It was with a very heavy heart that I heard of the death of legendary composer James Horner. An avid pilot, Horner was alone on his small S-312 Tucano MK1 plane when it crashed within a remote area of the Los Padres National Forest, about 100 miles from Los Angeles. Composing since the 1970s, Horner won 10 Academy nominations throughout his long career, winning twice for his work on Titanic. In his time within Hollywood, Horner worked with some of the industry’s biggest directors, including Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, George Lucas, Ron Howard, James Cameron and Terence Malick.
Ruth at Flixchatter posted a lovely tribute about her favourite musical pieces, and below is my own tribute to the man himself. Like with Robin Williams, it isn’t about super hard clues but more of a celebration of the wide range of films he worked on.
(1980s)
(1980s)
(1980s)
(1980s)
(1980s)
(1990s)
(1990s)
(1990s)
(2000s)
(2000s)
(2000s)
(2000s)
Answers
1. Star Trek 2: Wrath of Khan (1982)
2. 48 Hours (1982)
3. Aliens (1986)
4. Field of Dreams (1989)
5. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
6. Legends of the Fall (1994)
7. Braveheart (1995)
8. Titanic (1997)
9. The Perfect Storm (2000)
10. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
11. The New World (2005)
12. Avatar (2009)
Alex Raphael 
Such a tremendous loss to music and movies.
I knew some of his work, but had no idea how many of his films I recognised. he sounded like a lovely man too.
He will be missed.
Dreadfully. I really thought he was far older. Very sad. His music will live forever though.
Yes, he has done so much that I too though he was older. Another brilliant human is gone…
He will it’s been 8 months and I’m still not over it.
A very sad loss. He still had so much more to give.
I was so sad to see this news this week, I’ve spent many a writing session listening to the soundtrack for A Beautiful Mind, it’s one of my favourites.
I’d always assumed he was much older. He’s been around as long as I can remember being into films. Nice choice. My favourites are Braveheart, and especially Legends of the Fall. I can’t believe how wonderful that music was. It summed up the tone and theme perfectly. I’ve listened to it countless, countless, times.
Braveheart is so memorable, I don’t think I’ve listened to Legends of the Fall, in fact I’m not even sure I’ve seen it, bad film fan. He was such a joy to watch, I’ve seen a few behind the scenes of him conducting, he seemed like a very gentle, brilliant man.
I know I’ve been swamping you in links recently, but I just have to pass on more to you. Just close your eyes and listen to this. Even knowing nothing about the film, isn’t it just the most beautiful sound? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=danm8WlV2po
I’ll save this for work tomorrow, my phone won’t do it justice, I have a feeling it might need speakers… Thank you, I don’t mind the swamping!
No worries. Let me know what you think.
What a lovely tribute to another artistic genius gone too soon. Sigh.
Is it just me or has it been a rough few months in that respect? 😦
Rough year I’m thinking. 😦
I didn’t realize how much music he composed. Such beautiful pieces! Very sad to lose such talent.
A sad loss to us all.
😦
Touching tribute, Alex, to a wonderful composer. Many thanks.
I’m glad you like it Ann.
I saw this and wondered if there was a mystery in his death or just accidental?
I have seen most of these movies and the music made the film more intersting. Music helps build tension, excitement and suspense. Great post 🙂
It just seemed a tragic accident, though we won’t know for certain until they go through all the wreckage. He had been flying a long time so presumably it was a mechanical failure.
Great quiz for a great man. A silent staple to our cinenmatic obsession!
A perfect description 🙂
I did not realise how many scores he had composed! 7/12 for this one.
Quite the range. I didn’t even include Apollo 13. He was was far more active than I realised.
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog and commented:
RIP James Horner.
B2B.
I’m glad you liked it.
what a great loss for all of us! Great quiz Alex, Despite the somber news, I still got 12/12 🙂
Rob, you’re incredible. That’s a superb score. Did any of them even temporarily stump you?
Brave New World almost got me because ive never seen it, just heard about it
So sad, what a tremendous body of work to leave behind.
A timeless gift 🙂