MUSIC IN FILM A brief history of soundtrack
PRESENT CINEMA
In the decade of 80s and 90s, new symphonic composers emerge, such as James Horner (“Titanic”); John Barry (”Outs of Africa”, “Dancing with wolves”), Howard Shore (“Lord of the rings”), Patrick Doyle or George Fenton. John Williams go on representing the “new symphonysm”, away from pop and electronic music with titles such as “Star wars”, “Superman”, “Indiana Jones”, “Schindler’s List”, “Harry Potter”, and so on.
New productions Disney stand out, like soundtracks composed by Alan Menken (“Aladdin”, “Pocahontas”).
One of the most important characteristics of these last years is the inclusion of different styles of Pop-Rock in soundtracks. So, many forgotten singers are revalued.
And, other composers used electronic instruments and synthesizers instead the symphonic orchestra, such as Vangelis (“Charriots of fire”, “Blade Runner”). Jerry Goldsmith stands out in several styles, symphonism, avant-garde music in films that belong to fiction science ( "Star Treck", "Alien").
Another group of current composers follow musical styles like minimalism or new age, like Michael Nyman (“The Piano”) or Philip Glass (“The hours”).
Vangelis: "Blade Runner"
J. Barry: "Outs of Africa"
J. Williams: "Star Wars"
In Spain we can quote José Nieto (“Juana la loca”) and Alberto Iglesias (Almodovar films such as “La piel que habito” and “Te doy mis ojos”).
Musical genre is revitalised retaking the use of musical numbers as imaginary projections by the actors and actresses, creating a narrative storyline where the real and fantastic plane are exchanged. Musical films: “Moulin Rouge”, “Chicago” “El otro lado de la cama”
Here, there are some links to pages where you can find more examples of soundtracks from the last decades and, also, some classic pieces you have seen: