Non-dialogue scenes in movies can be as powerful as the best-written monologue or the most naturalistic language. As brilliant as any script might be, movies rely on those dialogue-free moments to help audiences connect more deeply with characters and themes.
For filmmakers, learning to harness the power of music, lighting, and composition can help you create an atmosphere that elevates your scenes.
The role of atmosphere in non-dialogue scenes
Atmosphere is created in movies with shot composition, lighting, and sound. For example, Blade Runner (1982) uses dark, rainy visuals, neon lights, and a haunting electronic score to create a dystopian, futuristic atmosphere. In contrast, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) uses bright, colorful visuals, fast-paced editing, and quirky sound design to create a whimsical and eccentric atmosphere. The subtle music cues filmmakers use are as important (if not more so) as the performance on screen.
In scenes with dialogue, the words spoken by the performers guide the audience through the story. However, during non-dialogue scenes, filmmakers must rely on atmosphere to convey the emotional intent and mood to the viewers. Ultimately, this delicate balance helps the audience understand what is being said without saying a word.
Creating an atmosphere with piano music
The piano is popular for movie scores for two important reasons — tone and pace.
The tonal range of a piano is 7 and 1/4 octaves, making it a powerful and versatile tool for creating a full range of emotions. An octave is the distance between one note and the next time that note repeats, just higher or lower. Piano music can also set the time period for your viewers — from jaunty Western music to classical piano pieces reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. Piano compositions can dramatically shift pace, mirroring the visuals and editing style while enhancing the tension or urgency of a scene.
The piano’s role across film genres
Piano music works for a vast range of genres and can even shift genre mid-composition. Slow melodies can heighten emotional tension in dramatic scenes, while fluttering high notes can underpin excitement in a romance. For example, in Schindler’s List (1993), the piano creates a deeply emotional atmosphere during the film’s sad moments. In La La Land (2016), the piano’s light, quick notes capture the excitement and romance between the characters.
Action movies and horror films use entirely different styles of music, but for both genres, the piano can enhance the tension in a scene and make the audience feel on edge. In Inception (2010), the deep piano notes build tension during intense scenes, while in The Shining (1980), the strange, unsettling piano music adds to the film’s creepy feeling.
Piano compositions work in any type of movie. As filmmakers, learning to use piano scores can help you set the right mood for your audience.
How the piano creates emotional depth
From deep, low notes to bright, high ones, the piano allows musicians to compose many different emotions. The choice between natural, flat, and sharp notes will also play a role in creating an atmosphere. Flat notes are often used to create a sense of unease, while sharp notes create tension and fear.
Films like The Pianist (2002) and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) demonstrate how piano music enhances the emotional weight of movie scenes without dialogue.
In The Pianist, Wojciech Kilar’s haunting compositions create a sense of isolation and loneliness, exploring how the protagonist feels. The Marriage of Figaro is used to perfection in The Shawshank Redemption, bringing unexpected beauty and freedom to a grim prison setting.
Top piano scores for your videos
Artlist’s piano music collection offers a rich selection of royalty-free tracks perfect for creating emotional depth in your projects. Explore the Piano music collection to enhance your non-dialogue scenes.
Figments by Birraj
‘Figments’ by Birraj is a sad yet hopeful piece that blends piano, strings, and orchestra to create an emotional atmosphere. The track opens with delicate, twinkling piano notes, setting a fantastical tone. As the piece progresses, lower piano chords and soaring high strings build. The orchestral arrangement brings a sense of hopeful sadness, making it perfect for fantasy or dream sequences.
Circular by Philip Daniel
If your scene needs a score that offers quiet calmness with an emotional edge, ‘Circular’ is the track for you. Using soft, delicate piano notes, Philip Daniel has created a serene and uplifting vibe, full of emotion. The beautiful, airy sound makes it ideal for traveling scenes highlighting sweeping landscapes or breathtaking skylines. As it gently builds, emotional layers are added, creating a true sense of wonder.
Us by Fjodor
‘Us’ by Fjodor is a unique and versatile score that combines piano, synth, and backing vocals to create a peaceful yet dramatic feel. The track creates a feeling of sad hope, making it perfect for memory montages or scenes showing personal growth — the balance of emotion adds depth to any reflective moment. The high piano notes are warm and inviting, while the synth in the background brings a haunting vibe, like a siren on the wind.
Wingsuit Flying by Michele Nobler
‘Wingsuit Flying’ is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to excite and energize your viewers. The fast tempo creates a sense of urgency to add suspense to your scenes, while the joyful vibe captures the essence of sunkissed adventures and carefree excitement. With a cheeky tone, high piano scales, and low chords, Michele Nobler has composed a layered and cinematic score.
Golden Hour by Jonas Kolberg
Jonas Kolberg’s ‘Golden Hour’ is a dramatically mysterious piano piece that builds a tense atmosphere. The serious tone gives way to a slow rise, making it ideal for the thriller or mystery genre, where tension is key. Its deep, emotive piano notes add a sense of urgency and suspense, perfect for adding moments of anticipation or looming danger.
The Way I Picture You by Diamonds And Ice
‘The Way I Picture You’ by Diamonds And Ice features a friendly and upbeat piano melody that feels like a vocal-free song. The chirpy, playful feel evokes the lightness of bird song on a crisp spring morning. It brings to mind rustic country villages and peaceful moments, making this ideal for scenes that capture carefree, tranquil, or nostalgic vibes.
Nocturne in Eb Op. 9 No. 2 by Birraj, Artlist Classics, Frédéric Chopin
‘Nocturne in Eb Op. 9 No. 2’ by Chopin is a classic that you’ve definitely heard in something. It has been used in films like The Blue Lagoon (1980), Bad Santa (2003), and The Five Year Engagement (2012). Birraj brings an air of elegance and emotional depth to this version with a smooth, flowing piano melody. The serene tone creates a gentle, reflective mood, perfect for romantic or intimate scenes.
Daydreams by Letra
‘Daydreams’ by Letra is a modern-sounding piano track with percussion and claps that create a rhythmic upbeat feel. The rising and falling piano runs add a sense of emotional movement. This versatile track can support happy and sad moments thanks to its ability to capture contrasting emotions. The uptempo pace gives the feeling of running toward something positive, making it perfect for pivotal moments in a story.
Bringing scenes to life with piano music
The right kind of music can entirely transform a non-dialogue scene by adding layers of emotion and atmosphere that speak directly to the audience. Piano music is super adaptable, making it an invaluable tool for filmmakers. Whether you’re crafting a dramatic montage, an emotional memory sequence, or a suspenseful thriller, Artlist’s collection of royalty-free piano tracks offers the perfect sound to elevate any project. In addition to piano, Artlist has a wide variety of musical styles that can perfectly match the tone of your film, offering everything you need to bring your vision to life.
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