Corpse Bride Soundtrack

“Corpse Bride” by Tim Burton is one of the most famous animated films. It’s a film that lingers, long after the credits roll, thanks in no small part to its evocative soundtrack.

In the world of film scoring, few names resonate as powerfully as Danny Elfman. With a career spanning over four decades, Elfman has cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after composers. Born in 1953 in Los Angeles, Danny’s journey into music was anything but traditional. Originally a member of the rock band Oingo Boingo, Elfman made an unexpected foray into film scoring with Tim Burton’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 1985. This collaboration marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership between Elfman and Burton.

Elfman’s music is characterized by its whimsical, dark, and often quirky tones, making it a perfect fit for Burton’s unique style. Whether it’s the eerie notes of “Edward Scissorhands” or the gothic resonance of “Batman,” Danny has an ability to capture the essence of a film and translate it into music.

But “Corpse Bride” holds a special place in Elfman’s repertoire. Through haunting ballads, vibrant ensemble numbers, and soulful solos, Elfman creates a musical backdrop that perfectly complements the film’s visuals.

1. Main Titles

The opening score that sets the tone for the entire movie. It’s a blend of whimsy and melancholy, almost like a musical representation of the duality of life and death, which is a central theme of the movie.

2. According to Plan

This track is all about the societal pressures and the arranged marriage between Victor and Victoria.

3. Victor’s Piano Solo

A beautiful, melancholic piece that showcases Victor’s inner turmoil. As he plays the piano, you can feel his hesitation, his fears, and his longing.

4. Into the Forest

This track accompanies Victor as he practices his wedding vows in the forest, unaware of the ghostly bride awaiting him.

5. Remains of the Day

A lively, jazzy number performed by Bonejangles and his skeleton crew. It recounts the tragic tale of the Corpse Bride, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise somber story.

6. Casting a Spell

As Victor gets more entangled in the world of the dead, this track captures the mystery and mischief that surrounds him.

7. Moon Dance

A romantic, dreamy piece that plays during Victor and Emily’s moonlit piano duet. It captures the unexpected connection between the two.

8. Victor’s Deception

This track accompanies Victor’s attempts to navigate his way through the tricky situation he’s found himself in. It’s suspenseful, reflecting his desperation to return to the land of the living.

9. Tears to Shed

A touching ballad where the Corpse Bride laments her fate. The track captures her vulnerability, contrasting her undead state with her very human emotions.

10. Victoria’s Escape

This track mirrors Victoria’s desperation as she tries to escape her confinement and save Victor.

11. The Piano Duet

As Victor and Emily sit at the piano in the world of the dead, their fingers dance over the keys. The track’s gentle melody reflects the unexpected bond forming between them, a living man and a deceased bride.

12. New Arrival

This track introduces us to the Land of the Dead. While it’s a place of death, the music is lively, reflecting the spirited inhabitants and their carefree attitude towards their post-life existence.

13. Victoria’s Wedding

The somber undertones of this track perfectly encapsulate Victoria’s feelings as she’s forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. The weight of her predicament, her concern for Victor, and the societal pressures all come to a head in this piece.

14. The Wedding Song

This upbeat and chaotic number is a stark contrast to the previous track. As the dead crash Victoria’s wedding to the villainous Barkis, the music takes on a frenetic pace, embodying the mayhem that ensues.

15. The Party Arrives

As the dead make their grand entrance into the world of the living, this track captures the mix of shock, awe, and eventual celebration.

16. Victor’s Wedding

In a twist of fate, Victor finds himself at the altar once again, but this time with Emily. The music is a blend of tension, anticipation, and underlying sadness, as Victor grapples with his feelings and the choices he has to make.