Jarre Lawrence of Arabia Overture
Lai Theme from Love Story
Morricone Music from Cinema Paradiso
Rowland Man from Snowy River
Skubiszewski The Search from Red Dog
Williams Harry's Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Children's Suite for Orchestra
Barry Music from Thunderball
Williams With malice toward none (for solo trumpet and orchestra) from Lincoln
Sarah Butler, trumpet
Shostakovich Suite from The Gadfly (Ovod), op.97a
Nott Theme and Chase from Wallace and Gromit
Williams Princess Leia's Theme
Zimmer Music from Gladiator
The audience were treated to a feast of The Best Movie Music from the QSO featuring the irrepressible Guy Noble as host and conductor, featuring a range of film music genres over the last fifty years to delight and excite. It was great to see that there were also many children filling the packed Concert Hall, lured by the Star Wars and Harry Potter Suite by John Williams’ and the bonus eccentric madcap music used in the much awarded Aardman animation Wallace and Gromit. The musical movie feast featured two pieces about dogs, with two secret encores and a surprise for the younger audience and those young at heart, like myself.
The musical movie morning commenced with the dramatic medley overture of Lawrence of Arabia by the French composer Maurice Jarre from the 1962 film. Tambourine, tuba, trumpet, trombones and timpani were featured while the strings ebbed and flowed like the shifting sands. The epic and instantly recognisable melody blends middle eastern rhythms with the marching band staccato to transport you to the winds and heat of the Sahara desert, infused with the scent of spices and camels.
The powerful impression movie music can have on the psyche by association was illustrated dramatically after the first piece by the QSO, when they played one ‘E ‘on the double bass causing all to suddenly crouch and laugh nervously in fear. Everyone recognised it as the first note of the ‘da dum’ from John Williams’ theme to the movie Jaws, which famously caused many viewers to shun the beaches or ever ‘dare to go back into the water!’ The violins followed suit, with the four note screech by Bernard Herrmann from Hitchcock’s Psycho, curling the toes of many, as we instantly visualised the horrific shower scene, further enhancing a fear of water with just a few iconic notes. Guy Noble eloquently illustrated just how ingrained music scores for movies can influence our fears and pleasures, with the score often making or breaking a movie’s success. Imagine how our impressions would be altered of the Lion King, Harry Potter or Star Wars without the iconic music!
After a brief introduction to Love Story by Francis Lai, the power of a love theme was highlighted with Love Story ranking number 9 in the top 100 romances rated by the American Film Institute. Guy elaborated with his theory of ‘McGraw’s’ disease after Ali McGraw, the starring actress, where the women become more beautiful on the silver screen as they come closer to death whilst the music grows increasingly more passionate. Ennio Morricone’s love theme from Cinema Paradiso extended the romance with the popular, schmaltzy excerpt, beginning with a lovely piano solo from pianist Kevin Powell.
The Man from Snowy River by Bruce Rowland changed the pace to a 70’s styled Western, where the music mimics the pattering of the brumbie’s hooves as they race across the snowy mountains. The piece finishes with the iconic Waltzing Matilda theme derived from Banjo Patterson’s 1890 poem and the inspiration for the Australian movie. The Aussie theme continued with the premier performance of The Search music from the film Red Dog, composed by the lesser known Melbourne based Cezary Skubiszewski. Cezary was very excited about this first ever live performance from the QSO, and commented to Guy Noble that he had spent a weekend with the star of the show, Coco who plays Red Dog, whilst composing the music. He had chosen to start by composing The Search theme, as it is the most poignant scene in the movie, as Red Dog frantically searches for his dead master. The Cello and piccolo featured in this beautiful melody with a haunting solo from Cellist Hyung Suk Bae.
There was another change of pace with the iconic Thunderball by John Barry, highlighting the 007 James Bond theme with glamour and pizazz. Excerpts from the dramatic film Gladiator followed written by the prolific movie composer Hans Zimmer, with music for later films including The Lion King, Batman and the Pirates of the Caribbean. The excerpts were powerful, featuring more unusual percussion instruments, including a rain stick.
A brief romantic piece from The Gadfly by Shostakovich was played before the QSO wowed us with the music from the best and most versatile movie composer, John Williams, who has been nominated for 51 Academy Awards, yet won only five! The solo from trumpeter Sarah Butler delivered a powerful rendition from the movie Lincoln, ‘With malice toward none,’ followed by the romantic Princess Leia’s theme from Star Wars to stir the cauldron of desire. Magic was on the agenda next as the QSO presented Harry's Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Children's Suite for Orchestra. All were enraptured by the magical iconic theme from Williams, with the xylophone, bells and glockenspiel creating a enchanting and spellbinding atmosphere.
The rambunctious Wallace and Gromit theme by Julian Nott then excited the younger and older audience alike with much toe-tapping and nodding, with the British-styled pompous music. The hints of sounds of Elgar in the theme, can be explained by Nott having been an organ-scholar at Oxford University.
Just as we thought the morning was concluding, out swept Darth Vader to conduct his terrifying Imperial March and to threaten the violinists, whilst brandishing his light sabre. Another quick change and Guy Noble returned to conduct a swinging 70’s rendition from the movie Austin Powers. With much butt wiggling and hip swaying, it was a groovy end to another spectacular and eclectic concert from the QSO and the irrepressible and ebullient Guy Noble.
Presented by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Conductor and Host Guy Noble
Sunday 30th September 2018
Concert Hall, QPAC
Dr Gemma Regan