Jaws Motif

The film Jaws (1975) presents possibly the most iconic of musical themes used in a film ever. The Jaws theme utilises just two notes, a minor second that alternate between each other and increases in tempo. The piece was performed by Tommy Johnson on the Tuba. The minimal approach to the theme is what makes this piece of music so special. With the use of just two notes, the composer is able to create an overwhelming sense of suspense and dread which coupled with the tense film, encourages viewers to prepare for shock. The deep sound of the tuba enhances the sense of danger and use of just a minor second further captures the feeling of restrict and entrapment that the fishermen feel in the film.

If John Williams can cause extreme tensity and suspense in the viewer by capturing both the fear and isolation of  a victim as well as the ferocity  and power of the shark within a two note theme then I must surely be able to create and establish a theme within my own musical abilities that can capture the same feeling.