As time progresses and music evolves, it's hard to define today's orchestral music in classical terms. Perhaps, today's original film scores are tomorrow's classical works. In that case, I've compiled a list of what I consider to be the Best Original Film Soundtracks since 1998.
1. Meet Joe Black - Thomas Newman (1998)
This is without a doubt, the soundtrack the started it all... my obsession of with original film soundtracks. Thomas Newman, a Hollywood heavy weight composer, has produced some amazing works for multiple movies. Once you are familiar with his sound, it's hard not to recognize his music. His work in Meet Joe Black is lush and lyrical; it really pulls on the heart strings.
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Tan Dun (2000)
Tan Dun's impressive work effortlessly combines classical music with strong Asian influences. With the help of Yo-Yo Ma, Dun paints a vivid picture with a minimal sound. From the heart-pounding drums to solo cello, listeners are taken on a journey through the rich culture of the movie. Apart from the "pop" style songs concluding the CD, the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon soundtrack is absolutely captivating.3. Chronicles of Narnia - Harry Gregson-Williams (2005)
This blockbuster movie of 2005, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, boasts a fantastic soundtrack. Each song accurately portrays the emotional depth of the movie. Although, even without the movie, the soundtrack is as good as any classical album. Gregson-Williams fans agree that this is one of his greatest triumphs.4. American Beauty - Thomas Newman (1999)
The Oscar winning American Beauty, for Best Picture, has an amazing score. Composed again, by Thomas Newman, the music brings out the emotional subtleties words alone cannot describe. Tastefully composed, fans agree that Newman's musical intuition to stay away from overly powerful, somewhat cliché musical themes adds to the movie's inherent beauty.5. The Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore (2003)
The Lord of the Rings Soundtrack is as epic as the movie itself. With this box set, listeners are able to hear the progression of the films motifs and thematic instrumentation from the trilogy's beginning to end. Like Star Wars, the themes of Shore's compositions conjour feelings and images from the film that greatly impacted us. This soundtrack will forever be unforgettable.6. Batman Begins - Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard (2005)
The darkness surrounding Batman Begins is quite different from all the other Batman movies. Its darker, more complex themes are easily noticeable in the film's soundtrack. Unlike other super-hero movies, brassy fanfares aren't found in this soundtrack, which makes this one all the better. Deep, lyrical passages, and accelerated drumming rhythms are woven together to form this great soundtrack.7. Finding Neverland - Jan A. P. Kaczmarek (2004)
Youth, joy, and wreckless abandon is the theme of this fantastic soundtrack. Kaczmarek, a polish composer, discovered the meaning of Peter Pan and transformed it to music. Children's chorus, solo piano, strings, and other energetic orchestrations take the listener exactly where they want to go: Neverland.8. Star Wars: Episode III - John Williams (2005)
Star Wars. Everyone can name the movie upon hearing the movie's main theme and visa versa. The soundtrack to Episode III is among the favorites of many. Williams, whose score to Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban is nominated for a GRAMMY, is another Hollywood heavyweight composer. The score for Episode III is, perhaps, the darkest of the six. However, he doesn't lose the qualities wich made us fall in love with the music in the first place.9. Finding Nemo - Thomas Newman (2003)
Thomas Newman's third entry on the list, his score for Finding Nemo, although a children's movie, is everything but immature. Gracious in design, and impeccable in execution, his score is heartfelt and touching. In a cold, vast ocean, his music adds warmth and emotional depth that animated characters and vivid graphics cannot fully express. Finding Nemo is a wonderful soundtrack fit for any collector.10. Amelie - Yann Tiersen (2001)
This delightful French film has a soundtrack different from any other on this list. Its french flair and instrumentation is far from cliché. Employing a variety of instruments from accordion to solo piano, this score encompasses the film's fluttery charm and nature. How refreshing!