Throughout my life, I've been enamored with movie soundtracks. Sometimes I think that they are the classical music of our times. I haven't seen many movies in the last few years. (it's been down hill ever since Jackman's LOTR's) so I'm sure I've missed alot of good ones. I don't have to see a movie in order to enjoy it's soundtrack. In fact, often what my imagination conjures up is better than the actually movie. So I was wondering what some of your favorites are. Here are several of mine:
I'll start off with the whole LOTR soundtrack. Howard Shore hit a home run with his combination of vocals and orchestration, combining unusual instruments with traditional.
I love watching Ben-Hur for Easter. Talk about a film that holds up throughout the years. I challenge you to watch the chariot scene and not be amazed at the filming without CGI.
Ladies in Lavender: This little known film has an outstanding soundtrack, highlighted by the talents of violinist, Joshua Bell.
The music from O Brother came close to outshining the movie. Wonderful, toe-tapping music that's hard to resist.
A Room with a View has Kiri Te Kanawa supplying her creamy vocals to some of Puccini's great arias.
Last of the Mohicans...a family favorite.
The Village features violinist Hilary Hahn playing music reminiscent of Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Lark Ascending.
Henry V: Patrick Doyle's vocal finale and St. Crispin's Day are the highlights.
John Williams is the man! and I could have put any of his soundtracks here but my favorite is Schindler's List.
Waking Ned Devine: Play this one every St. Patrick's Day.
P & P: Transported me when Hil and I saw the movie. Transports me every time I listen to it.
Shine: Can't separate this one from the movie. I know there are better recordings of Rach 3 but not one with more heart.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Braveheart, Gladiator and The Mission are other favorites.
Now, what are yours?
6 comments:
The "City of Angels" and "Notting Hill" soundtracks are probably my favorites. But I'm sure there are a few others that I'm not thinking of now.
I think they totally *are* the classical music of our time. I'll second Corina's choices there for pop soundtracks (and add "Practical Magic" and "Dance with Me" to the pop list). I like many of the instrumental ones on your list and in checking my IPod list I also frequently listen to: King Arthur, The Da Vinci Code, The Secret of Roan Inish, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Conan the Barbarian (surprisingly good), Somewhere in Time, Chocolat, The Lake House, The Red Violin, Romeo and Juliet,and The Time Machine.
My current favorite composer (who does more TV than movies) is Bear McCreary - he did the soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica and Terminator: the Sarah Conner Chronicles - both of which I am really, really enjoying.
Corina~ I forgot about "Angels". Not familiar with "Notting Hill". Must check it out.
Tara~ I forgot about "Somewhere in Time"...all that beautiful John Barry music with Rach. Barry's music is always so vast and expansive..."Dances with Wolves", "Out of Africa". I start moving slower and slower whenever I listen to him. Puts me in a trance.
All good suggestions. Thank you.
Hello?
Saturday's Warrior? Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?
and how could you leave out High School Musical 1, 2, and 3?!
But seriously, the Red Violin is amazing.
Love soundtracks, too. Try August Rush. I saw the movie and really liked it but what really, really got my attention was the music.
Definitely loved the August Rush music and thanks to everyone posting. There's so much music to experience and so little time...;-)
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