Composers of Cinema
At Benaroya Hall
By Dan Larsen, for SeattleInsider.com
Originally published by Cox Interactive Media

I often wondered why the maestros of movie music wash their hands of their work, and all the enjoyment that goes with it, the moment "Wrap!" is cried. Some of the most original, inspiring and dramatic classical music of modern creation comes out of movie scores. Imagine what the state of cinema would be without the likes of James Horner, John Williams, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry or Ennio Morricone, to name just a few. Often times the score is the best feature of a movie. "The Specialist," for example.

The film composer provides an unconscious sense of emotion to all movies ("Blair Witch Project" aside), a sensory balance to the action unfolding before your eyes; the generally unsung heroes of Hollywood. Why not take those glorious, stirring works of art off of the screen and into the auditoriums around the country, where music - as it should be experienced - really belongs?

An unanswered question, unfortunately, but at least the Seattle Choral Company is doing its part to keep the music live and alive with its third tribute to the masters of movie scores: "Composers of Cinema: The Sequel."

Sergei Prokofiev's cantata from "Alexander Nevsky," the 1938 biopic of a 13th century Russian national hero, will headline the evening's performance. The Company will also perform:

• "Dr. Zhivago," by Maurice Jarre
• "Henry V," by Patrick Doyle
• "The Abyss," by Alan Silvestri
• "Conan the Barbarian," by Basil Poledouris
• "The Omen," by Jerry Goldsmith
• "Amistad," by John Williams
• "Saving Private Ryan," by John Williams
• "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," by John Williams

Sure to please any movie buff, and even those who simply enjoy rousing classical music. 

$15 - $30 tickets are available from the Seattle Choral Company box office at (206) 363-1100. You can also reserve tickets on their Web site at seattlechoralcompany.org.

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