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Psycho (1960) Main Theme


I don't think that a discussion about horror movie themes would be complete without visiting one of the true classics- the main theme for the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film, "Psycho", which was composed by Bernard Hermann.

This piece is not as simple in appearance as the ones for "Halloween" or "Friday the 13th".  It is very orchestral in nature.  There are layers of string instruments, percussions, and wood wind instruments.  Each layer is like a personality unto itself, with each dancing around each other, vying for dominance over the main... much like the conflict between Norman Bates and "Mother".

The music flows from a calm, idyllic, though wary "Norman" type of personality to a more discordant, jealous, vengeful "Mother" type of sound.  The "Norman" parts are a great contrast with the "Mother" parts.  Really expresses the emotional conflict between the two halves of the Norman Bates.

The strident "stabbing" segment is just amazing, but is sadly, the most remembered part of the piece due to the shower scene.  I love it, and it signals a very distinct start to the disintegration and sublimation of the soothing "Norman" parts by the sinister, enveloping "Mother" part.  Just a masterful piece of musical storytelling that echoes the general mood and atmosphere of the movie itself- which is what any great main theme should do.

Give it a listen below:

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Comments

  1. Justine’s HalloweenOctober 18, 2018 at 5:42 PM

    I was just listening to this very music in the car today. It makes for extra spooky driving music because I'm reminded of Janet Leigh as she is driving nervously. So I can picture her driving as I'm driving.

    I'd never considered the back and forth of calm music and strident, harsh sounds like the back and forth between Norman and Mother. Interesting!

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    Replies
    1. Michael StewartOctober 19, 2018 at 8:20 AM

      I was listening to it in my shower, when the thought of the parallel came to mind. LOL

      Hope you're enjoying my return to the realm of horror. :)

      Delete

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