[HPFGU-Movie] Re: soundtrack

[Katze]

Melody wrote:
> Well much of John Williams music has phrasing that is similar to the
> other movies he does.  It is partly because he loves the brass section
> and partly because he works on so many soundtracks at one time.  In
> the Hook soundtrack this is especially true.  It is eirry.  It almost
> goes beyond noticing a composing style and into the realm of
> unconscious tune mixing.

> James Horner also tends to sound similar.  He wrote Titanic and
> Braveheart and both have that rustic homemade lute sound in
> practically the same key.

I'm a huge James Horner fan and have noticed that he loves the bagpipes and 
certain drum rhythms. Deep Impact also has some of his trademark phrases in it 
as well. I've recently bought Star Trek: Wrath of Kahn which was composed by 
Horner, but I have sat down and compared it just yet.

> Often times, other musical ventures do influence Williams composing.
> In Star Wars, Williams listened to The Planets by Holst to capture the
> grandeur and soaring feel of the universe.  If you listen to Mars, you
> can hear the direct, strong brass of the Imperial March.

The New Star Wars Soundtrack is beautiful. The love theme is wonderful - knowing 
the background for the story - it pulls in all the motional surrounding their 
"forbidden love" - so soft and sad. There another part where Williams overlays 
some trumpets over the Imperial theme. Absolutely wonderful! If you saw the 
movie, you'll find this part playing when at the end of the movie when Palpatine 
is looking over his new army. I've made this part of the soundtrack my opening 
theme music on my NT box.

> With as many soundtracks as Williams does it actually is amazing he
> doesn't repeat himself more often.

I honestly don't mind a little bit of a repeat - I think you'll find many 
musicians do this - much like artist will incorporate certain techniques. It 
makes it their's and identifies it to the audience as their's. I love going to 
movies and trying to find out who;s music it is. Over time I've found that 
particular musicians and directors work together. Spielberg and Lucas both use 
Williams. Horner seems to go everywhere. But Tim Burton almost always uses Danny 
Elfman (I love his music!).

Back on track ...
I think Hedwig's theme is one of my top themes. there's also the where the kids 
first see Hogwarts in the first movie. That's my favorite bit of the entire 
soundtrack for PS/SS (track 6, about 2:15 mintues into the track). I haven't had 
a chance to listen to the entire Chamber of Secrets soundtrack yet - did 
Williams put that bit in there as well?

Take care!
Katze