- Repetitive musical patterns (ostinatos) create a sense of urgency and unease.
2. Dissonant Harmonies:
- Harsh and dissonant harmonies heighten the tension and conflict between the characters.
3. Accelerating Tempo:
- The tempo of the music gradually increases as the film progresses, mirroring the rising tension.
4. Sudden Dynamic Changes:
- Abrupt shifts in volume (dynamics) create moments of shock and surprise.
5. Use of Chromaticism:
- Frequent use of chromatic notes (notes outside of the key) adds a sense of instability.
6. Irregular Rhythms:
- Syncopated and off-beat rhythms create a feeling of unpredictability.
7. High-Pitched Instruments:
- The use of high-pitched instruments, like piccolos and clarinets, adds a piercing and unsettling quality to the music.
8. Sound Effects:
- Incorporating sound effects, like sirens and car horns, amplifies the atmosphere of tension.
9. Call and Response:
- Call and response patterns between different instrumental sections create a sense of back and forth conflict.
10. Unconventional Instrumentation:
- The unique combination of instruments, such as bongos and claves, adds an unusual and edgy sound.
Bernstein's masterful use of these musical techniques creates a soundtrack that perfectly captures the tension, conflict, and anxiety present throughout the film's narrative.