Film Music Fridays - Video

In this episode, Justin talks about two scenes featuring John Debney’s wonderful score to Jon Favreau’s 2003 adventure comedy film, Elf starring Will Ferrell.

In this episode, Justin talks about two scenes featuring Bruce Broughton’s great score to Les Mayfield’s 1994 remake to the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street! Watch the full episode for FREE on CineConcerts +PLUS!

In this special Halloween episode of Film Music Fridays, Justin breaks down Henry Manfredini’s chilling and fun score to the 1980 cult classic Friday the 13th, directed by Sean S. Cunningham. Harry Manfredini is an American film composer and jazz soloist, who has scored more than one hundred films. He has had years of classical training, as well as twenty years in the popular music scene.

In episode 42 Justin talks about two scenes featuring Jerry Goldsmith’s epic score to Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 sci-fi thriller film, Total Recall starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Happy #FilmMusicFriday! In this episode, Justin talks about two distinct scenes featuring Brad Fiedel’s explosive and dynamic score to James Cameron’s 1994 action comedy film, True Lies starring the great Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Happy #FilmMusicFriday! Today we celebrate one of the best #TB 90’s films ever made, ‘The Fifth Element’ composed by Eric Serra. Within this incredible scene performed by the great Diva Plavalaguna, Serra mixed ‘The Diva Dance’ with Gaetano Donizetti’s original aria ‘Il dolce suono’ from Act III scene 2 from ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’. It is a beautiful, melodic (and fun) mix between the original operatic structure leading to an awesome pop twist. QUESTION: Can you find the moment when the cues change?

It’s #FilmMusicFridays – our favorite day of the week. In this episode, Justin talks about two incredible scenes featuring Bruce Broughton‘s epic score to the 1993 western film Tombstone, directed by George Cosmatos starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. One interesting fact is the album begins with the Cinergi logo, composed by Jerry Goldsmith and conducted by Broughton! You will not want to miss this one.

In another #StayHomeStaySafe special, Justin Freer talks about Thomas Newman’s Academy Award-nominated score to 1917, a British war film directed, co-written, and produced by Sam Mendes. 

CineConcerts President & Producer Justin Freer discusses Jerry Goldsmith’s truly remarkable score to Chinatown, in another special #StayHomeStaySafe episode of Film Music Fridays.

In today’s special pre-Fourth of July #StayHomeStaySafe special, Justin Freer talks about John Williams’ epic and unforgettable score to one of the best films of all time – Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, directed by Stephen Spielberg in 1981. Looking at two distinct scenes in the film, Justin dissects some interesting facts about the music, in addition to a fun tidbit about the trumpet player who is very prominent in each cue.

In our pre-Father’s Day #StayHomeStaySafe #FilmMusicFridays episode, Justin Freer talks about two scenes from Alan Silvestri’s fun and emotional score to Charles Shyer’s 1991 American comedy, Father of the Bride. What movie will you be watching or recommending to your dad this weekned? 

Justin concludes the Lord of the rings movies with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film), with its epic score composed by the great Howard Shore Composer. Did you know there are similarities between Mahler & Shore’s incredible music in the film? Watch the episode to listen & find out more!

CineConcerts President & Producer Justin Freer discusses Howard Shore’s second epic score to The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

In our newest episode as we #StayHomeStaySafe, CineConcerts President & Producer Justin Freer talks about Howard Shore’s massive, epic, and incredible score to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson in 2001, based on the first volume of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

In this #StayHomeStaySafe episode, Justin goes in-depth into two scenes from the film, and discusses Benjamin Wallfisch’s incredible score. Tune in!

In our newest episode in celebration of National Film Score Day, CineConcerts President & Producer Justin Freer talks about Alfred Newman’s fun and jazzy score to the 1970 American air disaster-drama film, Airport, directed and written by George Seaton. Alfred Newman, considered to be one of the most prolific composers in movie history, won nine Academy Awards® and was nominated 45 times. He is perfect to explore for one of our favorite national holidays!

In this episode, Justin breaks down the importance of Film Music Fridays, and Horner’s epic Academy-Award winning score.

Justin Freer discusses A.R. Rahman’s emotional and poignant score to Slumdog Millionaire.

Justin Freer discusses Bernard Herrmann’s incredibly colorful score to The Day The Earth Stood Still

Justin Freer discusses Maurice Jarre’s incredible score to the epic 1965 romantic drama film Dr. Zhivago, directed by the great David Lean.

Justin talks about Angelo Badalamenti’s festive, fun, and unforgettable score to the 1989 American Christmas comedy film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Considered by many to be an iconic and modern Christmas classic, it is also considered to be the most memorable of the Vacation series.

Justin discusses Carl Zittrer & Paul Zaza’s fun, emotional, and timeless score to the 1983 American Christmas comedy cult-hit, A Christmas Story.

Justin discusses Patrick Doyle’s intensely melodic and emotional score to one of the best American crime drama films ever made: Donnie Brasco.

Justin discusses maestro Ennio Morricone’s dynamic, jazzy and complex score to Brian De Palma’s 1987 American gangster film, The Untouchables.

In this week’s episode, Justin discusses “Triple Threat” John Carpenter and his incredible score to the iconic 1978 slasher film, Halloween.

In this week’s episode, Justin discusses Christopher Young’s unique versatility as a composer, blending beautiful melodic motifs with experimental textures in Sam Raimi’s 2009 supernatural horror film, Drag Me to Hell.

In this week’s episode, Justin talks about John Powell’s uniquely melodic and distinct score for Paul Greengrass’ The Bourne Ultimatum, specifically with a theme performed on the bassoon.

In this week’s episode, Justin talks about Harry Gregson-Williams’ incredibly dynamic score that combines electronic, orchestral, and ethnic themes for Tony Scott’s 2001 American spy film starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. After watching this episode, one will gain an appreciation for the wide range of composing styles Gregson-Williams applies not only to this film, but his entire repertoire.

Justin talks about Dave Grusin’s piano-driven score to Sydney Pollack’s 1993 crime thriller, The Firm. The film earned two Academy Award nominations, one being Best Original Score.

Justin talks about Alan Silvestri’s Oscar-nominated beautiful and timeless score to Robert Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump, which won six Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Justin talks about Randy Newman’s epic and unforgettable score to one of the most iconic baseball films of all time – The Natural. Directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert Redford, the 1984 sports film was nominated for four Academy Awards and one Golden Globe Award.

Justin talks about James Newton Howard’s dynamic, fun, and jazzy score to one of the most riveting thrillers of the early 90’s – The Fugitive. Directed by Andrew Davis, the 1993 American action thriller film was a major success, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Justin talks about David Arnold’s emotional, fun, and Grammy-winning epic score to Roland Emmerich’s 1996 American science fiction action film, in their second collaboration after Stargate.

Justin talks about Wendy Carlos’ eerie and haunting synth score to the Kubrick masterpiece, The Shining, which would be the second collaboration between Kubrick/Carlos. How does the use of this synth create a sense of dread? How would that compare to a melodic and symphonic theme in one of the most iconic scenes in the film? Watch the episode to find out and watch the scene!

Justin talks about Bill Conti’s Academy-Award winning score to Philip Kaufman’s epic historical drama, The Right Stuff, and how Conti’s specific use of synth and SFX really captured the tension and ultimate freedom of Chuck Yeager’s unforgettable flight in the Bell X-1 that broke the sound barrier. The Right Stuff would receive eight Oscar nominations at the 56th Academy Awards, four of which it won including Best Original Score!

Justin talks about Basil Poledouris’ epic score to Verhoeven’s satirical military science fiction action film – specifically about the opening scene which contains a unique blend of a military march with a hint of comedy. This would be incredibly unique to the satirical dark humor present throughout the film.

Justin talks about John Barry’s very memorable and iconic score to You Only Live Twice, the 1967 Bond film starring Sean Connery. This would be the fourth 007 film Barry scored in the franchise. Justin talks about a specific scene in the film which contains a very distinct style of composition by Barry that gives it a sense of weight and sighs through big brass chords and melodies with minor ninths that were distinct to Barry’s composing style.

Justin talks about the specific elements of Elman’s score that make it incredibly fun, unique, and how it would ultimately lay the foundation for the Elfman/Burton collaboration over the next three decades. Elfman has continued to define himself as one of the true masters of the film scoring craft, and has left a legacy of great music not only from his time as the frontman of Oingo Boingo, but in the overarching cinematic universe.

Justin discusses what makes Newman so unique as one of the most prolific American film composers today, and how he uniquely composes beautiful themes over a very emotional and intense scene with dialogue. Coming from a very long line of famous film composers within the Newman family, Thomas Newman is one of the most creative and unique composers working in the industry today, and Meet Joe Black is considered to be one of his finest scores.

Justin talks about The Ten Commandments, the 1956 epic drama film produced, directed, and narrated by Cecil B. DeMille with its legendary film score composed and conducted by Elmer Bernstein. Justin dives into the instrumentation and specific instruments used in the score, in addition to talking about specific nuances heard in the scene when Moses (Charlton Heston) crosses the desert alone.

Justin talks about City Slickers, the 1991 western comedy directed by Ron Underwood with music by the legendary Marc Shaiman, and the moment when he was inspired to utilize a specific genre of music in a scene that still needed music – a moment in the film that turned out timeless, fun, and musically unforgettable. Marc continues to be one of the most talented composers out there today, and this example is one small element of his creative repertoire. As always, in the film clip mentioned above, we have carefully edited out the SFX to focus on the score, interweaving sound effects where appropriate. Enjoy, and see you next time!

In this week’s Episode, Justin talks about an intriguing study of character and its relationship to music in one of director John Huston’s most iconic films – The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), with music composed by Max Steiner. Both Huston and Steiner were masters at capturing the important moments and thoughts that defined each character on-screen, and Justin breaks down how exactly this unfolds and is presented musically. As always, in the film clip mentioned above, we have carefully edited out the SFX to focus on the score, interweaving sound effects where appropriate.

Justin talks about one of the most iconic films and scores ever made – Ron Howard’s Willow (1988), with music composed by the late James Horner. From Shakuhachi flutes, guitars, and various thematic elements, Justin breaks down a specific scene and talks about what makes it musically and thematically important, while bringing back a bit of 80’s nostalgia! In the actual film clip mentioned above, we have carefully edited out the SFX to focus on the score, interweaving sound effects where appropriate. Enjoy!

In this week’s Episode, Justin breaks down the versatility and genius behind one of Debney’s most timeless scores during the opening credits. From the brass, vocals, violins, and woodwinds, this beautiful cue is something not to be missed. In the actual film clip mentioned above, we have carefully edited out the SFX to focus on the score, interweaving sound effects where appropriate. Enjoy! Academy Award nominated John Debney is considered one of the most prolific and successful composers in Hollywood. Debney has always combined his classical training and strong knowledge of contemporary sounds to easily adapt to anything put in front of him.

Welcome to the first episode of Film Music Fridays, narrated by CineConcerts President & Producer (& conductor) Justin Freer! These bi-weekly videos will be part educational, fun, and shed some light as to why we believe film music, and its corresponding relationship to the moving image, is one of the most unique and inspiring music genres in our history. Some of you may not know that Justin himself studied under the iconic score composer Jerry Goldsmith, and since we have Rudy in Concert (again featuring another iconic Goldsmith score) coming up at Microsoft Theater on March 30th, we felt it only appropriate to have his music discussed on our very first episode. In this episode, Justin talks about his favorite scene from the film Patton (1970), and how Jerry’s compositional elements permeate the General’s character and his belief in reincarnation.