Royal Albert Hall concert brings Gladiator film score to life
What better way to experience some truly classical cinema for musical aficionados and film fiends alike than through Ridley Scott’s, Gladiator!
The ethos of this world-renowned hall has always been to access and nurture the arts and sciences while educating the public and enriching our culture. Since its grand opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, this institution has continued to honour Prince Albert’s very wish.
The Royal Albert Hall is no stranger to cinema and opened its doors for its first film screening all the way back in 1905, continuing to do so ever since.
Back in April, the Royal Albert Hall had recently refurbished all 85 of their iconic acoustic diffusers (more commonly known as mushrooms), and we were eager to appreciate the effort put into such a task. And what a privilege it was to have been basking in the swelling heart of this venue. Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonia Chorus, we all took our seats to revisit a modern classic: Gladiator!
Its enriched and overexposed hues illuminated the auditorium, revealing a full house ready to be taken away from day-to-day life in this unique viewing.
Most of us know this story, but what captivated the crowd was the immense score composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard – done true justice by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, consisting of a total of 84 players bringing the vision of Zimmer and Gerrard to our seats.
We can’t discuss the instrumental players without giving praise to the Philharmonia Chorus, who brought a new dimension to the occasion. Carefully nurtured by Chorus Master Gavin Carr, this elite ensemble of songsters augmented an already powerful notion that filled the dome and flooded the audience, all the while being conducted by the decorated and highly respected, Timothy Henry.
If you’re familiar with Gladiator, then you’ll know that the vocals composed alongside the score are in a universal speech, a testament to how words can become unnecessary when music alone can reach our inmost emotions. The primal yet delicate vocals of this masterpiece led and danced the audience through a deeply felt journey alongside the characters of this turbulent time in ancient antiquity.
Clara Sanabras lent us her voice and power throughout this demanding film, and at times it was easy to forget the mammoth screen towering above and fall completely into the emotion she conjured with the orchestra. Having been featured in many a blockbuster like The Hunger Games and The Hobbit, you can understand how fitting Clara’s vocals and energy were for this occasion.
Gladiator was just one of the many orchestral screenings shown this year. With further hits of nostalgia from Back to the Future to family-friendly magic with How to Train Your Dragon, there’s always something worth exploring.
The full programme for this year and the beginning of the next can be found here. So go and experience the musical mastery for yourself – it truly is pure excellence.
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[Image Credit | GoodFon]
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