From Titanic to Braveheart: The James Horner Scores That Defined a Generation
Ahead of the live concert performance of his work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra this March, we're taking a look back at James Horner's influential movie soundtracks (and offering 20 percent off tickets).
In partnership with 
Name a beloved movie from the last 40 years, and it was most likely soundtracked by James Horner. The American composer worked on over 160 film and television productions throughout his career before his untimely passing in 2015 at the age of 61.
This work included his Academy Award-winning score for James Cameron's Titanic, and the Oscar-nominated scores Aliens, Apollo 13, Field of Dreams, Braveheart and House of Sand and Fog. James Horner also created the soundtrack behind one of the highest-grossing films of all time, Avatar.
Next month, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the influential work of the composer with the Art of the Score: James Horner. For three nights in March, Hamer Hall audiences will be captivated by the composer's film-spanning work live and in concert.
Conducted by Nicholas Buc and hosted by Art of the Score presenters Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding, the concert is a chance for film buffs to enjoy music by the legendary composer, including selections and suites from the films Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Apollo 13, Aliens, The Rocketeer, Braveheart, Titanic, Avatar and more.
Ahead of the nostalgic in-concert performances, we're taking a look back at James Horner's work that defined a generation of movie-lovers. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is also currently offering 20 percent off tickets*, so consider this your sign to enjoy the classical music featured in your favourite films.
Titanic
Few films have achieved the cultural saturation that Titanic has. Directed by James Cameron, the fictional retelling of the sinking of the Titanic became a global phenomenon and catapulted the leads, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, to superstardom. From the fragile piano motif that introduces Rose to the orchestral swells of the young couple falling in love, the action-packed romance is made thanks to James Horner's visionary (Academy Award-winning) score.
Avatar
Reuniting with Titanic director James Cameron, once again, James Horner is the brains behind Avatar's epic score. The composer created a soundscape for Pandora that fused orchestra with world-music influences. The central theme is immediately identifiable and balances emotion and adventure with ease. It was to become one of James' final large-scale blockbusters, closing his career on a high as the soundtrack to the highest-grossing film of all time.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Released in 1982, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is one of James' earliest breakout scores. The composer injected bold brass fanfares and strings into the sequel, giving the Enterprise a sense of adventure while maintaining James's soon-to-be signature touch of emotional undercurrent. According to James, the producers wanted a more modern score, something they hadn't heard before. That was when the then 28-year-old was tapped, and a film composer legacy was born.
Braveheart
Before Titanic, James cemented his status as a creator of emotional epics with Braveheart. Directed by and starring Australian Mel Gibson, the film portrays the life of warrior Sir William Wallace and tells the story of Scotland's struggle for independence from England. The period drama is a tale of rebellion and sacrifice that's amplified by James Horner's orchestral folk music.
Apollo 13
Another 90s classic James worked on was Apollo 13. The historical drama, directed by Ron Howard, chronicles the harrowing true story of NASA's ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. James' reflective space score features solos by vocalist Annie Lennox and was deemed a critical success, garnering James an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score.
Decades on, all of these scores (and more) are still as timeless and epic as ever. If you want to witness the magic of his music live in concert, book your tickets to Art of the Score: James Horner at Hamer Hall now.
Book your tickets here.
* 20 percent off on up to six tickets.
Image credit: Supplied
- The Ten Best Beach Camping Spots in Victoria
- Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne's CBD
- The 25 Best Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025
- The 16 Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)