JAMES HORNER

I assumed Wyatt was being ironic in some way?

Well let's calm down and spare the man's life now, shall we? If he enjoys the score, where's the problem? It's not like it's "IRON MAN" or anything, it's just Horner doing what he always does; big woop.

Who's not calm, Mr. Melodramatic?

Around 70 scores total.

Read Erik's post and my reply to Erik's post to see why, in some ways, we envy you!

I can assure you that 'that feeling' is NOT lost for all the people who have heard hundreds and hundreds of scores either so no worries mate, keep digging into more and more wonderful music; there's lots of it, always, no matter what

Well, let's not mince words here D. Erik is simply saying (and me agreeing) that something about being a collector is lost when you have such a large collection. Of course what you gain, in the end, is a different kind of magic; a wider knowledge and appreciation of music and its composers.


These would be some great scores of Williams, Goldsmith and Horner to explore if you haven't heard much by them, chosen to show the composers' differing styles and versatility:

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind - John Williams
The Empire Strikes Back - John Williams
Schindler's List - John Williams

Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan - James Horner
Braveheart - James Horner
The Perfect Storm - James Horner

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Jerry Goldsmith
Under Fire - Jerry Goldsmith
Mulan - Jerry Goldsmith

(My personal rating of each would go 5 stars, 5 stars, 5 stars, 4.5 stars, 5 stars, 4.5 stars, 5 stars, 5 stars, 4.5 stars respectfully.)

....but there's so many to choose from!

Also, I would add that being on a forum like this is a kind of "learning curve" in the world of film music. You've already learnt that Horner is infamous for copying himself!

Not that I'm saying you are, but before and even during much of the time I began posting on Scorereviews, I was a complete NOOB to film music. I'm so glad and appreciative about the great deal of things I've learnt by being on this forum[s], glad that it has opened my eyes and ears to music and scores I would otherwise ignore.

"p.s. When Horner is brilliant, He's seriously BRILLIANT!"

Agreed. When he is being brilliant there are not many other composers that can top that brilliance (except Goldsmith and somewhat lesser for me...Williams)... but that's my opinion. I totally dig Horner style when he is going strong. (Krull being my all time favorite) and I have quite a collection... 500 or so OST's.

Wyatt, Get Horner's Willow for a taste of fantastic fantasy music and Legends of the Fall for a journey through your emotional self.

As for getting into Goldsmith, there is so much brilliant stuff he wrote, even until the very end he could come up with the most incredible scores. Star Trek The Motion Picture is good choice, but definitely get First Knight as well.

Let's not get into Williams here, there wouldn't be enough space on the internet left.

Maybe we should start a topic called 'Your recommendations for newbies' so we can introduce them gently in the wonderful world of film music.

A big difference between 'then' andf 'now' is that going into a record shop I would find a paltry selection of about 20 original soundtracks 'then'. I wouldn't want to go back at all, the innocent aspect made it a great and exciting adventure of discovery but it was all few and far between. Having internet access opens up limitless possibilities and despite being a 'long in the tooth' film music fan I'm still learning and discovering stuff all the time, often thanks to people here at this very board including yourself Steven.

My recommendations for Horner scores to someone without too many would have to start with Glory--a score that have gotten little to no attention in this thread. I LOVE this score. It's my favorite score. Braveheart is also excellent. I like The Perfect Storm, but every time it starts getting good this blatant electric guitar comes in and just makes the whole thing seem a bit corny. Legends of the Fall is epic. The Zorro scores are TONS of fun (Legend more so). And if you want some low key beauty, check out The Spitfire Grill.

Compilations are great, Eric. I really like The Omen: Essential Jerry Goldsmith album. It's really cheap on Amazon, too. I've heard that Silva's similar collection for Horner isn't as good.

Exactly what I said: GENTLY

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for taking the time to write out some recommendations for me; I'll get around to hearing them eventually, but there are quite a few, so it may take awhile.

I think Erik had the best idea though if you're not too familiar with many of X composer's works. The Goldsmith compilations suggested are excellent!