Notorious (soundtrack)

The soundtrack to Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 film Notorious was primarily composed by Roy Webb. While no official soundtrack album was released at the time of the film's debut, the score is notable for its dramatic use of music to heighten suspense and underscore the psychological tension between the characters.

Webb's score features a blend of orchestral arrangements, building a sense of unease and romanticism in equal measure. The music often mirrors the emotional states of Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) and Devlin (Cary Grant), particularly their complicated relationship and the dangerous situation in which they find themselves.

Key aspects of the soundtrack include:

• Romantic Themes: The score utilizes sweeping melodies to represent the love and attraction between Alicia and Devlin, although this romanticism is frequently tinged with sadness and mistrust.

• Suspenseful Cues: Webb masterfully employs dissonant harmonies and rhythmic patterns to create a sense of foreboding, especially during scenes involving the Nazi conspiracy.

• Diegetic Music: The soundtrack also incorporates diegetic music, such as songs played at parties and in nightclubs, which serves to both create a sense of realism and contribute to the film's overall atmosphere. These musical selections, while not composed by Webb, are integral to the film's soundscape.

• Limited Availability: Complete recordings of the Notorious score remained relatively rare for many years. However, selections from the score have been included on various compilation albums of classic film music, and more comprehensive releases have become available in recent decades.

The Notorious soundtrack is considered a significant contribution to film scoring, showcasing Webb's ability to craft a score that is both emotionally resonant and dramatically effective. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its role in enhancing the film's narrative and suspense.