Independent Research Entry

The impact musical scores contribute on films has come a long way since the 70s. For many of us who listen to music and enjoy watching films will recognize the name Hans Zimmer as being a diverse composer whose work has left an imprint on every film he’s touched. In over 30 years, Zimmer has piled up over 100 musical scores, a multitude of awards such as Grammy’s, Academy’s, Golden Globes, Satellites, and many others including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His musical masterpieces include: The Lion King, The Dark Knight, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Sherlock Holmes, Rango, The Last Samurai, and the list goes on. Renowned film and video game composer Has Zimmer has become the number one sought out composer in both the film and video game industry.

Over the years, Zimmer has experimented with different musical tools ranging from orchestral instruments to electronic music sounds. Before the 1990’s animated release of The Lion King, films weren’t recognized for their music scores. Music was a simple addition to fill in gaps for which didn’t involve composing memorable harmonies. In The Lion King, Zimmer used African instruments to create his composition as realistic as possible according to the setting of the picture. After the film received critical acclaim for both picture and musical score, Zimmer’s career took off. Pirates of the Caribbean became the film to push the boundaries of musical film scoring. Zimmer used harsh and powerful electronic drums, which accompanied the rich and unforgettable themes that became the icon for the film. His use of synthesizers and electronic elements has reshaped the way a film is produced and seen. Audiences expect a sensational musical score that will clench and marry music and picture.

Hans Zimmer is known as the godfather of implementing electronic music sounds with orchestral arrangements. He is also known for being a diverse composer; able to create admirable music for any film or video game. His use of synthesizers is recognized in almost every film he has scored especially Pirates of the Caribbean. Heroic drums pounding against a full orchestra is nook and cranny. Expanding his musical horizons, he composed music for AAA video game title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was his first video game project. Hans Zimmer has become a name you see in a film and right off the bat you know the movie is going to have remarkable music.

This musical genius has inspired me over the years to compose my own orchestral score. His life story and the accomplishments he has achieved, motivates me to continue my life long dream. In an interview he described his life as a dream come true being able to make music for the greatest films being made and call it his job.

Peer Comment


To Adam Ruiz:


This was a fascinating read on record producer Timbaland. His contribution to the R&B and Hip-Hop music scenes has really made an imprint with a multitude of record hits. Personally I am not a fan of the style of music he creates anymore, but I can say that I used to appreciate a few songs he had produced a few years back. His methods of making music with the use of orchestration interested me. Whenever I hear his music I can acknowledge the complex instrumentation and the detail of his music. Great job on this blog entry, it was concise and properly put together.