The film score to Citizen Kane, a landmark of cinematic achievement, is not characterized by predictable, sentimental, or overtly manipulative musical tropes often associated with Hollywood’s Golden Age. Rather, Bernard Herrmann’s score serves as a complex and integral narrative voice, employing innovative orchestration and a motivic structure to deepen the film’s thematic resonance and explore the multifaceted character of Charles Foster Kane.
Herrmann’s Revolutionary Approach: Beyond Sentimentality
Bernard Herrmann’s Citizen Kane score shattered many conventions of film scoring at the time. While employing the leitmotif technique, associating musical themes with characters or ideas, it avoids simplistic emotional signposting. It’s crucial to understand what it doesn’t do to appreciate its true genius. The music doesn’t primarily function to elicit predictable emotional responses from the audience. Instead, it provides layers of understanding about Kane’s psychological state, his changing relationships, and the ever-present enigma of his final word: “Rosebud.”
Herrmann’s innovative use of orchestration contributes heavily to this effect. He consciously avoided lush, romantic string sections in many key scenes. This was a deliberate choice, rejecting the typical Hollywood scoring template designed to tug at the heartstrings. Instead, Herrmann employed a more dissonant and angular approach, utilizing low brass, stark percussion, and unconventional instrumental combinations to create a sense of unease, mystery, and ultimately, the tragic core of Kane’s ambition. The music doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of Kane’s life; it amplifies them.
Furthermore, the score doesn’t prioritize easily digestible melodies. While memorable themes exist, their development is often fragmented and distorted, mirroring Kane’s own fractured identity. The music doesn’t aim for resolution or easy answers; it reflects the ambiguity and contradictions at the heart of the film. This deliberate artistic choice underscores the film’s refusal to offer simple moral judgments about its central character.
Debunking Musical Misconceptions
It’s important to dispel some common misconceptions about the score. It’s often assumed that because it’s a classic film, the music must adhere to the traditional scoring conventions of the era. This is simply not the case. Herrmann was a maverick composer who actively challenged established norms. He pushed the boundaries of what film music could be, transforming it from mere accompaniment to an essential storytelling element.
The score also isn’t static. It evolves and adapts alongside Kane’s character. The youthful optimism associated with the “Rosebud” theme, for example, gradually darkens and becomes more fragmented as Kane’s life unravels. The music doesn’t remain stagnant; it dynamically reflects the changing circumstances and psychological landscape of the story.
The Power of Subtlety and Suggestion
Herrmann’s brilliance lies in his ability to suggest emotions and ideas rather than explicitly stating them. The music doesn’t spoon-feed the audience. It invites them to engage with the film on a deeper level, to interpret the musical cues, and to draw their own conclusions about Kane’s complex character. This subtlety is a key characteristic that sets it apart from more conventional film scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what Citizen Kane’s score is and, crucially, what it isn’t.
What genre does the Citizen Kane score fall into?
The score doesn’t fit neatly into any single genre. While it draws from classical music traditions, particularly late Romanticism, it also incorporates elements of modernism and experimental music. It is best described as a hybrid, reflecting Herrmann’s unique compositional voice.
Does the score rely heavily on diegetic music?
No, the score doesn’t overly rely on diegetic music (music that originates within the film’s narrative). While there are scenes with music emanating from radios or performances, the primary focus is on the non-diegetic score, which comments on and underscores the action.
Is the score primarily romantic and lyrical?
This is a key misconception. The score is not primarily romantic or lyrical. While moments of tenderness exist, particularly in the early “Rosebud” theme, the overall tone is often dark, dissonant, and unsettling. It actively subverts expectations of romanticism.
Does Herrmann’s score dominate every scene in the film?
No, Herrmann uses silence strategically. He doesn’t feel compelled to fill every moment with music. There are crucial scenes where silence amplifies the drama and allows the performances to take center stage. This restraint is a testament to his understanding of film scoring.
Does the score primarily serve to provide exposition?
While the score does contribute to the narrative, it’s not primarily used for exposition. Its primary function is to explore the inner world of the characters and to deepen the thematic resonance of the film.
Is the score easily hummable or catchy in a pop-music sense?
No, the score is not designed to be easily hummable or catchy in the way that a pop song would be. While the “Rosebud” theme is memorable, its development is often complex and fragmented. The music prioritizes emotional and psychological depth over instant gratification.
Is the score primarily focused on creating a sense of nostalgia?
While the “Rosebud” theme initially evokes a sense of nostalgia for Kane’s childhood, the score as a whole is not primarily focused on creating nostalgia. It explores a wider range of emotions, including ambition, loneliness, and disillusionment.
Does the score primarily serve to manipulate the audience’s emotions?
The score does not aim to manipulate the audience’s emotions in a heavy-handed way. Instead, it invites the audience to engage with the film on a deeper level and to form their own interpretations. It prioritizes intellectual engagement over emotional manipulation.
Is the scoring conventional for films of the 1940s?
One of the defining characteristics of the Citizen Kane score is that it deliberately broke away from many of the scoring conventions of the 1940s. Herrmann was a trailblazer who challenged established norms and created a truly unique and groundbreaking score.
Does the score use generic musical cues?
Herrmann meticulously crafted specific themes and motifs for Citizen Kane, avoiding generic musical cues. Every musical element is intentionally placed to enhance the narrative and character development.
Is the primary function of the score to entertain?
While the score undeniably enhances the viewing experience, its primary function is not simply to entertain. It serves a deeper artistic purpose, contributing to the film’s overall meaning and impact. Its function extends far beyond mere entertainment.
Does the Herrmann score attempt to justify Kane’s actions?
No, the score does not attempt to justify Kane’s actions. It presents a nuanced and complex portrait of a flawed and ultimately tragic figure. The music reflects the ambiguity and contradictions at the heart of Kane’s character. The score provides insights, not justifications.
Conclusion: The Unseen Power of Citizen Kane’s Music
In conclusion, the power of the Citizen Kane score lies in what it doesn’t do. It doesn’t rely on predictable emotional cues, sentimental melodies, or conventional orchestration. Instead, it offers a nuanced, complex, and ultimately unforgettable musical experience that elevates the film to a masterpiece of cinematic art. By understanding what the music isn’t, we can truly appreciate the genius of Bernard Herrmann and the profound impact of his groundbreaking score. It’s a score that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire composers today, precisely because it dared to be different.