The Villain’s Theme, How a Silent-Film Motif Became an Iconic Musical Cliché
Long before modern cinematic scoring techniques, a simple musical cue emerged as the go-to symbol for villainy and mischief: the Mysterioso Pizzicato, also known as “The Villain’s Theme.” Dating back to 1914, this motif was originally published in compilations for silent-film accompanists—comprising staccato, ascending notes in a minor key, immediately followed by tremolo or rapid…