The Last of the Mohicans - Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman
Epic and emotional, with fantastic instrumental composition. This is a rare example of two composers working separately towards the same score, which is why it was ineligible for the Oscars. Almost every track is worthy of sharing, but I have gone for 'The Kiss' as it short and represents the score as a whole very well.
How to Train Your Dragon - John Powell
The only time I have ever fallen in love with a soundtrack before seeing the film. I urge you to try this one, it only takes one listen. One of the most uplifting tracks I have ever heard.
Once Upon a Time in the West - Ennio Morricone
Each instrument in this soundtrack represents a particular character, as in Prokofiev's 'Peter and the Wolf'. The main theme is enchanting, while 'The Man With the Harmonica' is deeply foreboding. All of Morricone's scores are excellent, but this is the very best.
The Thin Red Line - Hans Zimmer
The epitome of an epic soundtrack; you will probably know this even if you haven't seen the film. It has been reused in adverts and trailers alike, and for good reason. The Thin Red Line is one of the few soundtracks to be able to present both the physical and mental devastation that can be caused by war. This track alone succeeds in doing so.
Jurassic Park - John Williams
Enchanting and uplifting, all that really needs to be said. It was difficult to choose this over 'Star Wars' (I am only including one score per composer) but I hope it is justified. 'Binary Sunset' would have made it here otherwise.
Requiem for a Dream - Clint Mansell
An epic theme of despair, and possibly one of the most famous soundtracks of all time.
American Beauty - Thomas Newman
Much of Thomas Newman's score is sparse and bleak, but it perfectly evokes images of a dysfunctional family in rainy suburbia.
The Village - James Newton Howard
Say what you want about the film itself, but there is no doubt that the score is first class. The violin themes are exquisitely played and there is a delicacy to the whole soundtrack that sends you off into a dream world.
The Godfather - Nino Rota
Deeply evocative and dramatic. Rota successfully blends together the Sicilian and American cultures through his very specific use of instrumentation.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Howard Shore
'Concerning Hobbits', the track featured above, is the most homely score imaginable. Howard Shore is an expert at changing the mood, something which is essential in The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
I have music from six of the above mentioned OSTs in my MP3 player. So, it's a decent list.
ReplyDeleteBut, how you left out the likes of Star Wars, Blade Runner and Black Rain, is beyond me...
Thanks for the comment - Binary Sunset happens to be one of my favourite tracks ever, and my brother is always listening to Tears in Rain from Blade Runner, so we definitely agree!
DeleteI'm not familiar with Black Rain though...