incidental music
Accompanying theatrical composition
Incidental music is music composed to accompany a play, film, or other dramatic work—not as the main attraction but as background that enhances mood, bridges scenes, or underscores action.
The term distinguishes it from music that's central to the work, like opera or musical theater where characters sing.
The composer wrote incidental music for the Shakespeare production.
Low horizontal text mark
- entr'acteBreak between acts
- interludePause between sections
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
intermezzo · scene change · act break · melodrama · cue · segue · fanfare · flourish
Numerical standing in competition
- themeCentral recurring concept
- leitmotifRecurring thematic phrase
- cueTrigger for action
- underscoreLow horizontal text mark
motif · diegetic · non-diegetic · spotting · film composer · main title · end credits · transition
Scoring for instrumental ensemble
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- instrumentationDesign of measuring devices
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
counterpoint · dynamics · tempo · key · modulation · phrase · texture · voicing
Stretched or strained state
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
tranquility · unease · anticipation · dread · romantic · ominous · wistful · triumphant
Entryway or influence-seeking
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
- shopping mallLarge indoor retail center
- hotelCommercial lodging establishment
- spaTherapeutic wellness facility
restaurant · lounge · easy listening · smooth jazz · unobtrusive · atmospheric
underscore
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prelude · intermezzo · scene change · act break · melodrama · cue · segue · fanfare · flourish · sting
score
Numerical standing in competition
underscore · motif · diegetic · non-diegetic · spotting · film composer · main title · end credits · transition
orchestration
Scoring for instrumental ensemble
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
- instrumentationDesign of measuring devices
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
harmony · counterpoint · dynamics · tempo · key · modulation · phrase · texture · voicing · scoring
tension
Stretched or strained state
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
nostalgia · tranquility · unease · anticipation · dread · romantic · ominous · wistful · triumphant · somber
lobby
Entryway or influence-seeking
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
- shopping mallLarge indoor retail center
- hotelCommercial lodging establishment
spa · restaurant · lounge · easy listening · smooth jazz · unobtrusive · atmospheric
incidental musicopera
Theatrical art combining song
musical theatre · oratorio · song cycle · ballet score · ballet
music, incident, incidental, incidentally, incidence, incidentals