Soundtrack of Vertigo

Bernard Hermann composed the soundtrack for the film Vertigo. Over the years, the soundtrack has been regarded as one of Hermann's best scores. Hermann's ominous scores in Vertigo help guide our emotions throughout the film.

The Rooftop chase scene melody cues the audience that chaos is about to embark. The violins create a sense of action while the detectives and cops run across the rooftops chasing a thief. When Scottie is dangling off the building, the strumming of harps gives the audience a dizzy feeling of vertigo. 

Another cue includes Madeleine's theme song—which is used whenever she is present. The first time Scottie see's Madeleine is when he watches her from the bar. The theme song plays as the camera moves towards her.  The music is romantic and lets the audience know that Scottie is falling in love with her.

The tower cue is the same song as the Rooftop melody.  Scottie chases after Madeleine to try and save her from committing suicide, but is incapable due to his vertigo and acrophobia. The score again cues the audience of feelings of chaos and dizziness. 

Another cue from the music includes the scene where Scottie is driving and following Madeleine around the city. The horn represents this passing of time; time ticking away. The music allows the audience to feel calm and patient in waiting to see what happens next. 

The music in Vertigo plays a powerful role in achieving the emotions Hitchcock wanted his audience to feel. The soundtrack is powerful and intense with moments of romantic melodies.