (California Studies in Music, Sound, and Media) (Volume 4)

Key is one of the simplest building blocks of music and is among the foundational properties of a work’s musical identity–so why isn’t it a standard parameter in discussing film music? Key Constellations: Interpreting Tonality in Film is the first book to investigate film soundtracks–including original scoring, preexisting music, and sound effects–through the lens of large-scale tonality. Exploring compelling analytical examples from numerous popular films, Tahirih Motazedian shows how key and pitch analysis of film music can reveal hidden layers of narrative meaning, giving readers exciting new ways to engage with their favorite films and soundtracks.