The Evolution of Film Scores in Hollywood

Did film scores in Hollywood begin to lean toward American-sounding music just before the United States entered World War II?

a) True

b) False

Answer

False

Just before the United States entered World War II, film scores in Hollywood were still heavily influenced by European classical music and other international styles. It wasn't until during and after World War II that film composers like Aaron Copland and others started to incorporate more distinctly American elements into their scores.

This shift towards "American-sounding" music with a traditional slant actually occurred more prominently in the post-war period, rather than just before the United States entered World War II. The development of a uniquely American film music style truly began after the war, contributing to the rich diversity and innovation in film scoring that we see today.

It is fascinating to see how historical events like World War II influenced the trajectory of film music in Hollywood, shaping the soundtracks of some of the most iconic movies in cinema history.