James Horner Tribute Concert (2024)

JAMES HORNER TRIBUTE CONCERT
Music composed by James Horner
Conducted by Dirk Brosse
Performed by the Brussels Philharmonic
Featured vocalist on A BEAUTIFUL MIND and TITANIC: Charlotte Campion
Featured sax player on SNEAKERS: Hendrik Pellens
“Ride of the Firemares” and “Samuel’s Death” arranged by Nikiforos Chrysoloras
October 17, 2024
Muziekcentrum De Bijloke
Gent, Belgium

PART 1: THE COMING OF KRULL

Ride of the Firemares.

RIDE OF THE FIREMARES.

RIDE OF THE FU#KING FIREMARES!!!!

Who would have thought that this legendary piece from James Horner’s oeuvre would ever be performed live in concert?

Well, it was last night at the James Horner Tribute Concert in Gent, Belgium and it was SPECTACULAR.

But more on that later.

PART 2: THE DAY THE FANS FELL SILENT

I just cannot proceed with this report without first providing some background on the significance of this momentous concert.

When news filtered through in late June, 2015 that legendary composer James Horner had suddenly and tragically passed away in an airplane accident, the news hit many of us like a ton of bricks.

As many in the film and film music community fell silent with grief, we came to the realization that no more would we hear any new and soaring Horner melodies.  No more would we get any perfectly constructed and lengthy end title credit music.  And no more would we be able to enjoy his recent resurgence in output and public appearances.

PART 3: A JAMES HORNER TRIBUTE

Just under ten years later, here we are in Gent, Belgium for a most special James Horner Tribute Concert as part of this year’s World Soundtrack Awards.

Played without intermission, we were treated to about ninety minutes of Horner’s best and most beloved hits under the commanding baton of Dirk Brosse and the Brussels Philharmonic.

Each piece was performed to clips from each film with a special on-stage mini interview with Simon Franglen – longtime friend and collaborator of Horner – who had curated the program for the night.

Speaking of the program, feast your eyes on this:

From what I could see and hear, there were no choirs, synths or exotic instruments except for two twirly tubes used during the opening and closing parts of the STAR TREK II piece.

PART 4: OPENING THE CONCERT

The evening kicked off with a short overview of Horner and his career from the night’s host, Carlo Siau.  This was followed by a short video showcasing Horner’s huge body of work.

Siau then indicated that Horner’s widow, Sara Horner, was in attendance and she was given a large bouquet of flowers as the audience showed their appreciation and respect with a large round of applause.

And with that, the concert program began.

PART 5: THE MUSIC

THE ROCKETEER
“End Credits”

What a way to start the concert!

Opening with that familiar twinkling effect, the instantly recognizable piano melody then appeared and I just couldn’t stop smiling – I couldn’t believe I was hearing this live!

Despite some minor performance issues with the brass, it was an excellent piece that was heroic, soaring, and above all, deeply thrilling especially during the buildup to the climax. 

ALIENS
“Suite for Orchestra #1 – Main Title & Ripley’s Rescue”

This suite was right on the money.

(and, if I’m not mistaken, identical to the re-recorded suite from ALIENS on COLLAGE: THE LAST WORK)

It started very tense with strings softly screeching as that famous snare drum figure appears.  It then segued into that theme inspired by Khachaturian’s Gayane Ballet Suite on strings.

The rest of the piece was performed to perfection, highlighting how important and perfect Horner’s score was for the film.

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
“Main Title”

Opening with a virtuosic performance of twirly tubes (😊) to create an other-worldly sound, the iconic STAR TREK theme then appeared on trumpets for a rapturous performance.

To these ears there was a slight difference in the phrasing of Horner’s theme.  I don’t have a music background, so you’ll have to pardon my rather primitive description, but it sounded like the 7^th note in the main musical phrase was shorter – listen to the original from 0:47 to 0:50 in the video below:

The difference was noticeable because I’m so familiar with the original recording.

In any case, it was a fantastic performance that again ended with those amazing twirly tubes!!

AVATAR
“Suite”

Despite missing the chorus, synths and native wind instruments, it was still a privilege to hear Horner’s glorious themes performed live.

The percussion section was doing overtime on this suite, giving the war music an appropriately powerful militaristic sound.

A BEAUTIFUL MIND
“All Love Can Be”

While “A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics” was listed on the program, we were instead treated to a stunning performance of the vocal, “All Love Can Be.”

Vocalist Charlotte Campion absolutely nailed it with her slightly different, but gorgeous take on the theme.  Her version was less precise and clinical than the original studio recording – Campion’s performance sounded looser, had more room to breathe, and just felt more emotional.  I honestly preferred Campion’s version to the original!

BRAVEHEART
“For the Love of a Princess”

A fabulous performance of one of Horner’s best romantic themes – of which there are many!  I just melted when my favourite theme in the score (from 1:15 in the video below) made its entrance… is there anything more heartbreakingly beautiful than that?

Unfortunately, the choice of visuals projected on screen did not match the intention or mood of the music, so I found it a bit jarring.  I think stills related to the scenes the music was actually written for would have been best – maybe next time?

LEGENDS OF THE FALL
“Samuel’s Death”

Newly arranged by noted orchestrator and composer Nikiforos Chrysoloras, “Samuel’s Death” was a thrilling ride through danger, darkness and despair. 

It’s a real shame they couldn’t get a shakuhachi for this piece because its absence gave it less of a savage feel, which was critical to highlighting the Brad Pitt character’s descent into savagery and madness.

Still, it was a fantastic arrangement and performance.

LEGENDS OF THE FALL
“The Ludlows”

Lovely. Just lovely.

To be honest, I’ve always thought of this piece as “Horner does (John) Barry.”  And I don’t mean to suggest he was copying Barry, but rather this piece is written in a way that captures that epic and grand romantic feeling that Barry did so well in scores like OUT OF AFRICA and DANCES WITH WOLVES.

In any case, the performance started with that nostalgic and warm piano solo, followed by that gorgeous and expansive music for the countryside and love story.

The piece ended with some lovely violin playing from concertmaster Otto Derolez and a second violinist in support.

Goosebumps all around.

KRULL
“Ride of the Firemares”

A thrilling world premiere and arrangement by Chrysoloras just for this concert, “Ride of the Firemares” got off to a sensational start.

With strings, brass and percussion hammering away until the main theme appeared, I was in fanboy heaven!  How could anyone not be swept away into the heroic and fantastical world of KRULL?

Admittedly, I have never seen KRULL, so was rather surprised when scenes from the film where projected on screen during the performance.  I can’t be the only one to wonder what movie Horner was scoring because what I heard and saw on screen were two very different things.

I heard adventure, romance, fantasy, and danger.  But what I saw was questionable performances and special effects that provided no indication that this was a big budget fantasy adventure!

Well, at least the music was good 😊

Again, hats off to Chrysoloras for his smashing arrangement of Horner’s music.

SNEAKERS
“… And the Blind Shall See.”

Fantastic performance on sax by Hendrik Pellens who really captured the sound and feel of the original.

The drum kit part could have been tighter, but otherwise, it was a pretty good performance.

TITANIC
“Distant Memories”
“Take Her to Sea, Mr. Murdoch”
“My Heart Will Go On.”

Earlier in the evening, Simon Franglen, who worked on the original soundtrack with Horner, got on stage and gave some interesting anecdotes about the recording of the score.

The most interesting fact he shared was that Horner had actually wanted to use The Boys Choir of Harlem, who previously performed on his score to GLORY, for “Take Her to Sea, Mr. Murdoch.”  However, due to severe budget limitations they had to use a synth choir – something that I had never really warmed to.

For this performance there was no synth – just the orchestra. In all honesty, it sounded GLORIOUS.  Equally glorious was seeing and hearing the tubular bells as the piece built up to the grand statement of the main theme.

The TITANIC part ended with a lovely and moving take on “My Heart Will Go On” by vocalist Charlotte Campion and the orchestra.

ENCORE: THE MASK OF ZORRO
“Dance on the Passion of Love.” (“Sexy Dance”)

After a lengthy final applause, conductor Brosse turned to the audience and signaled that an encore would be next.

Scenes from THE MASK OF ZORRO were then projected on screen as we were treated to a rollicking performance of “Dance on the Passion of Love.”  I did not recall seeing this track name on the original soundtrack album release, so I went through the expanded La-La Land Records release and found it to be similar (but longer) to the track “Sexy Dance” (track 20, disc 1) *

* please correct me if I am wrong!

Despite not containing Horner’s iconic “Zorro” theme, it was still a fun piece with castanets clicking away in the background.

The audience was also encouraged during one point to clap its infectious rhythm along with the orchestra.

When the piece ended, Brosse held up the score manuscript and showed it to the audience. It seems that Brosse had conducted the encore using (a copy of?) Horner’s original manuscript!

PART 6: BRAVO!

Overall, the James Horner Tribute was a wonderful concert with spirited and moving performances by all. While not perfect, it was still a loving testament to the quality and diversity of Horner’s vast output.

Bravo to all involved, especially arranger Nikiforos Chrysoloras for bringing the superlative “Ride of the Firemares” and “Samuel’s Death” to the concert hall.  It seems that he is working on more Horner projects, so why not follow him on Facebook or Instagram to find out more?

PART 7: MUSIC FOR THE AGES

It now pains me even more that I didn’t go to the Horner tribute at Hollywood in Vienna in 2013 or the premiere performances of Horner’s concert works “Collage” and “Pas de Deux.”

I missed my chance to meet Horner before he tragically passed away, but I at least have his timeless music to treasure, always.

RIP, James Horner.  

Know that you are sorely missed by all.

PART 8: A PRE-CONCERT TALK WITH SARA & EMILY HORNER

Earlier the day of the concert was a special talk with Sara and Emily Horner about James Horner and how autism had influenced his life and career.

It was an enlightening talk about a topic I knew very little about. You can see the full video of the talk below.

PART 9: OTHER REPORTS

Kjell Neckebroeck (at the James Horner Film Music Association website) wrote an excellent report on the concert here. Check it out 🙂

PART 10: OVER TO YOU

Did you also go to this concert? How did you like it?

And what did you think of my report? Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly in the “Contact Me” section.