[divider]The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)[/divider]
The soundtrack for The Day The Earth Stood Still by Bernard Herrman (mentioned again because he’s amazing) set the standard for the many following creepy, alien soundtracks of today that leave you fearing the existence of a third kind.
The soundtrack for this movie uses a unique and rather unusual combination of instruments (electric and otherwise), as well as skilful overdubbing and tape reversal to deliver a complete dystopian creep factor. Depending on how you perceive it when you’re listening, it can be emotional, captivating and vividly terrifying, but also mellow and soothing if you’re up for just relaxing.
Put this on your playlist if you enjoy the alternative use of synths, but i’d advise against playing it when you’re alone at home.
[divider]Lone Ranger (1956)[/divider]
Okay, so I’m breaking my own rule by featuring a piece of music that wasn’t composed for the show itself. Buuuuuut… there is absolutely no way that you can listen to this track without thinking of the Lone Ranger and its resounding “Hi-Yo Silver!” .
The William Tell Overture was the perfect introduction for the Lone Ranger, a masked hero with a strict moral code pre-dating the modern day superhero (and the Native American Johnny Depp).
While, the track was written to open a Giachino Rossino opera in 1829, in which a closing act involved William Telll shooting an apple off of his son’s head, the piece has become far more associated with the Lone Ranger… and would make you want to go horse riding!!!
[divider]Ben-Hur (1959)[/divider]
The musical magic in Ben-Hur was executed by Miklos Rozsa, and remains a Hollywood milestone because of how brilliantly it managed to convey the extremity of the emotions involved in friendship, while still being able to appeal to a mass audience.
The fluid use of instruments like woodwinds, strings and horns produce a very lush and ethereal sound that beautifully evoke the emotions required during the experiences that Judah Ben-Hur has with Christ.
You can expect to be taken on an emotional roller coaster as the score pans out in a manner that allows you to feel the essence of human interaction, hatred and love inclusive.