Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) was a Soviet/Russian composer who developed his own, easily recognisable polystylisticΒ technique used in his many symphonies and concertos. One of the most talented composers of the twentieth century, Schnittke also scored over seventy films, including Larisa Shepitko’s war masterpiece The Ascent (1976), Ilya Averbakh’s philosophical Faratyev’s Fantasies (1979), and Konstantin Lopushansky’s post-apocalyptic tour de force A Visitor to a MuseumΒ (1989). Declaration of Love is probably Schnittke’s most lyrical and nostalgic composition that featured in film The Story of Voyages (1983). The piece is deeply poignant, melancholic and romantic, and we can clearly discern Schnittke’s intention of always trying to convey much meaning through music, as well as the sense of an intimate, soulful, personal struggle.
Tag: Film Music
Remembering 9/11: Terence Blanchard’s Score
Today (11th September 2021) marks 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks which took the lives of 2.977 people (see also this article on people who died from cancer which was directly related to the tragedy). Given this important date, I thought I would pay tribute to all those who suffered and/or died in this tragedy, as well as to all those who fought bravely to save people in the aftermath, by sharing this powerful soundtrack composed by Terence Blanchard for Spike Lee’s film 25th Hour (2002). I consider this film, based on a book by David Benioff, to be the most significant 9/11 feature film. While it does not speak of the tragedy directly, it conveys movingly the 9/11 atmosphere just after the attacks and somehow manages to show collective and individual trauma caused by the tragedy, albeit indirectly and somewhat symbolically. The film contains resonating messages on loss, grief, isolation, confusion, anxiety, missed opportunities and responsibility.
Yann Tiersen: Comptine d’un autre Γ©tΓ©
After Yann Tiersen’s Rue des Cascades, I feel like sharing this quieter but no less beautiful composition by the French composer. Comptine d’un autre Γ©tΓ© forms part of the score for film Amelie [2001], and the piano arrangement/performance below is by Rousseau.
James Horner: Braveheart
American composer James Horner (1953 – 2015) would have been 67 today (he tragically died in a plane crash in 2015), so, by way of tribute, I thought I would share this beautiful musical composition of his for film Braveheart [1995], performed on the piano by Patrik Pietschmann.
Thoughts on Papyrus 