Last Halloween, I released a video deep diving into the main title theme from one of my favorite spooky shows, "The Haunting of Hill House," composed by the maestros themselves, the Newton Brothers! They even saw my video and reached out with some more insight! ⤵️
The Newton Brothers have mastered the art of creating tracks that aren't just scary, but are defined with sadness, loss, and a hauntingly beautiful nostalgia. So in this video, I go over the key elements of how to write heartfelt horror music just like the Newton Brothers!
Melody that Haunts
A melody is a driving storyteller. In "The Haunting of Hill House," the melody starts with a minor third interval, transitioning eerily to a major chord, creating this unsettling yet captivating atmosphere. It's all the non-chordal tones, the suspenseful shifts, and the dissonant sounds that make the melody a character in itself.
Harmony in Horror
The harmonic progression stands out, not as something that innately scary, but as a sequence that evokes a deep emotional response. The use of tertiary progressions and descending minor triads plays a large part in how we interpret the theme as a whole!
Rhythm and Tempo
Slow and deliberate, the rhythm in this horror sub-genre isn't meant to quicken your pulse but to make you feel every heartbeat. It's about the pauses, the anticipation, and the dread of what might lurk in the silence. In classic horror, rhythm and tempo can often be unpredictable. Here, we get beats in 3s- almost like a waltz!
Orchestration Techniques
The Newton Brothers' choice of instruments is yet another way this track emphasizes the emotion of loss and grief. The violas carry the melody with a soulful resonance, while the cellos contribute to the dark, moody undertones. The use of pianos, percussion, and choirs isn't just harmonious but adds layers to the track, making the composition not just heard, but quite literally felt!
For an even more in-depth look at this track and the characteristics of this sub-horror genre, be sure to check out the full video!