Music for a Darkened Theatre: Film & Television Music Volume One cover

Music for a Darkened Theatre: Film & Television Music Volume One

Danny Elfman · 1990

73 min · 17 tracks · new wave · ska

A vibrant collection of whimsical themes and dark orchestral pieces that define cinematic storytelling.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic orchestral storytelling experience
  • whimsical themes for imagination
  • dark atmospheres with playful twists
  • for cinematic background
  • wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking straightforward song structures
  • prefer lyrics over instrumental pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Music for a Darkened Theatre: Film & Television Music Volume One' was released in 1990, Danny Elfman was establishing himself as a leading composer for film, following the success of his work on 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' and 'Beetlejuice'. This album marks his first compilation of film scores, showcasing his unique blend of new wave sensibilities and orchestral arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
Oingo Boingo· The B-52's· Devo

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pee-wee’s Big Adventure: Overture / Breakfast Machine / Clown Dream / Drive-In 7:02
  • 2 Batman: Batman Theme / Up the Cathedral / Descent Into Mystery 8:25
  • 3 Dick Tracy: Main Titles 3:04
  • 4 Beetlejuice: Main Titles / End Titles 3:43
  • 5 Nightbreed: Main Titles / Meat for the Beast / End Titles 7:03
  • 6 Darkman: Main Titles / Woe the Darkman, Woe 6:55
  • 7 Back to School: Study Montage 1:30
  • 8 Midnight Run: Walsh Gets the Duke / Main Titles / Diner Blues 4:43
  • 9 Wisdom: Change of Life / Close Call in Albuquerque 4:40
  • 10 Hot to Trot: Main Titles / Wandering Don 2:22
  • 11 Big Top Pee-wee: Main Titles / Rise ’n Shine / Pee-wee’s Love Theme 5:24
  • 12 The Simpsons: Theme 1:31
  • 13 Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Jar: Suite 3:21
  • 14 Tales From the Crypt: Theme 1:29
  • 15 Face Like a Frog: Suite 2:09
  • 16 Forbidden Zone: Love Theme 1:16
  • 17 Scrooged: Main Titles / Show Time at IBC / Elliot Gives Blood / Walter Ablaze / Wild Cab Ride / Luncheonette / Asylum / Crematorium 8:42

What to play next

Batman Returns – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Listen next

Batman Returns – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

1992
Dick Tracy – Original Score
Go back to

Dick Tracy – Original Score

1990
Full Danny Elfman discography Artists like Danny Elfman
new wave ska

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata