[Captainnumber36]

I theorize that the best art that stands the test of time has mass appeal and is original. I feel that in order to create art like this, takes an insane amount of depth of analysis and countless hours of exploring music that inspires you to develop your craft.

I find Elfman a true genius whose music is great as accompaniment to film and stand alone works of art.

His eccentric sound that appeals to the child in all of us really does it for me!

 

[mbhaub]

You're not alone: I find his work tremendously entertaining and well-suited for what he does. Tim Burton movies wouldn't be the same without Elfman. Several years ago the Scottish National Orchestra was on tour and came to town playing the then new Elfman violin concerto. So fresh, modern and appealing, if maybe too long in the finale. It should be played much more often. I met Elfman years ago when he was with Oingo Boingo and he would hang around local music store trying out new things. Then came the first Batman movie - what a great score that is! He didn't do the orchestration, but it's extremely well done. Elfman needs to write a short symphony.

 

[bluto32]

I don't know much of his music, but have a real soft spot for his score to Batman (1989). Marvellous stuff, both integrated with the movie and as an isolated score.

 

[Phil loves classical]

My favourite thing by Elfman
Army of Darkness - March of the Dead

This one is nice and moody. Great for the Christmas spirit.

 

[Captainnumber36]

My favourite thing by Elfman
Army of Darkness - March of the Dead

This one is nice and moody. Great for the Christmas spirit.

I loved both of those! Thanks.

 

[relm1]

He's amazing!! I once bumped in to him and didn't recognize him till someone introduced me to him! It was at a rehearsal of a quasi opera/ballet called Iris. Fantastic score and excellent production but he was quite tense. Very concerned about every nuance and detail.

 

[hammeredklavier]

"Happy". Is this the same Danny Elfman you're talking about? Is it classical music?

 

[khoff999]

In his "The Story of Music" video series, Howard Goodall points at some of Elfman's music as being a product of the New German school of Berlioz, Liszt, Wagner, and I think Strauss. I think it was something from Batman he used. Elfman is a very creative composer. He writes some great music.

 

[Captainnumber36]

"Happy". Is this the same Danny Elfman you're talking about? Is it classical music?

I loved that, very creative!
But forced. Not as good as his other works!

 

[Prodromides]

DARKMAN – 30th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION (2-CD SET)

Danny Elfman, Darkman, Sam Raimi, Liam Nesson, Sci-Fi, Horror

lalalandrecords.com

Does the Cap'n have a credit card handy for La-La Land's double-disc on Darkman? [25% off until March 31st!]

 

[Neo Romanza]

Danny Elfman is your favorite composer...for this week. Next week will be another composer. You flip flop favorites faster than someone working the grill at McDonald's.

 

[Captainnumber36]

Danny Elfman is your favorite composer...for this week. Next week will be another composer. You flip flop favorites faster than someone working the grill at McDonald's.

Just learning about the world and growing.

 

[Varick]

I'm a big fan of Elfman. He is an extremely talented composer. His pairing with Burton on so many films creates the perfect atmosphere and moods for those movies. One of the best composers alive today imo.

V

 

[Rogerx]

Never heard from him, will give it a try.

 

[MatthewWeflen]

Danny Elfman's Batman score was one of my first orchestral obsessions as a 12 year old. I think it's good music to be sure, but composers like Williams or Goldsmith are better orchestrators.

 

[Captainnumber36]

I think John Williams has a more adult sound. Elfman is more whimsical and fun.

 

[Forster]

composers like Williams or Goldsmith are better orchestrators

I like some of the movies scored by Elfman too. Given that he was a go-to composer for a number of films in the 80s and 90s, I guess his orchestrations were satisfactory enough.

I find the obsession with the two or three "top" film composers absurd: Williams and Goldsmith couldn't score every picture made in Hollywood and it seems unlikely that the dozens of directors busy making movies all had to "make do" with the other journeyman kicking around for scraps. It does raise the question - for those outside the industry - how composers are picked for most films.

It's interesting looking at the list of directors Elfman has worked with - a much greater variety than Williams in his later years*. I wonder if he will just do Burton when he's 90+?

List of compositions by Danny Elfman - Wikipedia



*Looking at Williams in his earlier years, it's remarkable that he was able to build the reputation he now has. He spent much time in TV while other composers writing for Hollywood were getting all the plaudits (eg Maurice Jarre, John Barry, Alex North. I guess he's just outlived them all - John Barry certainly, who was born the year after Williams).

 

[mikeh375]

Danny Elfman's Batman score was one of my first orchestral obsessions as a 12 year old. I think it's good music to be sure, but composers like Williams or Goldsmith are better orchestrators.

Elfman has orchestrators for his scores just like most film composers do. I believe from talking to some players who have worked with him, that he doesn't write and orchestrate in the professional sense. Rather he works within the DAW as all do and passes on the music (midi) to be scored. At least on one recording session, I was told he had a keyboard in the control room and if there was a moment in the score he wasn't happy with, he'd find the notes on the keyboard and tell the team of orchestrators and copyists sitting with him to edit the score...all during the live recording session.

His approach to writing has created some memorable scoring moments for sure. The celesta and female choir in 'Scissorhands' became for a long time, the default brief for Xmas music from advertising companies. I particularly like the main theme to 'Mars Attacks' with its infectious foot-tapping rhythm, quirky vocals and musical nods to the 1950's.

 

[Forster]

Danny Elfman's Batman score was one of my first orchestral obsessions as a 12 year old.

It was certainly one of my favourites too.

He has a distinctive style, with lots of fun as Captain suggests...though not necessarily less adult. Maybe his best is The Nightmare Before Christmas?

 

[mikeh375]

@Forster...my first thankyou, thankyou. We need one for "your welcome."...