The intertwined relationship between music and film has been a captivating journey since the inception of cinema. However, the cinematic music scores we cherish today truly took shape in 1933. Over the past nine decades, the world of cinema has witnessed the creation of some truly unforgettable musical compositions. These scores have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, contributing to the magic of the silver screen.
Prepare to immerse yourself in cinematic magic as you grab a bag of popcorn, dim the lights, and settle in for a captivating journey through our selection of the finest film scores ever composed.
Often hailed as the 'father of film music,' Max Steiner, originally from Austria, made his move to Hollywood in 1929, where he pioneered the art of composing narrative music for movies, a practice that continues to influence the industry. Among his remarkable film scores are The Searchers and Casablanca, but perhaps the most iconic is his work on Gone With the Wind (1939).
One of Steiner's earliest original compositions graced RKO's epic King Kong, a film that was notably ahead of its time in terms of visual effects. The grand scale of this cinematic adventure allowed Steiner to showcase the transformative power of a fully synchronized dramatic score. He masterfully employed a symphony of brass, percussion, and soaring strings to evoke the immense presence of the colossal ape, the enigmatic fog-shrouded Skull Island, and an unlikely yet poignant love story.
Psycho by Bernard Herrmann (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking suspense masterpiece, "Psycho" (1960), subverted traditional storytelling by dispatching its central character halfway through the film. The iconic shower murder scene, featuring serial killer Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins) disguised as his mother, ruthlessly stabbing Marion Crane (portrayed by Janet Leigh), is etched in cinematic history, primarily thanks to the unforgettable screeching of high-pitched strings.
The haunting musical accompaniment owes its existence to composer Bernard Herrmann's unwavering determination. He resisted Hitchcock's initial insistence on silence, steadfastly believing that an all-string score would harmonize with the stark aesthetics of Hitchcock's black-and-white cinematography.
Throughout the film's soundtrack, an impending sense of doom saturates the atmosphere. As Marion's sister, Lila, embarks on her investigation at the ominous Bates Motel, the lower strings ominously ascend, while the violins descend, intensifying the film's foreboding tension. This collaboration between Hitchcock's visionary direction and Herrmann's musical prowess would forever shape the landscape of cinematic suspense.
Interstellar by Hans Zimmer (2014)
Christopher Nolan's cinematic masterpiece delves into the intriguing narrative of a former NASA pilot turned farmer, thrust into the vanguard of a perilous expedition towards the outermost realms of space in search of a hospitable haven. This cinematic tour de force blurs the lines between science and fiction, earning the moniker of "science-faction" due to its meticulous attention to detail.
For the film's musical composition, Nolan turned to the illustrious Hans Zimmer, who orchestrated what may arguably be his magnum opus. While Zimmer claimed an Oscar for his work on Dune, his composition for this film is nothing short of exceptional. The score, at times, lingers in almost imperceptible quietude, yet exudes a meditative serenity that captivates the soul. Zimmer crafts an unconventional auditory landscape, fusing classical orchestral elements with his pièce de résistance: a genuine pipe organ, impeccably performed by Roger Sayer within London's hallowed Temple Church. The result is an epic sonic tapestry that, at times, transports the listener to alternate dimensions, evoking a sensation of interstellar exploration.
The Godfather by Nino Rota (1972)
An enduring cinematic masterpiece, accompanied by an unforgettable score, Francis Ford Coppola's inaugural installment in the Corleone saga is a treasure trove of iconic moments. This epic has etched its lines of dialogue and complete scenes indelibly into the collective memory of audiences. The musical genius behind this grandeur is none other than the Italian composer Nino Rota (1911-79), renowned for his enduring collaboration with the legendary director Federico Fellini in their homeland.
In this relatively rare foray into Hollywood, Rota contributed a sparing yet indispensable dramatic soundtrack, complete with remarkable themes. At the core of the score lies 'The Godfather Waltz,' a now-iconic melody conveyed through a lone, ominous trumpet, and the opulent 'Love Theme from The Godfather,' which has become synonymous with the world of organized crime. Interestingly, Rota repurposed a theme he had originally composed for a 1958 Italian film titled 'Fortunella,' albeit with a distinct rhythm and palette. This reuse prevented his music for 'The Godfather' from being eligible for an Original Score Oscar nomination, despite its undeniable impact on the film's legacy.
Schindler’s List by John Williams (1994)
When John Williams was first approached to compose the score for this deeply poignant film, he expressed doubt, telling director Steven Spielberg that the task might exceed his capabilities. Spielberg, however, quipped, "I know, but they're all dead!" Surprisingly, Williams rose to the occasion, skillfully capturing the essence of traditional European music and the somber plight of the Jewish people, shedding light on the disgrace of human cruelty.
Once Upon a Time in the West by Ennio Morricone (1968)
In 1968, Sergio Leone, renowned for his first major Hollywood production, enlisted fellow Italian Ennio Morricone to compose the film's score. Remarkably, Morricone completed the musical arrangement even before filming commenced, enabling the actors to perform the music during shooting. This score played an integral role in the film, featuring distinct leitmotifs associated with each main character. Notably, the 'Man with the Harmonica' motif has become iconic and found its way into various other productions.
Gone With the Wind by Max Steiner (1939)
Max Steiner faced an arduous task when he was given just three months to compose what would become his most renowned work, a film score of epic proportions. When the movie was eventually released, it boasted the distinction of being the longest-ever film score, stretching close to three hours. Steiner's dedication knew no bounds as he often toiled for marathon stretches of up to 20 hours at a time, requiring the assistance of five orchestrators to bring his grand musical vision to life.
Each character in the film was thoughtfully assigned its own unique musical motif, with "Tara's Theme" standing out as the most iconic, symbolizing the grandeur of the Georgia plantation. This theme exuded a rich Romantic quality, lending emotional depth to pivotal scenes, such as when Scarlett, portrayed by Vivien Leigh, appears in silhouette alongside her father against a foreboding sunset backdrop.
Despite the monumental success of the film, which clinched ten Oscars, Steiner himself missed out on receiving one for his outstanding score, despite securing a nomination. His bid for recognition was ultimately eclipsed by Herbert Stothart, the composer behind "The Wizard of Oz."
Planet of the Apes by Jerry Goldsmith (1968)
Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004) stands as an icon among Hollywood's most versatile composers. His music, characterized by inventive orchestrations, boundless vitality, and exquisite melodies, graced the soundtracks of numerous iconic films and television series. From heartwarming classics like The Waltons and Dr. Kildare to the chilling intensity of The Omen and the interstellar grandeur of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Goldsmith's artistry left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
While capable of matching John Williams in orchestral grandeur and romantic finesse, Goldsmith also showcased a remarkable talent for crafting avant-garde sonic landscapes. A shining example of this skill can be found in his score for Planet of the Apes, a cinematic masterpiece where an astronaut becomes marooned on a world ruled by intelligent apes, only to realize he's stumbled upon Earth's distant future. Goldsmith's score delves into a realm of unconventional percussive and tonal textures, seamlessly blending them with the traditional brass, strings, and piano of the Fox Orchestra. Together, these elements create a mesmerizing tapestry of sound, evoking the essence of 12-tone composition in a truly distinctive manner. Jerry Goldsmith's musical genius knows no bounds, enriching the cinematic experience with unparalleled artistry.
The Mission by Ennio Morricone (1986)
Ennio Morricone, an exceptionally prolific film composer, boasts an impressive repertoire, having crafted the musical tapestry for numerous cinematic masterpieces. His body of work encompasses several hundred film soundtracks, with an indelible mark left on iconic 1960s Spaghetti Westerns such as "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly."
One of Morricone's most distinguished compositions is the Oscar-nominated score for Roland Joffe's 1986 film, "The Mission." The narrative revolves around a Jesuit priest's arduous endeavor to convert a South American tribe. Notably, the hauntingly beautiful 'Gabriel's Oboe' theme resonates as Father Gabriel, portrayed by Jeremy Irons, delicately engages the Guaraní tribe through the medium of music.
The genesis of this masterpiece is intriguing; Morricone drew inspiration from the seemingly random finger placements of actor Jeremy Irons on the oboe. The resultant uplifting melody, enriched by its harmonious string accompaniment, has transcended its cinematic origins to become a timeless and cherished musical gem.
Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope by John Williams (1977)
It's quite challenging to envision a time preceding the iconic saga of Star Wars, a cinematic masterpiece by writer/director George Lucas. Lucas crafted this epic as an homage to the Saturday morning serials from his youth while drawing inspiration from a plethora of mythical motifs and samurai cinema. This timeless adventure, set "in a galaxy far, far away," evolved into a remarkable franchise with a total of eight additional installments spanning an impressive 42-year journey.
George Lucas's aspiration to evoke the storytelling era of yesteryears naturally extended to the realm of music. To bring this vision to life, he enlisted the renowned composer John Williams, fresh from his Oscar win for Jaws. Williams embarked on a musical odyssey, crafting a heartfelt tribute to the past. His score is rich in its knowing references, drawing from the likes of ceremonial Walton, the exuberance of Holst, and the thrilling film compositions of Korngold.
The result is a cinematic experience reminiscent of classic narrative adventures, complete with memorable leitmotifs that define key characters, locations, and objects. Williams's composition also delivers edge-of-your-seat orchestral masterpieces, mirroring the epic battles between the Rebel Alliance and the malevolent Galactic Empire.
In many ways, Star Wars played a pivotal role in reigniting Hollywood's appetite for symphonic film scoring. The London Symphony Orchestra found itself in high demand for years to come, adding a resounding orchestral dimension to the film industry. And to top it all off, John Williams earned yet another Oscar for his extraordinary contribution to this cinematic masterpiece.
