1. “Prancer: A Christmas Tale” by Mark McKenzie
Mark McKenzie’s gentle accompaniment to this charming holiday fable is a touching addition to a wonderful composer’s cinematic achievements. Among the most criminally underrated composers in the film and recording industries, Mark McKenzie is a musician of superior artistry whose film scores are ever deeply felt, and worthy of serious recognition. His score for this sweet Christmas film is as endearing as the composer himself, and as sensitive as the lyrical enchantment of the magical season. It is a work of singular eloquence, and musical poetry.
2. “The Fabelmans” by John Williams
John Williams’ musical signature is as indelible as the remarkable films and dreams of his visionary collaborator of half a century, Steven Spielberg. The innocence of youth, and of childhood, are brought lovingly home in the composer’s cherished, if understated, accompaniment to this semi-autobiographical, coming of age celebration … the culmination of two intertwining paths, born of tender, yet passionate beliefs in heartfelt remembrance.
3. “Avatar: The Way of Water” by Simon Franglen
The tragic passing of composer James Horner left James Cameron without his cinematic voice. Horner’s score for the original “Avatar” film is as complex and haunting as the film which inspired it. Consequently, finding someone else to interpret the director’s visionary sequel was seemingly an impossible task. Horner’s heir apparent, Simon Franglen, has done a remarkable job, however, of intertwining original musical themes with his own complex, highly evocative score, and is a fitting continuation of Cameron’s spectacular fantasy film journey.
4. “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Volker Bertelmann
This somber, ambitious remake of Lewis Milestone’s anti-war classic is both compelling and tragic in its heroic path and resolution. Composer Volker Bertelman has written an admirable, deeply moving score for the German made film that lends sad, powerful realism and emotional credibility to its scarring themes and images.
5. “Pinocchio” by Alan Silvestri
Alan Silvestri once again offers poignant empathy to his storybook characters with a lovingly defined portrait of artificial intelligence, longing for the comfort and imagined security of becoming simply human, with his venerable artistry and intelligence, offering his own singular take on this legendary childhood fantasy.
–Steve Vertlieb, January 2023
Edited by Roger L. Hall