The Movie Music of James Newton Howard Tickets

Music

James Newton Howard is a legendary film composer known for his eclectic style and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. His work spans over four decades, during which he has scored more than 150 films, many of which have become classics.

One of the defining features of James Newton Howard's music is his use of classical music influences in his compositions. A classically trained pianist himself, Howard is known for incorporating classical elements, such as orchestral instruments and musical structures into his work.

In his soundtrack for the movie "The Hunger Games," Howard's classical sensibilities are evident in his use of sweeping orchestral arrangements and subtle string sections that add depth and emotional resonance to the story. The theme for Katniss, the movie's protagonist, is a beautiful piano piece that borrows heavily from minimalist classical music, using repetition and variation to create a sense of tension and anticipation.

Another example of Howard's classical music influences can be found in his score for 2004's "The Village." In this movie, Howard uses haunting choral pieces, evoking the sound of religious hymns, to create an eerie atmosphere that complements the film's twist ending. This use of choir vocals is also present in another Howard-composed film, 2013's "After Earth."

Howard's love for classical music extends beyond just using it as a tool in his work. In 2008, he composed an original piece for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, titled "I Would Plant a Tree," which was performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The piece showcases Howard's admiration for classical structures and instrumentation, as well as his ability to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional classical music.

Overall, the influence of classical music on James Newton Howard's film scores cannot be overstated. His unique blend of classical elements with contemporary sounds has made his work stand out in the crowded field of film composition, earning him recognition and acclaim from both fans and critics alike. From haunting choral pieces to minimalist piano melodies, Howard has shown that classical music can be a powerful tool in the film composer's arsenal.