Incidental music is written specifically for a play, film or other performance, intended to enhance the mood of a scene or transition. The correct spelling of this term is /ɪnsɪdɛntəl/ /ˈmjuːzɪk/. The first syllable "in" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "s" and "d" sound for "sid." The stress is on the "dent" syllable, with a schwa sound for "al" and a long "u" and "z" sound for "music." This spelling is important for clear communication and understanding in the performing arts industry.
Incidental music refers to the musical compositions and arrangements specifically created to be performed alongside or enhance a non-musical production, such as a play, film, or television series. This type of music serves to support and reinforce the dramatic or visual aspects of the production, often conveying emotions, setting a particular atmosphere, or underlying the action on stage or screen. It is composed with the intention of complementing and punctuating the narrative, dialogue, or visual elements of the performance.
Typically, incidental music is synchronized with the events on stage or on screen, making it an integral part of the overall experience. It is meant to seamlessly blend with the dramatic components of the production, enhancing the mood and heightening the audience's emotional response. Incidental music can range from short musical cues, sometimes referred to as "stings," to full-length compositions that accompany entire scenes or acts.
Moreover, incidental music can encompass various musical styles and genres, depending on the nature and requirements of the production. It may include orchestral arrangements, solo instrumentations, choral pieces, or even electronic sounds. The composer of incidental music must possess a keen understanding of storytelling and dramatic structure, skillfully using their musical compositions to enhance and amplify the intended impact of the production for the audience.
The word "incidental" originated from the Latin term "incidentalis", which means "happening by chance" or "occasional". The term "music" derives from the Latin word "musica", borrowed from the Greek term "mousike", which broadly referred to any form of artistic or intellectual endeavor performed with the Muses' inspiration.
The combination of these words in "incidental music" first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. It refers to music composed specifically for performances of plays, operas, ballets, or other dramatic works. Incidental music serves to enhance the atmosphere, mood, and emotional impact of the events taking place on the stage or screen. It often accompanies dialogues, scenes, or specific moments within the production, emphasizing the actions or feelings portrayed by the actors or dancers.