36: 6 Techniques Composers Use to Create Spine-Tingling Scary Music for homeschoolers to learn

The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast with Gena Mayo easy music education tips, strategies, and curriculum resources for homeschooling parents

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In this episode of the Music in Our Homeschool podcast, host Gena Mayo delves into the eerie world of scary classical music and the techniques composers use to evoke fear and suspense. Perfect for Halloween (or anytime!), we explore 35 spine-chilling classical pieces available on a Spotify playlist curated for homeschoolers and music enthusiasts alike.

1. Modulation and Unexpected Key Changes: Composers often shift from major to minor keys or from one key to an unrelated one to heighten contrast and build tension. This technique is evident in Modest Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain," where key changes mirror chaos and unpredictability.
2. Dissonance: This involves playing notes that clash, creating tension. When dissonance is prolonged or unresolved, it generates discomfort. Notable examples include Georgie Ligeti’s "Requiem" and Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10.
3. Unusual Instrumentation: Using instruments in unconventional ways can create unsettling sounds. Igor Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring," where the bassoon plays in a high register, sets an eerie tone. Instruments like the theremin or glass harmonica add unique, spooky timbres. Furthermore, non-instruments such as chains and typewriters can be used.
4. Repetition and Ostinato: Repeating motifs can build tension or create a hypnotic, obsessive atmosphere. John Williams' theme from "Jaws" is a classic example, as is Edvard Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King."
5. Silence and Sudden Dynamic Changes: Silence can heighten anticipation and make subsequent sounds more impactful. Sudden shifts in loudness vs. softness can serve as musical jump scares. Henryk Górecki’s "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" uses pauses to create a ghostly atmosphere.
6. Unpredictable Rhythms and Time Signatures: Irregular rhythms and uncommon time signatures disrupt listener expectations. Béla Bartók’s "Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta" uses unusual rhythms, and Gustav Holst’s "Mars, the Bringer of War" has an uncommon 5/4 time signature.

Listen to these pieces to identify these techniques and understand how composers craft their terrifying effects.
See all videos and the Spotify playlist here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/35-spine-chilling-classical-music-pieces/
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