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The whole tone scale is a unique musical scale that consists entirely of whole steps. This scale creates a dreamlike, ambiguous, and sometimes unsettling sound, making it a popular choice in film music to evoke mystery, tension, or otherworldly atmospheres.
Understanding the Whole Tone Scale
The whole tone scale is built by dividing an octave into six equal steps, each a whole tone (or two semitones). Unlike the diatonic scales, it lacks semitone intervals, which contributes to its distinctive sound. There are only two symmetrical whole tone scales, each starting on a different note, and they are often used interchangeably in compositions.
Examples of Whole Tone Scale in Film Music
Many film composers have employed the whole tone scale to create specific moods. Here are some notable examples:
- Claude Debussy’s “Voiles”: Although a classical piece, it heavily influences film music with its ambiguous tonality, often cited as an example of the whole tone scale’s atmospheric qualities.
- Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”: The score features eerie, dissonant sounds that utilize the whole tone scale to evoke unease and supernatural tension.
- Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”: The soundtrack employs whole tone passages to enhance feelings of disorientation and psychological tension.
- John Williams’ “The Empire Strikes Back”: Some scenes use whole tone scales to heighten the sense of alien worlds and mysterious environments.
Application Ideas for Composers and Students
Incorporating the whole tone scale into film scoring can add a surreal or unsettling quality to scenes. Here are some ideas for application:
- Creating tension: Use the scale in suspenseful scenes to generate ambiguity and unease.
- Designing alien or fantastical worlds: Employ the scale to evoke otherworldliness and unfamiliar environments.
- Enhancing dream sequences: The scale’s ambiguous sound can complement surreal or dreamlike visuals.
- Developing motifs: Use the scale to craft distinctive motifs that signify mystery or the supernatural.
Tips for Composition
When working with the whole tone scale, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with harmony: Since the scale is symmetrical, explore different chord voicings to add variety.
- Combine with other scales: Mix the whole tone scale with diatonic or chromatic scales for richer textures.
- Use dissonance sparingly: The scale’s inherent dissonance can be powerful when used strategically.
- Play with rhythm: Repetitive motifs or unusual rhythmic patterns can enhance the eerie quality.
Conclusion
The whole tone scale offers a distinctive palette for film composers seeking to evoke mystery, tension, or otherworldly atmospheres. Its unique sound has been effectively used in various cinematic contexts and remains a valuable tool for inspiring creative scoring ideas.