Metropolis

Metropolis

Abstract

This thesis documents the process of conceptualising, composing, recording, and producing my original score for a selected scene from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1927). The project was developed through the study of orchestral composition and the analysis of how composers use musical techniques to communicate narrative, character, and emotional progression. My compositional approach was primarily inspired by my listening to and studying of classical orchestral composers throughout the year. During my studies of orchestration and narrative analysis, I have become more adept at learning from the masters through my analyses of their thematic development, harmony, orchestration, and texture. These techniques have formed the foundation of much of the orchestral language later adopted by film composers, whose work has also influenced my development as a composer. Rather than attempting to imitate existing film-scoring styles, this project explores how studying the compositional methods of earlier orchestral composers would sculpt and develop my own individual voice in the context of film scoring. The chosen scene from Metropolis provided an opportunity to explore a wide range of emotional and dramatic states, from uncertainty and intrigue to chaos and terror. The scene’s rapid shifts in tone proved to be the main challenge in scoring the image. I aimed to support the on-screen moods while maintaining continuity within the overall musical language. The thesis examines how my musical decisions support the visual narrative. The project documents my creative process, from scene selection and conceptual development to composition, orchestration, mock-up creation, mentorship, live orchestral recording at AIR Studios, and final production. It demonstrates how the study of orchestral composition can inform the creation of original film music that supports the visual narrative and expresses my personal musical style and ability.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

Film Score; Re-score; Metropolis; Composition

Metropolis

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