WDR Funkhausorchester
WDR Funkhausorchester is an orchestra in Cologne, Germany. They have some terrific videos, both of classical and soundtrack music. Frank Strobe is the current conductor. I’m not going to attempt to say anything about their classical pieces here today, but if you have a favourite classical piece they’ve probably played it. Here are their best […]
Unique versions of songs, part 2: soundtracks
Here are some more great videos of songs — this time it’s soundtrack music. I previously linked to the amazing Vinheteiro and the astonishing Ohio State University Marching Band. Klaus Badelt’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” performed by 2 cellos 2CELLOS Dick Burnett’s “Man of Constant Sorrow” (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) sung a cappella Home […]
Film Symphony Orchestra
There are lots of videos of orchestras playing soundtrack music, some of higher audio quality than others. There’s one orchestra that specializes in film music — it’s the Czech orchestra Film Symphony Orchestra. The director is Constantino Martinez-Orts. Unsurprisingly, they play lots of John Williams music. They do sometimes go overboard with lighting effects. Here […]
Best soundtracks by year
Here’s an updated version of this list. I have added soundtracks that I heard first in 2019. The big winner of 2019 is Randy Newman for his delightful Toy Story 4. Year Winner Runner Ups Honourable Mentions 2019 Toy Story 4 Avengers: Endgame Captain Marvel How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World […]
Best soundtracks by year
Here’s an updated version of this list. I have added soundtracks that I heard first in 2018. The big winner of 2018 is Lorne Balfe for his masterpiece Mission: Impossible — Fallout. Year Winner Runner Ups Honourable Mentions 2018 Mission: Impossible — Fallout Avengers: Infinity War Freaks Ocean’s Eight Soul Solo: […]
Best soundtracks by year
Here’s an updated version of this list. I decided to add some to the bottom of the list, going back to 1959. Many of the old soundtracks are from John Barry or Henry Mancini. Year Winner Runner Ups Honourable Mentions 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Justice League Blade Runner 2049 Pitch Perfect […]
KW Symphony’s “Live by Request”
I attended the KW Symphony’s concert “Live by Request: Music from the Stage & Screen.” Like the last time they did this, they allowed the audience to vote on songs on their cell phones. Here’s the program: Hooray for Hollywood — Williams Semper Fidelis March — Sousa from The Shape of Water, among other things […]
Best soundtracks by year
Here’s an updated version of this list, including soundtracks I discovered in 2017. The big winner for 2017 so far is John Williams for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. I didn’t spent quite as much time listening to soundtracks in 2017 as I had in the previous few years. Year Winner Runner Ups Honourable Mentions […]
Best soundtracks by year
Here’s an updated version of this list, including soundtracks I discovered in 2016. The big winner for 2016 so far is Michael Giacchino for Star Trek Beyond (who also composed the previous year’s Tomorrowland). My list doesn’t go this far back, but I also discovered John Barry’s theme for Zulu (1964) — it’s astonishing. These are […]
Movie composers worth listening to, part 8
This list continues from part 7. Jon Brion Brion is also a composer, producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist outside of movies. Upcoming work includes Wilson. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Peer Pressure Clint Eastwood You know Eastwood as an actor and director. He has also scored some of the films he’s directed. You may think […]