Howard Shore Weekend “Eastern Promises”
Cinematic Concertos

Bastien Stil and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France

The master composer Howard Shore is known for his sweeping and cinematic scores that define epic storytelling. From The Lord of the Rings to The Silence of the Lambs, his rich orchestral textures and haunting motifs have made him a cornerstone of film music.

Howard Shore

Howard Shore

Join us for an enchanting performance of a special Howard Shore Weekend event organised by Radio France. Soloists Raphaëlle Moreau (violin), Henri Demarquette (cello), and Jean-Paul Gasparian (piano) celebrate the profound musical storytelling of one of cinema’s most revered composers and the transformation of film music into a symphonic journey.

Howard Shore Weekend: “Eastern Promises”

Howard Shore

The Canadian composer, conductor, and orchestrator Howard Shore has written scores for over 80 films. His style is characterised by a profound understanding of narrative, employing leitmotifs to give characters and themes distinct musical identities that evolve throughout a film.

Shore’s compositions often blend orchestral elements with unique instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry that enhances the cinematic experience. His scores are not only atmospheric but also deeply emotional, providing a sonic landscape that complements the visual storytelling.

“Concertino” from Eastern Promises

Eastern Promises poster

Eastern Promises

Eastern Promises, a film directed by David Cronenberg in 2007, is a crime drama set in London. It revolves around the Russian mafia and a midwife who uncovers a secret. Shore’s score is deeply atmospheric, containing elements of Russian folk influences, dissonant harmonies, and a haunting string section that elevates the film’s intense and suspenseful narrative.

Shore subsequently arranged the piece for concert performance, showcasing his versatility in transforming film music into a concert work. The “Concertino” is structured around a solo violin accompanied by a chamber orchestra, setting up an intimate yet dramatic dialogue. The “Concertino” captures the essence of the film’s emotional landscape, and it showcases Shore’s ability to craft music that resonates on multiple levels.

The Song of Names “Suite”

The Song of Names poster

The Song of Names

The Song of Names “Suite” is derived from the score for the 2019 film of the same title. Directed by François Girard, it is an adaptation of Norman Lebrecht’s novel, telling the story of a Polish-Jewish violin prodigy, Dovidl Rapaport, and his disappearance before a pivotal concert in 1951 London. Shore drew upon his Jewish heritage and memories of synagogue music from his childhood in Toronto to compose the music.

The film focuses on themes of identity, loss, and remembrance in relation to the Holocaust. Shore’s score is integral in capturing the emotional and cultural depth of the story, with the violin playing a central role in reflecting the protagonist’s journey. The “Suite” is a profound example of how film music can transcend the screen to communicate complex narratives, personal emotions, and cultural memory.

Mythic Gardens

Mythic Gardens for Cello and Orchestra

The concerto for cello and orchestra “Mythic Gardens” was commissioned by the American Symphony Orchestra for cellist Sophie Shao. Conceived as a companion piece to Shore’s earlier piano concerto “Ruin and Memory,” it premiered in 2012 under the baton of Leon Botstein. The work reflects Shore’s ongoing exploration of classical music forms outside his renowned work in film scoring.

The inspiration for “Mythic Gardens” originated from the architecture of three classic Italian gardens: Cimbrone, Medici, and Visconti Borromeo Litta. Shore’s connection to nature, influenced by his Canadian upbringing, played a significant role in shaping the concerto’s thematic and structural elements. It has been called “a significant addition to the contemporary concerto repertoire.”

Ruin and Memory

Howard Shore: Two Concerti album cover

Howard Shore: Two Concerti

Commissioned for the renowned pianist Lang Lang, “Ruin and Memory” was Shore’s first foray into composing a concerto for piano. It also showcased this transition from film scoring to classical concert music. The inspiration for the music comes from Shore’s contemplation of the ruins of ancient civilisations, particularly those of Greece and Rome, and the modern world’s memory and interpretation of these past glories.

The concerto takes the listener on a journey from contemplation of decay to the celebration of memory’s persistence. This narrative arc is reflected in the multifaceted role of the piano, serving as both a solo voice and as part of the ensemble. The score, merging cinematic storytelling with the classical concerto, is a profound exploration of history and human connection.

“Howard Shore Weekend: Eastern Promises” explores intense narratives of cinematic magic and symphonic splendour as the power of music is celebrated in a new and exhilarating way.

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