giallo

The Spine-Tingling Sounds of Giallo: A Groovy History

Giallo, the Italian genre of thriller films known for their stylish violence and shocking twists, also had a distinctive soundtrack. While not a singular genre in itself, Giallo music often incorporated elements of jazz, orchestral, and electronic music to create an atmosphere of suspense and dread.

From Jazz to Electronic Thrill: A Sound of Suspense

Early Giallo scores, like Ennio Morricone’s work for “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage” (1970), featured jazzy improvisations and driving rhythms, adding a sense of urban chaos to the narrative. These scores used saxes, trumpets, and electric guitars to evoke a sense of paranoia and unease, creating a stark contrast to the often-gory visuals.

Later Giallo films, like “Deep Red” (1975), saw the emergence of electronic music as a key component of the soundtrack. Goblin, a group known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock, prog-rock, and electronic sounds, created iconic scores for Giallo films, adding a layer of psychological tension and eerie atmosphere. Their use of synthesizers and distorted guitar riffs became synonymous with the genre.

Fun Facts: Musical Mayhem

• Goblin was so prolific in the Giallo scene that they even composed the soundtrack for the infamous “Cannibal Holocaust” (1980), a film that sparked controversy for its disturbing content.

• Ennio Morricone’s famous “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage” theme was originally intended for a western film but ended up becoming one of the most recognizable Giallo scores.

• Giorgio Moroder, a legendary electronic music producer, also contributed to the Giallo scene with his score for “The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh” (1971).

A Lasting Legacy

While the heyday of Giallo cinema might be over, its unique musical identity continues to influence modern music. Artists like Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and Flying Lotus have cited Giallo scores as inspiration for their work, highlighting the genre’s lasting impact on electronic music and beyond.

So next time you encounter a spine-chilling film score, remember the groovy legacy of Giallo music, where jazz met electronic music to create a soundtrack that was both chilling and captivating.