The soundtrack to Glory, composed by James Horner, is to the American Civil War what his soundtrack to Braveheart was to Scotland’s war for independence. In both, Horner manages to forge a sound that is deeply evocative of the culture, time period, and profound meaning behind both conflicts. In a sense, it’s not the celebration of war for war’s sake. This is a recognition of the sacrifice and commitment to higher purposes and ideals. But war is, by definition, tragic. And more than the Braveheart soundtrack, Glory embodies tragedy in nearly every track. The result is a soundtrack that is, for the most part, heavy and somber – and reflective of the brutal loss that comes hand-in-hand with war.

Perhaps nothing embodies this sentiment more than what I like to refer to as the score’s “Sacrifice Theme” first heard in the “Opening Titles” track. This theme is usually accompanied by an almost angelic chorus – but one of deep sorrow and loss, rather than triumphant jubilation. Occasionally strings are used provide a more visceral conveyance of the emotion behind the theme itself.

That’s not to say that the soundtrack is not without its fanfare. Tracks such as “Jefferson and Liberty” feature a fife and drums presenting a fairly typical marching tune, one that is necessarily upbeat enough to keep up the morale of the troops and add the almost requisite pomp and circumstance that accompanies the military. But these moments are fleeting and almost always directly followed by the bittersweet sacrifice melody.

But the real power of this soundtrack comes from its final tracks in which the music rises and falls with the “Preparations For Battle” and “Charging Fort Wagner” tracks. The use of strings, horns, bells and choral arrangements paint a vivid portrait of emotions, ranging from the deeply reflective moments before battle, to the hectic, heroic and tragic moments of battle. To be objective, it is certainly possible that these moments may come across as a bit pretentious or grating, depending on personal tastes. But if you find Horner’s style appealing, then these tracks can be deeply, and profoundly moving.

Topics: Film Music
Filed under: James Horner

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