From Rachmaninoff to Jaws: The Music That Picture the Scary Ocean Before a Shark’s Vengeance

Introduction

The release of Jaws in 1975 had a profound impact on cinema and music. The film’s suspenseful score, composed by John Williams, is now synonymous with fear of open water. Yet, what music came to mind with frightening ocean scenes before the iconic Jaws soundtrack? Before we dive into music from other films, let’s take a look at a potentially fitting historical piece: the dramatic compositions of Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Soundtracks and the Scary Ocean

When it comes to the ocean, a sense of dread and suspense can often be conveyed through classical music, especially the works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. His haunting melodies are well-suited to film scores aiming to create an atmosphere of tension and fear. While Jaws might have popularized the association between ominous cello tones and shark-infested waters, composers had been using similar motifs for decades.

The Case for Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff’s works, particularly the Prelude in C# minor Op. 32, No. 5, and the H Cain’s Prelude No. 2 in C# minor Op. 32, possess a dark and dramatic quality that can effectively depict the eerie and suspenseful ambiance of a scary ocean scene. His music for the 1917 silent film Ruiri (Robbers) particularly showcases his ability to build tension through powerful and emotive musical arrangements. The film, starring Grigory Filippi, was part of a genre that often relied on music to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense.

Other Composers and Their Contributions

While Rachmaninoff may be a strong candidate, there are other composers whose music can effectively convey the terrifying atmosphere of a scary ocean. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Eduard Dasilva

Eduard Dasilva was a contemporary of Rachmaninoff and his works are not as well-known but are often used in horror soundtracks for their eerie qualities. His piece Threnody on Jewish Martyrs (1915) is an excellent addition to any soundtrack aiming to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense.

2. Carl Orff

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana features powerful and dramatic choral segments that can effectively create an ominous ambiance. While not specifically composed for scary ocean scenes, certain passages can convey the right mood for dark waters and looming fears.

3. Bernard Herrmann

Bernard Herrmann, another renowned composer for film, contributed to the suspenseful atmosphere with his scores for films such as Psycho and Vertigo. While he is certainly better known for his work in American cinema, his ability to create tension through music is unparalleled, and his techniques can be effectively applied to the oceanic setting.

Exploring the Atmosphere with Music

Music has a powerful ability to convey emotions and create atmospheres that affect the audience’s perception of a scene. For instance, a horror film set on a deserted beach at night can utilize Rachmaninoff’s music to build anticipation and tension. Even without the explicit association with a specific film, a film or television producer can draw inspiration from these works to create a sense of fear and tension.

Conclusion

The impact of Jaws on cinema and music cannot be overstated. However, it is important to recognize the historical and artistic contributions of other composers such as Rachmaninoff, who have laid the foundation for creating tension and fear through music. While there may not have been a direct predecessor to Jaws’ soundtrack, the influence of classical music in creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense remains significant even today.