The Exorcist Soundtrack
“The Exorcist” is a 1973 horror film directed by William Friedkin based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. “The Exorcist” pushed the boundaries of the horror genre.
The soundtrack of “The Exorcist” is a haunting blend of classical orchestration and avant-garde experimental pieces. It doesn’t just support the narrative; it is an integral part of the horror.
Let’s get to know its composers a bit better:
Jack Nitzsche: An American musician, arranger, producer, and film score composer, Nitzsche had a wide-ranging career that spanned several decades. He worked with big names like Phil Spector and the Rolling Stones, contributing his distinct touch to many iconic tracks. Nitzsche’s ability to adapt to various musical styles made him a sought-after composer in Hollywood.
Krzysztof Penderecki: This Polish composer and conductor is one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary classical figures. Known for his avant-garde and later post-romantic styles, Penderecki’s works have been featured in numerous films due to their atmospheric intensity.
Anton Webern: An Austrian composer and conductor, Webern was part of the Second Viennese School, which included figures like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg. His compositions, often characterized by their brevity and intense expressivity, were influential in the development of the twelve-tone technique in classical music.
Hans Werner Henze: A German composer known for his prolific output and varied style. Throughout his life, he composed pieces in various genres, from symphonies to ballets. His works often reflected his socio-political views and were known for their thematic depth. Henze wasn’t just confined to classical music; he explored various forms, ensuring his legacy as one of the 20th century’s most versatile composers.
Lalo Schifrin: An Argentine-American pianist, conductor, and composer, Schifrin is best known for his film and TV scores. With iconic themes like the “Mission: Impossible” theme under his belt, Schifrin’s jazz-influenced compositions have become synonymous with suspense and action in cinema. Over his extensive career, he has received numerous awards and has been recognized for his significant impact on film music.
Lalo Schifrin composed six minutes of music for the first “The Exorcist” trailer, but viewers were reportedly too intimidated by the combination of sights and sounds. And Friedkin rejected Lalo Schifrin’s working score.
1. Iraq – Jack Nitzsche and Krzysztof Penderecki
This opening track is an auditory journey to the film’s early scenes in Iraq. The collaboration between Nitzsche and Penderecki produces an aura of something ancient, bringing the eeriness of archaeological excavations to life. It sets an ominous tone, suggesting the awakening of an ancient evil.
2. Five Pieces for Orchestra – Anton Werbern
Anton Werbern’s “Five Pieces for Orchestra” is hauntingly atmospheric. The strings sounds evoke a sense of something lurking in the shadows, a premonition of the supernatural events that are about to unfold.
3. Polymorphia – Krzysztof Penderecki
“Polymorphia,” with its sharp, jarring movements and screeching strings, captures the essence of possession, making the listener’s skin crawl in the process.
4. String Quartet N1 – Krzysztof Penderecki
This quartet is a simmering pot of suspense. The strings seem to echo the inner turmoil of the characters, especially Regan’s disturbing transformation. It is one of the most memorable pieces in the soundtrack.
5. Beginnings from ‘The Wind Harp’ – Henri Bee
Henri Bee uses the ethereal sounds of the wind harp to create a soundscape that is both beautiful and eerie. It’s like the calm before the storm, hinting at the dark events that will soon consume the narrative.
6. Kanon for Orchestra and Tape – Krzysztof Penderecki
The fusion of classical orchestral sounds with modern tape recordings creates a sense of chaos and unpredictability. It’s a reminder of the film’s central theme: the unpredictable and terrifying nature of evil.
7. Fantasia for Strings – Hans Werner Henze
Henze’s “Fantasia for Strings” is rich in suspense. Every note, every pause, seems deliberate, building a tension. As the strings ebb and flow, they mirror the story’s oscillation between hope and despair.
8. Music from the Unused Trailer – Lalo Schifrin
It didn’t make it to the final film.
9. Suite from the Unused Score to The Exorcist – Lalo Schifrin
Schifrin’s suite is a hauntingly beautiful piece. Though not used in the final cut, it encapsulates the film’s narrative arc, from the initial innocence to the final confrontation with evil.
10. Rock Ballad (Unused Theme from The Exorcist)
An unexpected but welcome addition, this rock ballad brings a different flavor to the soundtrack lineup.
