Genres used in Horror Films
Classical music is the most characteristic types of music in horror. It is so popular because it appeals to a wider audience and it works well when there is need to set a certain mood or convey a certain emotion. I have noticed that mainly classical music is used in the killing scenes because it is great at building tension because they are fast paced and the notes used clash which gives it an unsettling feeling. A great example is some of the killing scenes from Friday the 13th: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wswc7o4LNAQ
Some films use synth-based and industrial music. A good example where this kind of music is used is in Blair Witch 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIQ3xGmzSHc which uses alternative rock and metal music. This selection of music works pretty well, as it is quite dark and brooding and suits the visual style of the film.
Other films uses music that wouldn't normally be considered in horror films. For example in American Psycho they used 80s pop rock music. Probably the most unusual scene is where they used a really happy pop song when the protagonist is slaughtering someone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwicLgOGJOI This produces an audio visual dissonance and it decreases the fear factor of this scene, it also creates a surreal and odd feeling.
Theme songs
Some films have theme songs so the audience can recognise the film or when the villain is coming. The most recognisable one is the Jaws theme tune Here is a list of top 5 horror themes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL_ernCihPE
In our film we want it to have slightly happy music to contrast with the visuals, kind of like the scene in American Psycho. Another film we have found that uses a similar thing that we want to do is I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9vqtU7ZE1s where at the theme park the music is quite happy and is not really creating any suspense, but you still get an unsettling feeling. And then all of a sudden something goes wrong.
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