Thanks to the symphonic genius of composers like Nino Rota and Carl Stalling, film soundtracks are no longer considered strictly background music. In the 1960s, the evocative scores of Henry Mancini and Ennio Morricone gave soundtracks a cool moodiness, while the triumphant themes of John Williams have become engrained in the national psyche. Musical-theater composers such as Rogers & Hammerstein and Leonard Bernstein have also been essential in creating a national musical identity. Today, Danny Elfman leads the pack of ex-rockers who have composed incidental music for films. Similarly, Nine Inch Nails and Dirty Vegas have both created video game soundtracks. These formerly lo-bit electronic loops have become more complex as game technology has advanced. Radio serials and holiday music--from classic Christmas hymns to secular sing-along songs--are also included in this category.

Notable Artists: John Williams, Carl Stalling, Danny Elfman