Ticket Stub's new Top Ten lists my favourite film composers of all time. Music is vitally important in films. It is the underlying track that immediately creates an atmosphere of tension, romance, comedy or drama.
I began on Twitter by asking you who is your fave composer of all time.
BBC Sound of Cinema's Neil Brand offered his suggestion:
Do you agree? Who is your most-loved composer? What is their best work?
Let me know in the comments below or tweet @TicketStubBlog.
1. Alan Menken
Menken has penned some of the best-loved scores to these Disney childhood classics: The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Enchanted (2007) and Tangled (2010).
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Menken has penned some of the best-loved scores to these Disney childhood classics: The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Enchanted (2007) and Tangled (2010).
He has collaborated with various lyricists including Stephen Schwartz for Pocahontas (1995), and Howard Ashman for Beauty and the Beast (1991). These are my two favourite Disney soundtracks - particularly the instrumental score for Pocahontas:
Another outstanding Menken soundtrack, with lyrics by Ashman, is the horror musical Little Shop of Horrors (1986). Check out Feed Me sung by the man eating plant Audrey II:
He has won 8 Oscars for his songs and scores. Find out more about the legendary composer below:
2. Hans Zimmer
Hans Zimmer brings an epicness to Hollywood movies with his mighty scores. Blockbusters such as Inception (2010), The Dark Knight (2008) and Gladiator (2000) are just some of the huge scale films Zimmer has worked on. His first project though, was on Rain Main (1988) which earned him his first Oscar nomination.
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His score for The Lion King (1994) won him his first Academy Award, along with a Golden Globe and 2 Grammys. Most recently, Zimmer composed the critically acclaimed film by Steve McQueen: 12 Years a Slave (2013). Zimmer also took over from colleague Klaus Badelt to compose the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, carrying on the brilliant themes he helped introduce in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
Here is one of the composer's most celebrated works: Time from Inception.
3. Danny Elfman
Often collaborating with director Tim Burton, Danny Elfman has scored a huge variety of films throughout his career. Most adored though is his soundtrack to Edward Scissorhands (1994).
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As well as these family favourites, Elfman has scored Good Will Hunting (1997), Milk (2008) and, most recently, American Hustle (2013).
Did you know? Elfman also composed the theme tune to The Simpsons.
He is currently writing the music for Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).
A large variety of work indeed - from the quirky to the raunchy!
4. Howard Shore
The Lord of the Rings trilogy soundtracks are my favourite classical scores of all time.
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From the Hobbits in the Shire to the Elves at Rivendell and the evil Orcs in Mordor, the themes are magical, mesmerising and menacing - capturing everything that Middle Earth represents.
Howard Shore has won three Academy Awards for his music. He has composed an array of films, including The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Seven (1995), Ed Wood (1994), The Aviator (2004) and Doubt (2008).
Shore is set to compose the score for Sinatra (2015/6) which is to be directed by Martin Scorsese.
Howard Shore has won three Academy Awards for his music. He has composed an array of films, including The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Seven (1995), Ed Wood (1994), The Aviator (2004) and Doubt (2008).
Shore is set to compose the score for Sinatra (2015/6) which is to be directed by Martin Scorsese.
5. James Horner
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The love theme from Titanic (1997) is certainly what James Horner is most recognised for. The entire soundtrack is particularly clever with balancing the love story between Jack and Rose whilst maintaining the increasing tension and impending danger for all the characters on the doomed ship. I adore the simple love theme played on the piano in the infamous naked drawing sequence. It is raw, romantic and honest, matching the portrayal of Jack and Rose's relationship. Plus, no one wants to hear that Celine Dion version - this is miles better:
Horner has composed for more big blockbusters including: Braveheart (1995), Apollo 13 (1995), Avatar (2009), with the most recent being The Amazing Spiderman (2012).
Horner has composed for more big blockbusters including: Braveheart (1995), Apollo 13 (1995), Avatar (2009), with the most recent being The Amazing Spiderman (2012).
6. Bernard Herrmann
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Bernard Herrmann is most well known for his remarkable score in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho. Nothing had ever been heard like this before. Herrmann only used stringed instruments, mainly due to budgeting reasons. Hitchcock originally wanted the film to have a jazz score - can you imagine how different Psycho could have sounded?!
The infamous shower scene is a brilliant example in showing how the soundtrack mirrors the action on screen perfectly. As the murder takes place, the screeching staccato strings stab us in the ears with a piercing harsh sound, whilst we are forced to watch Marion being horrifically stabbed to death.
The infamous shower scene is a brilliant example in showing how the soundtrack mirrors the action on screen perfectly. As the murder takes place, the screeching staccato strings stab us in the ears with a piercing harsh sound, whilst we are forced to watch Marion being horrifically stabbed to death.
Herrmann collaborated with Hitchcock on various classics such as Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959) and The Birds (1963). His work can also be heard in Citizen Kane (1941) and Taxi Driver (1976).
7. Thomas Newman
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Another top composer on the list. Thomas Newman has written many beautiful scores for a huge scope of successful films. He is best known for creating the themes and scores to Finding Nemo (2003) and American Beauty (1999):
Newman's title theme from Finding Nemo:
His resume is very impressive, having composed for: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999), Wall-E (2008), Revolutionary Road (2008), Skyfall (2012), The Iron Lady (2011), The Help (2011) and Saving Mr Banks (2013).
Newman will compose the Finding Nemo sequel, Finding Dory (2016).
Newman's title theme from Finding Nemo:
His resume is very impressive, having composed for: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999), Wall-E (2008), Revolutionary Road (2008), Skyfall (2012), The Iron Lady (2011), The Help (2011) and Saving Mr Banks (2013).
Newman will compose the Finding Nemo sequel, Finding Dory (2016).
8. John Barry
John Barry will forever be remembered for his work on the James Bond movies from 1962 to 1987. Starting with Dr. No (1962), Barry arranged the Bond theme we all know and love. Though it was Monty Norman who actually composed the piece of music.
Here is the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2011 performing the theme by Norman, arranged by Barry:
Writing the music on Dr. No however, created the distinctive Bond sound - especially with soundtracks and title songs to Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). It is Barry who created the style we all associate with 007.
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Here is the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2011 performing the theme by Norman, arranged by Barry:
Writing the music on Dr. No however, created the distinctive Bond sound - especially with soundtracks and title songs to Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). It is Barry who created the style we all associate with 007.
Born Free (1966) was another success for Barry. He not only won two Academy Awards, but won the hearts of audiences across the world with the title song. As well as all this, he wrote the music for Midnight Cowboy (1969), Dances with Wolves (1990), and Out of Africa (1985).
9. Randy Newman
Nearing the end of the Top Ten, and another much loved Disney composer. Randy Newman has created many heart warming moments - particularly for his songs in the Toy Story trilogy. One that immediately springs to mind is When She Loved Me sung by Jessie in Toy Story 2 (1999).
The final film of the trilogy has a beautiful score, especially at the end as Andy finally says goodbye to his childhood toys. So Long certainly brings a tear to my eye:
Randy is the cousin of Thomas Newman and both obviously have a great time composing for Disney Pixar. Randy has now composed 7 feature films with the company: Toy Story (1995), A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Monsters Inc. (2001), Cars (2006), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Monsters University (2013). No doubt he will compose with the team again soon.
9. Randy Newman
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The final film of the trilogy has a beautiful score, especially at the end as Andy finally says goodbye to his childhood toys. So Long certainly brings a tear to my eye:
Randy is the cousin of Thomas Newman and both obviously have a great time composing for Disney Pixar. Randy has now composed 7 feature films with the company: Toy Story (1995), A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Monsters Inc. (2001), Cars (2006), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Monsters University (2013). No doubt he will compose with the team again soon.
10. John Williams
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How could you have a list without this musical genius? John Williams has composed the most iconic soundtracks of all time. The extraordinary themes from Star Wars, Jaws (1975), Superman (1978), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Indiana Jones have made John Williams a household name. He is arguably the greatest film composer of all time.
Collaborating most often with Steven Spielberg, Williams has composed scores to Jurassic Park (1993), Schindler's List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), War Horse (2011) and Lincoln (2012).
Did you know? Williams composed the enchanting theme to Harry Potter too (Hedwig's Theme).
The man is a composing wizard!
Do you agree with my Top Ten list?
Did you know? Williams composed the enchanting theme to Harry Potter too (Hedwig's Theme).
The man is a composing wizard!
Do you agree with my Top Ten list?
Which composers would be on your Top Ten?
Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions.
You could be featured in the next post.
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