Charles Gounod composed Funeral March of a Marionette for solo piano in 1872. In 1879, he created an orchestral version, combining woodwind, brass, percussion and strings. The music is mainly in D minor, a key associated with a serious or mysterious mood. Its central section changes to D major, creating a brighter contrast. The piece uses 6/8 metre, which gives its rhythm a lilting pattern.

Its comic storyline begins after a marionette has died in a duel. A funeral procession sets off, while the mourners move to the music. During the contrasting section, they stop for refreshments before returning home and to the minor theme. These events are ideas, not a real funeral account. Orchestration means choosing instruments to produce colours and effects.

The tune later accompanied silent films and cartoons. In 1955, Alfred Hitchcock selected it as the theme for his television programme. This reuse made the composer and title famous to listeners. When hearing it, listen for changes in pitch, tempo and dynamics, and describe how each section affects the mood.