James Horner (composer) thread (UPDATE: James Horner killed in plane crash - RIP)*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Horner

http://www.filmtracks.com/composers/horner.shtml

I didn't want to make this an appreciation thread because I know he's somewhat controversial for re-using his own previous themes in his own material, but I've always liked a lot of his work.

My favorite scores of his (all of which I think are excellent) are:

An American Tail (simply a wonderful, moving score- one of the finest scores for a children's movie)
The Land Before Time (ditto).
Willow
The Rocketeer
The Pagemaster
Casper (very under-rated and unfairly ignored)
Titanic/Back To Titanic
The Mask Of Zorro
The Legend Of Zorro
Avatar

 

Besides controversial for his rip-off from classical works.

 

Add Gorky Park to that list

 

I prefer the early Horner scores such as: WOLFEN, STAR TREK II, KRULL, BRAINSTORM and UNCOMMON VALOR.

Of more recent (1990s!) scores, I find SNEAKERS and APOLLO 13 particularly enjoyable. The latter probably more for the subject matter of the film.

 

Loved his work on Aliens.

Hard to forgive him for that dreadfully tacky Titanic Celine Dion-sung torturous tune.

 

Not one of my favorite composers but 'Dedication and Windsong' from the Mighty Joe Young soundtrack is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've heard. The way the African voices are blended with the orchestration is just wonderful.

 

Horner used to be one of my favorites, before I ran into his habit of self-repeating music from score to score. I still dearly love Star Trek II and III, Glory, Krull, Titanic and A Beautiful Mind.

I enjoy his 80s sound more than anything newer - just too slow for me.

 

Why would you blame him for that?

 

Dear God let's hope this isn't true:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ner-presumed-dead-California-plane-crash.html

 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/titanics-james-horner-plane-crashes-804339

This appears to be terrible news. James Horner, composer of film scores to Titanic, Apollo 13, Braveheart and other films is missing and feared killed. A plane registered to him crashed and the pilot was killed, but the victim's identity is unconfirmed. He is the creator of some beautiful and memorable music. I hope this in not true but it is not looking good.

 

There aren't many composers I know by name, but his is one. Among the films already listed, I'll throw in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. A brilliant score! I hope he's OK.

 

Sad news. Loved his Star Trek scores.

 

WTF! that's horrible...he is one of my favorite composers! I hope he survived...

 

I love the score he composed for The Land Before Time. This news is so sad.

 

Me too. Very sad news.

 

Confirmed by Variety. Horner died in the plane crash.

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/james-horner-dead-1201525804/

 

Yeah, this is really really sad. A talented composer who brought quality to a number of films.

 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-horner-dead-titanic-composer-804365

Plane crash. I was just listening to The Sinking and Hymn to the Sea not an hour ago. A magnificent composer who will be truly missed.

RIP, Mr. Horner.

Mods - I apologize if this is not the proper forum for this type of post. Feel free to move if need be.

 

Just made a separate thread. Darn.

Mods - delete my other thread if need be.

RIP Mr. Horner

 

Very sad news. He was a really prolific composer, and some of his work was terrific. Although I know some critics charged that Horner's work was sometimes derivative, I thought much of what he did was very effective in his own way. I particularly enjoyed his scores for THE ROCKETEER, TITANIC, and AVATAR, which were really evocative and emotional.

 

RIP

 

Wow. A loss of a great talent.....
RIP

 

R.I.P. James

Just watched some of STII:TWOK last night...

 

His output was staggering. So impressive. From childhood favourites like "An American Tail" and "Land Before Time" to adventure films like "Willow" to sweeping epics like "Braveheart" and "Titanic" to action ("Commando", "Aliens"). He also scored one of my favourite but underrated films, "In Country".

A major loss to the world of film.

 

Terrible news.

RIP