Hooray for Hollywood!

November 4, 2023
Numerica Performing Arts Center

Enjoy your favorite movie soundtracks as we celebrate Hollywood’s greatest composers. From the jazzy sounds of John Williams’ Escapades from Catch Me If You Can, to Hans Zimmer’s electronic Time from Inception, to Michael Giacchino’s whimsical music from Up, or Justin Huswitz’ movie musical style for La La Land - great movies are accompanied by great music. On the other hand, some movies have used works by traditional classical composers as aural backdrops including: Richard Wagner, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Pietro Masacagni. Join us for some great fun!

Nik’s Notes

Watch this video showing the Throne Room scene from Stars Wars: Episode IV - but without John Williams’ soundtrack. As ludicrous as this appears, it’s an important reminder how critical music is to the overall impression of a film. Direction, screenplay, script, actors, costumes, sets - all critical departments in the success of a movie. But, the soundtrack can conjure images and feelings even without the visuals. Movie soundtracks are now so popular that excerpts now appear on audition lists for top professional orchestras. For example, John Williams’ Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter is now a regular entry on second violin auditions. 

Program

  • Alfred Newman • 20th Century Fox Fanfare (1933)

  • Hans Zimmer (arr. Kevin Riley) • Time from Inception (2010)

  • Michael Giacchino • Music From Up (2009)

  • John Williams • Escapades (from Catch Me If You Can) (2002)

  • Justin Hurwitz • Music from La La Land (2016) - featuring guest artist Kendra Wheeler

  • Richard Wagner (arr. Sheffer) • Ride of the Valkyries (Apocalypse Now, 1979)

  • Pietro Mascagni • Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (Raging Bull, 1980)

  • Richard Strauss • Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001: Space Odyssey 1968)

  • Ludwig van Beethoven • Symphony No. 7, II. Allegretto (The King's Speech 2010)

  • Scott Bradley (1891-1977), Tom and Jerry at MGM (1940-67 Nominated 13 times, won 7 Oscar)

Learn more about Kendra Wheeler

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) (Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss)

Tom and Jerry (Berlin Philharmonic)

Another Day of Sun (from La La Land)