Tag: Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer Harry Gregson-Williams Talks GLADIATOR II And Listen To His “Strength and Honor” Track

Decca Records US is set to release the soundtrack to Ridley Scott’s highly-anticipated Gladiator sequel on November 15, 2024. Gladiator II: Music From The Motion Picture by composer Harry Gregson-Williams features an epic orchestral score, comprised of over 100 musicians and singers from across the globe, and meticulously crafted to accompany the blockbuster new movie starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. 

The soundtrack also includes the timeless hit song “Now We Are Free” composed by Hans Zimmer for the original Gladiator film almost 25 years ago and featuring singer Lisa Gerrard.

From legendary director Ridley Scott, and a screenplay by David Scarpa, story by Peter Craig and David Scarpa, and based on characters created by David Franzoni, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Listen to the lead single “Strength and Honor” from Harry Gregson-Williams’ new Gladiator II score and pre-order the album HERE.

On scoring Gladiator II, Harry Gregson-Williams says: “My approach to the score for Gladiator II was to create music that embodied the spiritual essence of the original film whilst creating a fresh sound for Lucius and the other leading characters we encounter (such as Acacius – strong and bold – and Macrinus – scheming and calculating). Thematically, Lucius needed a very versatile melody – he is the center of the film, and his love, leadership, rage and need for vengeance all had to be reflected in his music. Beyond the large orchestra and choirs that this epic tale called for, I felt the need to employ some unique instrumentation to help shape the storytelling. Whether it was the sliding, discomforting strings of a baritone violin or electric cello to represent Macrinus’ scheming and plotting, or the primitive horns that helped place us back in Ancient Rome, special instrumentation helped bring a sense of uniqueness to these characters and places. From specially recorded vocals representing the Numidian fighters, to the esoteric and otherwordly vocals of Lisa Gerrard, all of these different unique sounds and colors were necessary to tell Lucius’ story.”

In order to create the sound world of Gladiator II, Gregson-Williams took a truly international approach; working with musicians from around the world to bring his extraordinary score to life. Having initially penned the main musical themes at his studio in Los Angeles, the composer then traveled to northern Spain to record some unusual historic instruments (such as the Carnyx and Iberian Horn) with performer Abraham Cupeiro, to bring the sound of Ancient Rome to life. In other parts of Europe he recorded soloists including singers Lisa Gerrard, Grace Davidson, Lior Attar, Antonio Lizana, Ejigayehu ‘Gigi’ Shibabaw, and Ayo Adeyemi, as well as instrumentalists Richard Harvey (Ney and Ancient Flutes), Hugh Marsh (electric violin), Martin Tillman (electric cello), Hamid Saeidi (Kantele/Santur) and Loga Ramin Torkian (GuitarViol).

Gregson-Williams returned to his native UK to record the main score with a huge orchestra, the leading independent UK chorus The Bach Choir, and the internationally renowned Viol Consort Fretwork at Abbey Road Studios – where he has recorded many scores before (including those for the The Martian, Shrek and The Chronicles of Narnia). During the session, which Gregson-Williams was conducting, Hans Zimmer appeared via video link to hear the new score being performed.

Now almost 25 years old, Zimmer’s original Gladiator score continues to be one of the most beloved and enduring soundtracks. The lead song “Now We Are Free” makes a reappearance in the new film and on the soundtrack – providing the ideal connection between both musical worlds.

Harry Gregson-Williams brings his unique compositional voice to Gladiator II – embracing the epic moments on screen with monumental musical forces, whilst also accompanying intimate moments with beautiful harmonies – this is a score which provides a stirring counterpart to Ridley Scott’s remarkable new movie. Gladiator II marks the seventh collaboration between Gregson-Williams and Ridley Scott with Gregson-Williams writing original scores for The Martian, Kingdom of Heaven, The Last Duel and House of Gucci and themes for Prometheus and Exodus: Gods and Kings.

Gladiator II: Music From The Motion Picture, is set to release on November 15, 2024. Pre-order the album via Decca Records US, HERE. Gladiator II is in theaters internationally on November 15, with the US and Canada following on November 22.

Harry Gregson-Williams (credit Christopher Kennedy)

Gladiator II — Tracklisting:

1. GLADIATOR II OVERTURE

2. LUCIUS, ARISHAT AND THE ROMAN INVASION

3. I’LL WAIT FOR YOU

4. OSTIA

5. ANGRY BABOONS

6. STRENGTH AND HONOR

7. ACACIUS RETURNS

8. CITY OF ROME

9. DEFIANCE

10. I SEE HIM IN YOU

11. ACACIUS IN THE COLOSSEUM

12. LET THE GODS DECIDE

13. MACRINUS’ PLAN

14. I NEED YOU TO DO THIS

15. SMOOTH IS THE DESCENT

16. NOW THAT I HAVE FOUND YOU

17. ECHOES IN ETERNITY

18. WAR, REAL WAR

19. THE DREAM IS LOST

20. NOW WE ARE FREE

Soundtrack for Composer Harry Gregson-Williams’ THE MEG Drops Today, August 3

WaterTower Music has announced today’s release of the soundtrack to the science fiction action thriller “The Meg,” directed by Jon Turteltaub (the “National Treasure” movies), which will be released in theaters August 10, 2018. The soundtrack features music from the film composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (“The Town,” the “Equalizer” films, the “Shrek” franchise), and will be released on August 3rd, one week before the film is in theaters.

Harry Gregson-Williams is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after composers, whose scores span the spectrum of high-profile projects from action to drama to animation – each infused with the emotional punch and atmospheric intensity that mark his distinctive musical style.  The Golden Globe- and Grammy Award-nominated composer offers, “For ‘The Meg,’ I set out to create a memorable recognizable sonic motif which follows the mystery of the great Megalodon—something robust in nature, which acted as a kind of warning call and instilled an immediate sense of fear and suspense when signaled.  In search of this sound, I stumbled upon the conch as an instrument of musical focus.  Its call was both distinctive and ancient, and I felt it offered a voice to the vast terror of a concealed underwater world.

“Working with Jon Turteltaub has been one of the most enjoyable collaborative experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of,” Gregson-Williams continued.  “He would arrive at my studio bringing with him the unbridled optimism and unique humor that only Jon possesses.  He regularly took the time to remind me that the film should always feel fun, exciting, and anticipatory, and encouraged me to direct that positive energy into the music at each step of the process.  In the end, I hope I was able to achieve an edge-of-your-seat score that helps the audience to immerse themselves in this dynamic feature film that Jon so masterfully created.”

Available Now: https://lnk.to/TheMegID

Tracklist:
1. Sub Disaster
2. Mana One
3. A New World
4. Jonas Descends
5. Prehistoric Species
6. Toshi’s Sacrifice
7. Non-Extinct
8. Meiying Explores
9. Even the Score
10. Tracker
11. Shark Cage
12. You Saved Me
13. Dr. Zhang
14. We Have a Plan
15. Pippin
16. Beach Attack
17. Jonas vs Meg
18. To Our Friends

Jason Statham and award-winning Chinese actress Li Bingbing star in the science fiction action thriller “The Meg.”

A deep-sea submersible—part of an international undersea observation program—has been attacked by a massive creature and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean…with its crew trapped inside.  With time running out, former deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Statham) is drawn out of self-imposed exile by a visionary Chinese oceanographer, Dr. Zhang (Winston Chao), against the wishes of his daughter, Suyin (Li Bingbing), who thinks she can rescue the crew on her own.

But it will take their combined efforts to save the crew, and the ocean itself, from this seemingly unstoppable threat—a prehistoric 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon.  Thought to be extinct, the Meg turns out to be very much alive…and on the hunt.  Five years before, Jonas had encountered this same terrifying creature, but no one had believed him.  Now, teamed with Suyin, Jonas must confront his fears and risk his own life to return to the ocean depths…bringing him face to face once more with the apex predator of all time.

The main cast of “The Meg” also includes Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, Page Kennedy, Jessica McNamee, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Robert Taylor, Sophia Cai, Masi Oka and Cliff Curtis.

Jon Turteltaub directed the film from a screenplay by Dean Georgaris and Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, based on the best-selling novel MEG by Steve Alten.  Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Belle Avery and Colin Wilson produced the film, with Gerald R. Molen, Wei Jang, Randy Greenberg, Catherine Xujun Ying, Chantal Nong and Barrie M. Osborne serving as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Gravity Pictures present a di Bonaventura/Apelles Entertainment Inc./Maeday Productions, Inc./Flagship Entertainment Group Production, a Film by Jon Turteltaub,

“The Meg.”  “The Meg” is being released in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX.  The film will be distributed in China by Gravity Pictures, and throughout the rest of the world by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.  The film has been rated PG-13.

DreamWorks Animation in Concert with The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra December 29th and 30th


Universal Brand Development and CineConcerts, along with The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, announce DreamWorks Animation in Concert engagements at Powell Hall on December 29, 2017 at 7:00pm and December 30, 2017 at 7:00pm. The concert features favorite moments from DreamWorks’ most beloved films including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and many more with music performed by The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Enjoy a celebration of more than 20 years of inspired animation and iconic music scores by Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Williams, John Powell, Alexandre Desplat, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman and many others. The audience will relive their favorite moments from DreamWorks most celebrated films including,Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and more, as they are projected in HD onto the big screen, while the music is played live by a symphony orchestra.

Tickets can be purchased HERE or by calling the SLSO box office at 314-534-1700.

DreamWorks Animation in Concert is sponsored by Macy’s.

About CineConcerts

CineConcerts is one of the leading producers of live music experiences performed with visual media. Founded by Producer/Conductor Justin Freer and Producer/Writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts has engaged millions of people worldwide in concert presentations that redefine the evolution of live experience. Recent and current live concert experiences include The Harry Potter Film Concert Series, Gladiator Live, The Godfather Live, It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert, DreamWorks Animation In Concert, Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Concert. Justin Freer has quickly become one of the most sought-after conductors of film music with a long list of full symphonic live to projection projects.  He has appeared with some of the world’s leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From full-length movie screenings with live orchestra to music-interactive sporting event experiences to original 3D-environment holiday programming, CineConcerts is at the forefront of live entertainment.

About Universal Brand Development

Universal Brand Development globally drives expansion of the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences.  Along with franchise brand management, Universal Brand Development’s core businesses include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, and Live Entertainment based on the company’s extensive portfolio of intellectual properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal cable and television.  Universal Brand Development is a business segment of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA).

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1880 and now in its 138th season, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country and widely considered one of the world’s finest. Under the leadership of Music Director David Robertson, currently in his 13th season, the SLSO strives for artistic excellence, educational impact and community connection while meeting its mission statement: enriching people’s lives through the power of music. The SLSO presents a full season of classical programs and Live at Powell Hall concerts and hundreds of free education and community programs each year. Media partners include St. Louis Public Radio, 90.7 –KWMU, which broadcasts the SLSO’s Saturday night subscription concerts live and the Nine Network, which regularly features SLSO performances on its Night at the Symphony program. In addition, the SLSO is known for its Grammy Award-winning recordings, Carnegie Hall appearances, national and international tours, innovative programming, and extensive community engagement initiatives. www.slso.org

Composer Harry Gregson-Williams’ THE MARTIAN Score And “Songs From The Martian” Available Now

"SONGS FROM THE MARTIAN" AND "ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE" BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS AVAILABLE DIGITALLY TODAY (PRNewsFoto/Columbia Records)

Columbia Records is releasing “Songs From The Martian” and “The Original Motion Picture Score” by composer Harry Gregson-Williams to the critically acclaimed and much anticipated movie THE MARTIAN, available digitally today at iTunes here: Songs Album and Score.

A deluxe edition of the album, “The Martian Deluxe Soundtrack” (Songs Album and Score) is exclusively available at Amazon here.

THE MARTIAN also opens nationwide today and features a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon in the lead role as Astronaut Mark Watney. (Review)

The ’70s-laden album is comprised of some of the greatest classics from disco’s golden era (tracklist below) including “Turn The Beat Around” (Vickie Sue Robinson), “Hot Stuff” (Donna  Summer), “Rock The Boat” (Hues Corporation), “Waterloo” (ABBA), and “I Will Survive”(Gloria Gaynor), and others.

The music evinces the plight of the film’s protagonist, Astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon (the Bourne film series), who during a manned mission to Mars set in the not-too-distant future is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet with only meager supplies –  and limited distractions – including a playlist of ’70’s disco music left behind by Commander Lewis played by Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar).

Watney must rally his optimistic spirit, drawing upon his ingenuity and wit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. NASA and a team of international scientists race against the clock to bring “The Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission.

Based on a best-selling novel, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, THE MARTIAN features a star studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels,Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover, among others.

The Martian_Score_FINAL

THE MARTIAN’s original motion picture score is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (The Shrek Franchise, Man On Fire, The Chronicles Of Narnia). Gregson-Williams also previously scored director Ridley Scott’s 2005 movie Kingdom Of Heaven.

SONGS FROM THE MARTIAN

  1. Turn The Beat Around – Vickie Sue Robinson
  2.  Hot Stuff – Donna Summer
  3.  Rock The Boat- Hues Corporation
  4.  Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston
  5.  Starman – David Bowie
  6.  Waterloo – ABBA
  7.  Love Train – The O’Jays
  8.  I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
  9. The Martian Score Suite – Harry Gregson-Williams

THE MARTIAN: ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE, MUSIC BY HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS

  1. MARS
  2. EMERGENCY LAUNCH
  3. MAKING WATER
  4. SPOTTING MOVEMENT
  5. SCIENCE THE S*** OUT OF THIS
  6. MESSAGE FROM HERMES
  7. SPROUTING POTATOES
  8. WATNEY’S ALIVE!
  9. PATHFINDER
  10. HEXADECIMALS
  11. CROSSING MARS
  12. REAP & SOW
  13. CROPS ARE DEAD
  14. WORK THE PROBLEM
  15. SEE YOU IN A FEW
  16. BUILD A BOMB
  17. FLY LIKE IRON MAN

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: TheMartianMovie.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MartianMovie
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MartianMovie
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/TheMartianMovie
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/MartianMovie
TUMBLR: http://martianmovie.tumblr.com/

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Ridley Scott poses on THE MARITAN set of the spaceship Hermes.
Ridley Scott poses on THE MARITAN set of the spaceship Hermes.