A
film score (also sometimes called
background score,
background music,
film music or
incidental music) is original music written specifically to accompany a film. The score forms part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes
dialogue and
sound effects, and comprises a number of orchestral, instrumental, or choral pieces called
cues, which are timed to begin and end at specific points during the film in order to enhance the dramatic narrative and the emotional impact of the scene in question. Scores are written by one or more
composers, under the guidance of, or in collaboration with, the film's
director or
producer and are then usually performed by an ensemble of musicians – most often comprising an orchestra or band, instrumental soloists, and choir or vocalists – and recorded by a
sound engineer.