Back to our musical score time machine! For this edition, we're looking way back to 1993! Here's a look back at the scores of the year with my list of the 10 Best Scores Turning 30!
Let's start the ranking!
10. True Romance (Hans Zimmer)
Repeating through the film, you hear the "You're So Cool" theme. Its use is an homage to Badlands (1973) and an arrangement of Gassenhauer from the Orff Schulwerk - but it somehow works in this wild comedy/romance/crime Tony Scott film.
9. Searching for Bobby Fischer (James Horner)
A lovely Horner score featuring wistful themes on woodwinds and piano. It's a smaller dramatic score, but with all the careful brushstrokes. The finale is a standout, and you hear the "genius" music which has appeared in future Horner scores.
8. The Piano (Michael Nyman)
Nyman composed a generally minimalist (but warm) score for Jane Campion's lovely film. It's unobtrusive, flowing through scenes with its gorgeous flowing piano solos and featured woodwinds. Even more surprising is the success the album had - going gold and platinum.
7. The Fugitive (James Newton Howard)
The jagged rhythms in the suspense and action cues keep these score memorable - it's effective in the thriller and action territories. He uses synths and percussion in the forefront, shown in cues like the explosive Helicopter Chase.
6. Gettysburg (Randy Edelman)
The rousing main theme matches the sweeping Civil War epic and ranks with Edelman's finest. His battle music generally keeps the momentum, while giving some quieter moments to guitar. His use of synths are an interesting choice for the time/budget, and might discourage some listeners.
5. Tombstone (Bruce Broughton)
Another killer western score like Silverado before it. Broughton shines with a strong main theme, love theme, gritty action and darker moments. The score elevates the film's drama and violence of the OK Corral.
4. Rudy (Jerry Goldsmith)
After Hoosiers, Goldsmith brings his best to stronger sports drama. The score crosses between the lovely Irish-themed main theme and thrilling game theme. Both themes stand out in his filmography as slightly simple but incredibly effective and memorable.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (Danny Elfman)
A perfect match of music and vision - Elfman's knack for kooky melodies are on full display in the songs (which he wrote and sang). It's hard to imagine the film without Elfman's style of writing and the fun arrangements/orchestrations. The score blends the Halloween and Christmas worlds and breathes life into the characters.
2. Jurassic Park (John Williams)
I'm drawn to the bombast and majesty that Williams can offer - and both are on display. He is able to expertly juggle the action and horror aspects of the island, but capture the awe and wonder of the dinosaurs. His main theme (and adventure theme) easily gets added to the list of his most famous works.
1. Schindler's List (John Williams)
Williams transports listeners with evocative violin solos performed by Itzhak Perlman. Often restrained and underscored, the score is known for its heartbreaking main theme, but there is more moving and dramatic moments outside of that. As the film garnered much praise and awards, it's no surprise Williams was honored for his contribution.
Honorable Mentions:
Addams Family Values (Marc Shaiman), Dave (James Newton Howard), The Firm (Dave Grusin), Hocus Pocus (John Debney), Indecent Proposal (John Barry), The Three Musketeers (Michael Kamen)
Any personal favorites of yours from 1993 that I didn't include?
0 Comments