The Best of Danny Elfman

There are few who deny at what he does, he’s the best, for his talents are known far and wide! As the legendary composer Danny Elfman has a birthday today, May 29th, we wanted to celebrate by taking a look at his most well-known and well-beloved works! Which is your favorite?

Popular Themes

“Beetlejuice”: This song is as energetic and chaotic as its namesake. Though starting with a semblance of structure, it grows in intensity as the melody hops from one instrument to another before it crescendos to its grand climax. Though the sheet music for this quick-paced, intricate song may test your skills, its fun will definitely come with mastery.

“Theme from The Simpsons”: The Simpsons is one of the most well-known TV shows in history, becoming icons in animation. Of course, that would lead to this theme being one of Danny Elfman’s most popular works. Fans of this iconic show will love playing the playful and light melody of this classic theme. Fans of their Halloween episodes will recognize their Halloween Special Theme as well.

“Alice’s Theme” (Alice in Wonderland [2010]): This darkly whimsical track is full of grand choral moments that feel both mysterious and magical. This sheet music includes everything that makes the original beautiful, including the lyrics of the choir’s dramatic call and the building chords that bring a slight sense of intensity. The themes presented in this song also echo throughout the score, such as in Alice Decides and Alice Returns.

Beautiful Melodies

“Victor’s Piano Solo” (Corpse Bride)”: Fans of Tim Burton’s gothic movie will instantly recognize this gorgeous track. This elegant piano melody lives up to its name as the perfect piano solo. The haunting melody reappears a second time later in the movie as a duet Victor has with Emily, the titular Corpse Bride. You can find the sheet music for The Piano Duet as a piano solo here and as a duet here.

“Ice Dance” (Edward Scissorhands): This movie, though dark and quirky, also carries a sense of alluring whimsy to it. That’s reflected in this poignant track, bringing to mind the image of Kim dancing in the snow made from the ice shavings of Edward’s stunning ice sculptures. This sheet music is perfect for those who want to recreate the emotion in that moving scene.

Superheroes

“Spider-Man: The Spider-Verse Piano Medley”: This medley recreates the feeling of the score of the 2021 blockbuster hit Spider-Man: No Way Home, which includes themes from past movies. This includes the movies in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, the first two of which Danny Elfman composed for. His contribution shines through in the medley with nostalgia and power. If you want to perform a medley based on the villains alone, we got that covered, too.

“Batman Theme” (Batman [1989]): Over the past century, the many iterations of Batman has lead to his legendary status as one of the world’s most well-known superheroes. The soundtrack to Tim Burton’s version does this vigilante hero justice; it has both sweeping, dramatic melodies and short, intense moments.

“Main Titles” (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness): Danny Elfman took cues from Michael Giacchino’s original Doctor Strange score when he composed this soundtrack. This theme feels just as mind-bending and intense as the visuals of the movie, with revolving melodies that creates the feeling of getting utterly turned around.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

“Sally’s Song”: Though this song is simple, it’s sweet and heartfelt. Still carrying the dark, yet quirky atmosphere of the movie, this gentle love song is hard to forget. Its simplicity also carries the added bonus that it’s relatively easy to play; while not for absolute beginners, it’s a great pick for those who are early intermediate.

“Jack’s Lament”: This musical soliloquy was originally sung in the movie by Danny Elfman himself as Jack Skellington’s singing voice. The contrast between the dramatic verses and the forlorn choruses makes it incredibly fun to sing along to. The linked sheet music is perfect for those who are hoping to learn it, whether by voice, piano, or guitar tab.

“Oogie Boogie’s Song”: When the three children bring Santa Claus to the greatly feared Oogie Boogie, the result is this lively, rip-roaring jazz song. You’ll feel the same spooky glee that Oogie Boogie expresses as you perform it. Dice will roll, bats will fly, and wicked laughter will echo.

For all of Danny Elfman’s compositions, click here.

Published on May 29, 2022