Classically Speaking

“The music does need to stand on its own two feet.”
Hans Zimmer

I love movies. I get so lost in them. Music is such a big part of the film experience -- it is "the wings of a film."

When I had a chance to speak with Hans Zimmer, one of my favorite film composers, I was elated. His music is very distinctive and so deftly blended with the images that they become as one. That’s the mark of a great film composer.

Zimmer’s career is one the world’s most stellar. From The Lion King to Gladiator to his latest film with Ron Howard, Angels and Demons, Zimmer must be the busiest composer in Hollywood. I was a little intimidated talking with such a renowned composer, but Zimmer’s down-to-earth warmth and honest sense of humor made it fun for both of us.

Here’s part one of my interview, where Zimmer explains how he got his start and his unique process of working with a director.

Where does a composer get his texts if the score calls for it? For Angels and Demons, Zimmer takes an idea he used in Gladiator: make up your own, even if it’s not an actual language. Also, we learn what he meant by “men in skirts and sandals” and hilarious reason why the fanfare scenes in Gladiator were cut. 

I could not resist asking Zimmer about his work for Hannibal, the follow-up to Silence of the Lambs. The music is full of delightful textures and becomes a separate character at times. Zimmer shares his insights about director Ridley Scott and some behind-the-scenes stories that give us a rare glimpse into the filmmaking world.

The live album, The Wings of a Film, is a great overview of his work. The cut “Journey to the Line” is particularly powerful, showing some minimalism influence. His somewhat experimental approach to this piece raised the ire of a few musicians. Hear his funny and honest anecdote about the performance of the piece. 

Got a spare fiddle?

I’m always excited to hear about people enthusiastic about learning and experiencing music, especially classical music. As we’ve written about before, classical music is not just for the rich, the old, or any other narrowly defined group. It’s best when music can be shared by everyone. 

But not everyone who wants to learn to play music has the resources to afford an instrument. In Kanawha County, music teachers are looking for instruments, or money to purchase instruments for students in a new string program.

There are kids who want to learn music; I hope we can come together to help them do so. Here's their flyer and the letter they sent with more information.

Dear Friends,

The String Programs in Kanawha County Schools, a joint effort of the West Virginia Symphony and the School Board, are bringing tremendous opportunities to young people in our area. Lessons on instruments are offered for free during school hours. There are now 17 elementary schools participating. 

One of the newest participants, Piedmont Elementary, has had an incredibly enthusiastic response: 20 violinists, 8 violists, 6 cellists, and 3 basses signed up, but only 3 of these indicated they have the means to supply their own instruments. It would be such a shame to see any of them turned away because instruments could not be found.
 
Please help us if you can, or pass on our “WANTED” poster to anyone you think may be able to help. 

Contact Andrea Di Gregorio at 304-346-1908 or abdigregorio@gmail.com if you have an instrument or want more information.

Sincerely Yours,
Sandra Groce, president Piedmont PTO and Principal Viola, WVSO

Related:

* The Case for Classical Music 

* Passions of the Young and Old