The name may be more familiar to film buffs and those who religiously read the credits as they roll at the end of the film but there’s no doubting that absolutely everyone will know the work of German composer Hans Zimmer.
In his early career Zimmer flirted with The Buggles, played in bands with members of Ultravox and produced Punk Rockers, The Damned but it is his work on film soundtracks where he really made his mark.
Since his first soundtrack for Moonlighting back in 1982, Zimmer has contributed to over a staggering 150 films receiving an incredible 12 Oscar nominations with two wins, four Grammy’s, BAFTA’s, Golden Globes and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame amongst many others.
Tonight, at the sold out First Direct Arena in Leeds, it was a rare opportunity to see Zimmer himself conduct and perform with an orchestra, choir and Rock band many of those film scores which have made him one of the greatest composers of modern times.
From the drama of “The Dark Night” and epic military bombast of the epic “Gladiator” to the more serene “Pearl Harbor”, Zimmer coaxed and teased every ounce of passion from his orchestra and impressive Rock band that included guitar maestro Guthrie Govan.
From the ethnic rhythms and African choir of “The Lion King” to the more rambunctious “Pirates Of The Caribbean”, Zimmer touched on just about every conceivable emotion.
With a stage set across four different levels with Zimmer, the string and woodwind section and Rock band at floor level, a stunning rhythm section comprising two drummers flanked by two orchestral percussionists on the next with a platform containing synthesiser players on keyboards that wouldn’t look out of place on the USS Enterprise above and finally at the upper level with the horn section and choir.
Throughout the expansive three hour show split across two parts, the musicians and vocalists glided effortlessly between levels and across the stage. This was no staid and stuffy orchestral show, this was a visual extravaganza with lights, video and smoke all enhancing the musical feast. When an acrobat in a mirrored jumpsuit descended from the lighting rig sending shards of light dancing around the Arena and across the crowd during “Interstellar” it was a truly jaw dropping moment.
Zimmer himself, dressed casually in jeans and a white shirt, spoke warmly with the audience, telling funny stories behind the music while introducing the supremely talented singers and musicians to the stage.
While it’s difficult to select a high point amongst a show of highs, “Chevaliers De Sangreal” from Da Vinci Code which started with a simple violin and cello melody that was so haunting and so ethereal that it brought a tear to the eye and when the orchestra and choir joined in full flow was a truly spine tingling, once in a lifetime musical moment while the pulsating, hypnotic Electro beat of “F1” combined with video visuals was entrancing.
“Time” from the movie Inception brought the show to a suitably moving end with Zimmer alone on stage behind a grand piano with delicate single notes gradually fading into silence to truly dramatic effect .
After a brief moment of stunned silence the audience burst into a spontaneous standing ovation as Zimmer and his incredible musicians had taken the awestruck audience on a multi-sensory emotional roller coaster of a journey through 40 years of blockbuster films.
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