After Aliens and An American Tail were recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, James Horner turned to two films that required a minimalist approach, not symphonic: Where The River Runs Black and The Name Of The Rose, both released on the 19th and 24th of September 1986 respectively, in the US. No doubt composed and recorded during the summer, both scores are electronic and this film, by Christopher Cain, features ethnic elements.
Indeed, after The Stone Boy in 1984, James Horner reteams with this director for Where The River Runs Black, a film telling the story of a little boy who lives alone in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Placed in an orphanage, he discovered that the benefactor of the orphanage, a candidate running for governor, is the murderer of his mother. His only thought: revenge. A dismal failure at the box office, the low budget forced Horner to build on a limited set of instruments: synthesizers based on electronic vocal effects, exotic flutes, percussion. We get an intimate score that emphasizes the mystery linked to the plot and the fear of the child with respect to his future.
The score has been out of print for over 20 years. As part of their Encore Collection, Varsèse Sarabande will re-release 2,000 copies of Where The River Runs Black, available on October 26. You can order the album now by clicking on the link below.
Indeed, after The Stone Boy in 1984, James Horner reteams with this director for Where The River Runs Black, a film telling the story of a little boy who lives alone in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Placed in an orphanage, he discovered that the benefactor of the orphanage, a candidate running for governor, is the murderer of his mother. His only thought: revenge. A dismal failure at the box office, the low budget forced Horner to build on a limited set of instruments: synthesizers based on electronic vocal effects, exotic flutes, percussion. We get an intimate score that emphasizes the mystery linked to the plot and the fear of the child with respect to his future.
The score has been out of print for over 20 years. As part of their Encore Collection, Varsèse Sarabande will re-release 2,000 copies of Where The River Runs Black, available on October 26. You can order the album now by clicking on the link below.
Listen the first track:
