Question

Silent movies used recorded soundtracks and were composed to match the plot.

A. True
B. False, silent movies used recorded soundtracks but were never composed to match the plot.
C. False, silent movies used live accompaniments and were not usually composed to match the plot.
D. False, silent movies used live accompaniments and were always composed to match the plot.

Answer 1

C is the correct answer. False. Usually the live accompaniment was to drown out other noises. Later, they did add some music sheets and cues but it was never “always” so C is the correct answer.

Answer 2

C. False, silent movies used live accompaniments and were not usually composed to match the plot.

Silent movies did not have recorded soundtracks as the technology for synchronized sound and video did not exist yet during that time. Instead, they were accompanied by live music, either played by a pianist, organist or even a small orchestra, to enhance the viewing experience. The music played during the movie was usually improvised and not necessarily composed to match the plot.