This year’s Academy Awards will be the first without prolific composer James Horner since his first nomination in 1987. Before his tragically premature death last June, Horner created some of the film industry’s most iconic and brilliant suites, from the mournful ballads of Titanic to the sweeping melodies of Braveheart. He made films memorable and original scores unforgettable. Plus, the man knew how to work a pennywhistle.
Horner’s death came far too soon, and his loss will be mourned at the Oscars this year by music lovers, film aficionados, and all people who have ever enjoyed a good tune. His name will be remembered beside the great ones: Williams, Zimmer, Shore, Silvestri. His songs will be hummed in the car and sung in the shower, enduring as strongly as Beethoven’s sonatas. We’ll all cry a little bit harder when Rose tells Jack that she’ll never let go.
In memory of Horner’s life, career, and genius, let’s take a look back at 5 of his most iconic pieces:
The Ludlows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BSNU2ZLyKM
Lush and expansive, this tune from Legends of the Fall will instantly transport you to the plains of Montana.
The Launch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Cjisi_BDA
This piece of the thrilling Apollo 13 soundtrack has a sense of regality and discovery.
Becoming One of the People-Becoming One with Neytiri:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yR3jP_OxUU
Granted, the entirety of the Avatar soundtrack is magical, but the beat and pure voice accompanying this piece are guaranteed to inspire wonder.
For the Love of a Princess:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk8323r577w
Braveheart illustrates Horner’s excellence in incorporating Celtic influence into his music. “For the Love of a Princess” is simply moving. (If only Mel Gibson wasn’t a bigot…)
Hymn to the Sea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wz1xA5kxVI
Get ready for tears. The purity of the vocals, the pennywhistle, the bagpipes; this piece has it all. It is mournful and tragic, illustrative and heart-wrenching, and, above all, simply emotive.
The film industry has been changed forever by the brilliant mind of James Horner. Let’s give him one last hurrah with this classic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKpk2F8YBU
Thanks for everything.