The Shining Soundtrack – 12 Iconic Tracks
If you’ve watched “The Shining,” you probably still have those haunting scenes etched into your memory. But what often slips under the radar is the equally haunting soundtrack that played a pivotal role in creating the eerie atmosphere of the Overlook Hotel.
The genius of Stanley Kubrick was not just in his visuals, but also in his impeccable music taste.
Kubrick’s choice of music for “The Shining” wasn’t the usual go-to horror movie tracks. Instead, he opted for a blend of modernist art-music, taking a leaf out of his own book from ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’
Music editor Gordon Stainforth was handed the reins to match the musical passages to the cinematic sequences, and he do a fantastic job!
Interestingly, the final soundtrack we hear wasn’t the one initially planned. Licensing issues led to the removal of some pieces, while the film included fragments of tracks that weren’t on the LP soundtrack.
1. Main Title (The Shining)
From the get-go, this track sets the tone. As the camera glides over the vast landscape that leads to the Overlook Hotel, the music perfectly encapsulates the impending doom. The eerie sounds make you feel as if you’re being dragged into a world from which there’s no return.
2. The Awakening of Jacob
This one is a masterpiece by Krzysztof Penderecki. The sudden bursts of sound mirror the gradual unravelling of Jack’s sanity. This is music that sends chills down your spine every time.
3. Rocky Mountains
This track contrasts with the others. It brings forth images of the majestic mountains and the deceptive beauty of the Overlook Hotel.
4. Lontano
Another gem by György Ligeti, this piece is atmospheric and filled with suspense. The music swells and recedes, making the scenes at the Overlook Hotel even more tense and unpredictable.
5. Music for Strings
Béla Bartók’s genius shines through in this track. The music, with its sharp strings and chilling sounds, makes every turn of a corner or creak of a floorboard feel like a prelude to something terrifying.
6. Masquerade by Jack Hylton And His Orchestra
This jazzy tune is a stark contrast to the movie’s overall tone. Its upbeat nature only adds to the film’s surreal and eerie atmosphere.
7. It’s All Forgotten Now
Al Bowlly’s melancholic voice combined with the vintage sound makes this track feel like a haunting lullaby from another era. It’s a reminder of the hotel’s history and the many souls it has seen.
8. Home by Henry Hall Orchestra
A nostalgic tune that gives brief moments of respite from the overarching tension.
9. Polymorphia
Yet another brilliant composition by Penderecki, this track is an representation of chaos and madness. Its erratic strings and unpredictable progressions mirror Jack’s descent into insanity.
10. De Natura Sonoris No. 1 & 2
These tracks, filled with tense string movements and sudden musical explosions, further amplify the horror elements of the movie.
11. Utrenja (Kanon Paschy) & Urenja Ewangelia (Excerpt)
Mystical and spiritual, these tracks evoke a sense of something ancient and foreboding, lurking within the walls of the Overlook Hotel.
12. “Kanon” for string orchestra
Another gem from Krzysztof Penderecki, this piece is rich in atmosphere and tension.
The way Kubrick intertwined the music with his visuals is nothing short of genius. It’s not just about creating a spooky backdrop; it’s about making the audience feel the emotions of the characters, making them part of the story. The music in “The Shining” does exactly that. It’s not just a soundtrack; it’s an essential character, one that we, as the audience, can never forget.
