If
you enjoy movies such as Braveheart (1995),
Titanic (1997), or Avatar (2009), then you likely are
familiar with and enjoy the music of composer James Horner (1953–2015).
Beginning
his music studies on piano as a child, Horner quickly jumped into the film
industry following college, working on scores for B movies. It wasn’t long
before he received a major opportunity, working with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. From there, he began to make a
true name for himself, working with major directors and film projects. Sadly,
Horner died in a plane crash in 2015.
Horner
is perhaps best known for “My Heart Will Go On,” made famous by Celine Dion and
the film Titanic staring Leonardo
DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Though remembered as a film composer, Horner dabbled
in orchestral works. One example was released in May 2015, just prior to his
passing. This piece was commissioned by Mari and Hakon Samuelsen, a famed
brother and sister duo. Horner titled the work Pas de Deux, as it is meant to depict the players “dancing”
together. Enjoy this lovely work below.
Join
me next time as we look at another famous film composer, Nino Rota.
