Let’s go to the movies
NMPhil says ‘Hooray for Hollywood!’ with classic film music
From the thumping beat of John Williams’ “Raiders of the Lost Ark March” to the staccato screech of “Psycho,” film scores have wrapped audiences in worlds of magic and menace.
The New Mexico Philharmonic will perform the music to some of Hollywood’s best on Saturday, March 16, at Popejoy Hall.
“The music from the movies has made its way into the Great American Songbook,” said conductor Jason Altieri. “The visual isn’t enough; you need the atmosphere.
“Memorable art goes with memorable music,” he continued. “Even the movies that don’t do well, it propels them to another level.”
Across cinema, specific directors regularly use specific composers. Think Steven Spielberg and John Williams; Tim Burton and Danny Elfman; Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann.
“They’re just great pairings,” Altieri said.
Williams’ “Superman March” will open the show. The program spans from music to Errol Flynn’s swashbuckling “The Sea Hawk” (1940) to the theme from 2004’s “The Incredibles.”
Austrian American composer Erich Korngold penned the theme to “The Sea Hawk.” Today, he is considered one of the forefathers of great film scores. John Williams cited his music as his inspiration for the theme to “Star Wars.”
Of course, a Hollywood film concert must include themes from “Harry Potter,” “West Side Story,” “Mission Impossible” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
“I found a wonderful arrangement from ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ ” Altieri added.
The orchestra also will play “Adventures on Earth” from “E.T.”
“John Williams always said it was one of his favorites,” Altieri said.
Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” was used in “Raging Bull,” “Platoon” and countless other film and TV projects.
“The atmosphere it creates is so beautiful and poignant,” Altieri said. “The string section of the New Mexico Philharmonic is so good and I wanted to show that off.”
“I found a strong suite from ‘Psycho,’ ” Altieri added, “talk about creating an atmosphere.”
The conductor is saving “Star Wars” for the encore with the “Cantina Band” in the film’s legendary bar scene.
Altieri teaches conducting at the University of Nevada, Reno. He’s also the associate conductor of the Reno Philharmonic and music director of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.