Know The Score: Ready, Willing and Abel

As much as I love movies, I love movie music more. I am fascinated by the Art of scoring for the big screen and, frequently, am moved by the finer filmic efforts. My most indelible memories are accompanied by snippets of favorite soundtracks. Life meets post-production.

Admittedly, since the death of Jerry Goldsmith — a loss far more traumatizing than the death of my own father — I have sought new, young composers to fill the void. Bear McCreary is one of the best, brightest hopes; he’s innovative, resourceful and committed. Single-handedly, he’s championed full-orchestra scoring for television shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and, most recently and impressively, HUMAN TARGET for Fox.

2009 marked the breakout of another tremendous talent, Abel Korzeniowksi. His work on A SINGLE MAN contributed greatly to the movie’s warm critical reception. And, his score for BATTLE FOR TERRA, demonstrated a Romanticist’s flair for re-imagining space opera, respectful of the genre’s conventions while expanding its boundaries. Take a listen to Track 02 and delight in one the year’s most under-appreciated soundtracks. Then, nominate your own favorite film composers on the rise. Forget the ayes, in this case, the ears have it.