The Magic of James Newton Howard

concert during the 19th Kraków Film Music Festival

There are composers whose music you simply hear. And then there are those whose music you truly feel. For decades, James Newton Howard has been creating scores that guide audiences through worlds filled with magic, emotion, and inner tension. During The Magic of James Newton Howard concert at the Kraków Film Music Festival, the audience had the chance not only to immerse themselves in some of his most iconic themes from films such as Maleficent, King Kong, and The Hunger Games, but also to discover lesser-known sides of his music. What made the evening even more special was the fact that the concert was led by the composer himself.

A charming man

I think it is important to mention from the very beginning that James Newton Howard is not a professional conductor. Yet he took on the challenge of leading both the orchestra and two choirs. On top of that, he also spoke between the pieces. He shared incredibly charming stories in such a light-hearted and humorous way.

It is difficult to choose the very best among his works because I deeply appreciate his entire art. I will try. I base my choices on what I heard on Thursday evening at ICE Kraków Congress Centre.

Worth highlighting

One of the first pieces that truly impressed me was the suite from Snow White and the Huntsman. I was touched by the strings, the piano, but also by the transitions into much darker and heavier sounds. It felt as though we had stepped into darkness, surrounded by timpani, brass, and double basses. This suite reminded me why I fell in love with the sound of the piano. And with the Kraków Philharmonic Choir joining in, I could feel chills running through my entire body.

Another suite that stayed with me was definitely the one from The Village, especially the violin and piano solos. I sat there with my eyes half-closed, listening to the beautiful sounds flowing through the concert hall.

Something quite different from the previous two suites was Solomon Vandy from Blood Diamond. The combination of Damian Ukeje’s vocals with the Kraków Philharmonic Children’s Choir, followed later by Ablaye Badji entering on djembe, was without a doubt the highlight of the evening for me. It felt genuinely transporting. I felt for a moment that I had been taken somewhere beyond the concert hall itself. My body almost instinctively wanted to move along with those incredible sounds.

It is remarkable how James Newton Howard’s humility only emphasizes his greatness as a composer. Those moments filled with emotion will stay with me for a long time to come.