Most suspense or horror films have previews or music within the movie
that places the audience on edge.  Such an effect might be a heart
beat created with a bass thump.  My question centers on music that
increases in pitch.  Sometimes the switch from low to high is rapid,
other times it is more slow, building to a climax.

For an example of this method, watch the "Silent Hill" preview located
at your internet movie site of choice.  Note: I am not affiliated with
Silent Hill or the movie industry in any manner.  At approximately two
minutes into the trailer, you will hear the rapid increase I am
talking about, and then the preview invokes the heartbeat for the last
few seconds.  I'm sure you can find other previews or movies that use
the same method.

An appropriate answer to my question will include the *psychological*
methods used, the orchestral instruments playing--i.e. cello, horn
etc, and some movie examples.

Regards,

Herkdrvr

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Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 27 Aug 2006 11:51 PDT

Greetings Herkdrvr,

Is this the type of resource you are seeking?

A Study of Sound Design in Modern Psychological Horror Film
Free Association, WZBC 90.3 FM Boston College
PROGRAM LENGTH : 4 hours

"This week airs a special program entitled "The Sound Of Horror", a
4-hour study on sound design in modern psychological horror films.  We
will include clips, interviews, and examples of director / sound
designer collaborations such as David Lynch / Alan Splet (Eraserhead,
Blue Velvet), Alfred Hitchcock / Bernard Hermann (Psycho, The Birds),
and Darren Aronofsky / Brian Emrich (Pi, Requiem For A Dream).

"Hosted and produced by Brian Carpenter, Boston filmmaker and head of
Beat Science Films, an independent film house in Boston specializing
in experimental and documentary forums.  Beat Science Films is
currently in production on a film and video documentary of the life
and legacy of underground avant-garde saxophonist Albert Ayler.  He is
also the conductor of the circus music ensemble The Beat Circus.

"Co-hosted by Matthew Ryan, Boston filmmaker and student of
Academy-Award winning sound designer Walter Murch.  Matthew Ryan
teaches at the New York Film Academy in Manhattan."

MORE at http://www.freeassociationradio.com/horror.htm

Also note there "For $25 which covers cost and shipping within the US,
you can obtain this program (3 CDs) directly by sending an email to
Brian [brian AT freeassociationradio.com].  Or send a PayPal payment
of $25 to beatscience AT earthlink DOT net (remove the spaces) under
Goods/Non-Auction.  For purchases outside the US, please add 4 USD for
a total of 29 USD."

Best regards,
journalist-ga

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Clarification of Question by herkdrvr-ga on 30 Aug 2006 00:48 PDT

Although the resource you listed pertains to sound design, I am not
particularly interested in the sound design.  I have not heard the
resource you highlight, so I am going to give you the difference that
I think exists between what you selected and what I am looking for. 
Sound design deals with how the film maker will collaborate with the
director in order to achieve maximum effect.  I want to know
specifically WHY the human mind responds to a higher pitched sound as
opposed to, say, an audience cheering.  Why do we get scared with such
noises?  Why a heartbeat as opposed to a spoon on the side of a milk
carton?  Not just why, but specifically WHICH instruments are used and
in which films.

Regards,

Herkdrvr