"Hans Zimmer discusses the process behind crafting the enchanting melodies for 'Interstellar' soundtrack"
In 2014, renowned composer Hans Zimmer lent his talents to Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking film, "Interstellar". The collaboration resulted in an unforgettable score that has stood the test of time.
Initially, Zimmer was hesitant about using a pipe organ for the score, associating the sound with classic horror films like "Dracula" and "Frankenstein". However, upon hearing the organ at Temple Church in London, he was struck by its expressive potential and fitting symbolism for the themes of "Interstellar".
The score was inspired by a fable that Zimmer wrote, based on a feeling, not a plot. This fable, about love, parenthood, and connection, was inspired by his own son. Interestingly, Nolan had asked Zimmer to write a fable for the score, not to describe the film.
Zimmer kept the score harmonically simple, with the emotional journey of the characters mirrored by a cycle that always resolved within three chords. Every 12 seconds, the emotional pattern in the score made the listener feel as if they were home, only to be ripped away again, reflecting the emotional intelligence of the characters.
The organist who brought the "Interstellar" score to life was Roger Sayer. Zimmer credits Sayer for saving his life during the creation of the score. Without Sayer, Zimmer might have given up on the project.
Hans Zimmer and Christopher Nolan agreed to use a pipe organ for the score, as they wanted to avoid using sounds that had been used in previous space epics. The pipes in Temple Church resembled rockets, adding to the score's space-themed symbolism.
When Zimmer played the fable-inspired score for Nolan, Nolan responded positively and said, "I suppose I better go make the movie." The score for "Interstellar" started life as a theme about a child but has evolved into a sonic marvel that reminds us of the need for communication.
Ten years after its release, Zimmer's score for "Interstellar" is more appreciated than ever. He views the project as an experiment and a labour of love, a decade after its creation. The organ, traditionally associated with the divine, was used in a non-religious context for "Interstellar", exploring personal and existential themes.
The emotional pattern was the core of the "Interstellar" film, representing the struggle to find a home and the need for communication. The "Interstellar" score is a testament to the power of music in storytelling, and its enduring impact continues to resonate with audiences today.
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