In his lecture, he examines the contribution film music makes to the interpretation of a film and how this can be researched methodically and analytically. The focus is on the level of meaning of music, i.e. its ability to provide contextual clues beyond mere mood effects. Forms of musical semantics such as intertextuality, leitmotifs and the use of songs with lyrics that open up additional layers of meaning are discussed. Using examples from silent films to the present day, it shows when music merely confirms the cinematic action and when it opens up new perspectives. The aim is to reveal the analytical potential of film music and its relevance for understanding film.
Frank Hentschel studied musicology, philosophy and modern literature in Cologne and London and received his doctorate in 1999 from the Thomas Institute at the University of Cologne. From 1999 to 2006, he worked at the Institute of Musicology at the Free University of Berlin, including a research stay at Harvard University. He habilitated in 2006. After professorships in Jena and Giessen, he has been Professor of Historical Musicology at the University of Cologne since 2011. Hentschel is a member of the Academia Europaea and the North Rhine-Westphalia Academy of Sciences; his research focuses on medieval music, music theory and 19th and 20th century music, especially film music.
