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Musical Instruments Used to Write the Music for the Musical Beetlejuice
The Tony-nominated musical Beetlejuice, based on Tim Burton's 1988 film, has captivated audiences with its quirky and darkly comedic storyline, combined with a uniquely vibrant score. The music, written by Australian composer Eddie Perfect, blends a range of genres, including rock, pop, and musical theater, creating an energetic and eclectic soundscape. To achieve this, the instrumentation used in both the composition process and live performances plays a crucial role in shaping the show's distinctive sound.
Key Instruments in the Beetlejuice Musical Score
One of the standout features of the Beetlejuice score is its wide array of instruments, both traditional and modern, blending classical orchestral elements with rock instruments. Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent musical instruments involved in creating the sound of Beetlejuice:
1. Keyboards
The keyboard is a critical instrument for the Beetlejuice score, providing much of the harmonic backbone and many of the atmospheric elements throughout the musical. Two keyboardists, led by the show's conductor and associate conductor, play various keyboard-based instruments, including synthesizers, which create the spooky and whimsical sounds that perfectly match the show's eerie and comedic tone. The keyboards contribute to both the orchestral richness and the rock energy that defines the score.
2. Guitar and Bass
The guitar plays a pivotal role in delivering the show's rock elements. The Beetlejuice musical employs both electric and acoustic guitars, giving certain numbers a grittier, rawer sound that contrasts with more traditional orchestral elements. The electric bass underpins many of the show’s more energetic and rhythm-driven songs, helping to create a funky, rock-inspired vibe throughout the score.
3. Reeds and Woodwinds
Another interesting aspect of the Beetlejuice score is its use of a diverse range of reed instruments. The musical employs three reed players who cover multiple woodwinds, including piccolo, flute, clarinet, oboe, and various saxophones (such as alto, tenor, and baritone). These instruments are used to add texture and color, switching between light, delicate woodwind lines and more assertive, jazzy saxophone parts that align with the show's unpredictable and zany atmosphere.
4. Brass Instruments
The brass section contributes to the grandiosity and punchiness of the score, featuring trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, and tuba. These instruments are especially prominent in more upbeat, celebratory numbers, adding an exciting and bold energy to the mix. The combination of rock instrumentation with brass elements helps to evoke the larger-than-life feel of the world that Beetlejuice inhabits.
5. Strings
The use of strings in Beetlejuice adds an elegant yet haunting quality to the music. The show's string section includes violins, viola, and cello, providing both lush harmonic support and sharp, eerie melodic lines when needed. Strings often work in contrast to the rock instruments, giving the score a multi-dimensional feel, where moments of intensity can suddenly shift to something more delicate and emotional.
Rhythm Section and Percussion
1. Drums and Percussion
In any musical, the rhythm section is essential for driving the energy of the songs, and Beetlejuice is no exception. The drums and additional percussion, which include unconventional instruments like shakers, tambourines, and even some sound effects, help maintain the show's dynamic and varied pace. The percussion contributes to the whimsical and unpredictable nature of the score, often punctuating comedic moments with sudden, sharp hits.
Unique Instrumentation and Electronic Sounds
Beetlejuice stands out for its creative use of electronic sounds and unconventional instruments to amplify its supernatural and comedic themes. Synthesized effects and samples are used to mimic otherworldly noises, contributing to the ghostly, mischievous atmosphere. This modern approach to instrumentation bridges the gap between the familiar sound of rock and pop with the eerie, unpredictable world of the supernatural.
Compositional Process: Rock and Pop Influence
Composer Eddie Perfect drew on a wide array of influences when writing the music for Beetlejuice. His background in cabaret, comedy, and musical theater allowed him to craft a score that feels modern and innovative while staying true to traditional musical theater roots. The combination of electric instruments, such as guitars and synthesizers, with acoustic strings and brass, allows for a fusion of genres, particularly rock and pop, which perfectly matches the offbeat and quirky nature of the show.
Comparisons to Danny Elfman’s Original Film Score
Although Eddie Perfect wrote the music for the Broadway adaptation, the influence of Danny Elfman's original score from the 1988 film is still present. Elfman’s signature style, which blends playful, gothic elements with high-energy melodies, inspired some of the instrumental choices and arrangements in the musical. The original film’s soundtrack made extensive use of orchestral instruments such as strings, brass, and woodwinds, which were carried over to the stage version while being augmented with more contemporary, rock-inspired sounds.
The music of Beetlejuice is as eclectic and surprising as the show itself. By incorporating a blend of traditional orchestral instruments with modern rock and electronic elements, the score creates a unique sound that brings the wild world of Beetlejuice to life. The combination of keyboards, guitars, reeds, brass, and strings, along with drums and percussion, provides the perfect accompaniment to the musical’s bold, comedic, and spooky narrative.