OST means Original Soundtrack; these are the songs or tracks specifically composed for a movie, television show, video game, or any other type of multimedia project. They may be instrumental, vocal, or both.
OSTs often include themes and melodies that evoke the project’s emotions. They aim to create an emotional response in the viewer or listener.
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Key Takeaways
- OST Definition: Original Soundtracks are songs or tracks specifically created for multimedia projects like movies, TV shows, and video games.
- Emotional Impact: OSTs often contain themes and melodies designed to evoke emotions, enhancing the viewer’s or listener’s experience.
- Examples: Famous OSTs include “Star Wars” by John Williams, “The Lion King” by Elton John and Tim Rice, and “Game of Thrones” by Ramin Djawadi.
- Difference Between OST and Score: OSTs are often songs, while scores refer to instrumental compositions specifically written for the project.
- Finding OSTs: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, and official movie or TV show websites are excellent places to discover and purchase OSTs.
Original Soundtracks blend various music genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, and classical. They’re especially popular in movie trailers, creating excitement and suspense. Here are a few notable examples of OSTs in music.
Examples of OST in Music
OSTs date back to early cinema, with the 1915 soundtrack of The Birth of a Nation being a notable example. Over time, these soundtracks gained massive popularity, leading to countless options available today.
The Star Wars original soundtrack by Jon Williams is popular and well-loved. Released in 1977, the soundtrack has been available in various formats and sold millions of copies globally.
Disney’s Lion King is a classic movie with an equally classic soundtrack. The songs, written by award-winning composers Elton John and Tim Rice, include popular tracks like “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Harry Potter is another movie series with a beloved soundtrack. John Williams, who also scored Star Wars, wrote the music. “Hedwig’s Theme” is one of the most popular tracks and appears in nearly every Harry Potter movie.
Marvel movies have epic soundtracks. Alan Silvestri, also known for Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, composed the music for the first Avengers film. Popular tracks include “The Avengers,” “Captain America,” and “Thor’s Hammer.”
Another fantastic soundtrack comes from the HBO series Game of Thrones. Composed by Ramin Djawadi, it features a mix of traditional instruments like strings and flutes, along with modern synthesizers and electric guitars. Popular tracks include “Hold the Door” and “Arrival at Winterfell.”
Differences Between Score and Original Soundtrack
OST and Score aren’t always the same. OST usually means the songs in a movie or TV show. Score refers to the instrumental music composed especially for the project.
OST stands for Original Soundtrack, which are songs written specifically for movies or TV shows, unlike a score composed for the film. An OST can be any genre but usually features unique themes and melodies that match the project. Though similar, they’re not the same.
Are all soundtracks royalty-free?
If a composer creates a piece for a film, they likely own the copyright. However, if a film uses a pre-existing song, the copyright holder might be different.
Sometimes, the filmmaker needs to get permission from the rights-holders to use the song in their movie.
OSTs can be royalty-free, but always check the specific track. Online libraries like YouTube and SoundCloud let you see who owns the copyright for a song.
How Do I Find an OST?
YouTube offers a huge library of soundtracks to explore. You can also find specific soundtracks on iTunes or Amazon.
If you’re looking for a movie or TV show soundtrack, check the official website first. Many have online stores where you can buy the soundtrack.
