A Different Kind of Hans Zimmer Experience

One of my biggest goals for this year has been to find more ways to feel connected to music.

How can I find new ways to keep my passion and appreciation alive, especially in those moments where I feel uninspired or unmotivated?

Lately, I’ve been finding that connection through physical media. I’ve been buying vinyls and CDs, importing them into my iPod, and essentially trying to disconnect from my phone and the internet.

It’s been great just to enjoy the process of curating my own collection again.

But Friday night, I took it another step further and went to a live “Candlelight“ performance of the Best of Hans Zimmer!

These candlelight performances range from classical music to pop covers. Friday night was a tribute exclusively to Zimmer’s work over the years.

(I actually think there’s a new Lord of the Rings concert that I’d love to see!)

It’s honestly rare that I can find time to go to a live performance these days.

My wife and I had her parents come visit to watch our 4-month old so we could have a night out. We got dressed up, treated ourselves to a nice dinner and drinks, and then headed to the concert.

The best part was that it was all local… only about a half-hour from home!

I never would have guessed I could find a candlelit concert dedicated to Hans Zimmer’s music so close by.

It was a good reminder that no matter how busy life gets, I really should make the time to enjoy events like these!

The concert was in a dark church, lit by nothing but hundreds of candles.

We got there early to make sure we got good seats in the general admission front section, and we ended up right in the first row.

Being that close to a string quartet was a huge reminder of the power of human performance, especially in a time where we are constantly talking about AI. Nothing comes close to the real thing. I really appreciated not only their connection to the music but to one another as well.

As a composer, it’s easy to spend so much time in my own studio, overly focused on the DAW or inputting MIDI data. I find myself losing inspiration quickly if I’m too caught up in the technical side of composing.

But seeing music performed live and up-close like this changes the perspective.

I could see their non-verbal communication and the way they were subtly counting through complex rhythms together. I could hear how they were constantly adapting to one another’s intonation.

I was watching the lead violinist specifically.

At the end of each piece, he would melt into the release of the final note. The best way I can describe it is that his bow was like a delicate piece of glass that he didn’t want to abruptly break.

There’s a beauty in those live human performances that AI and MIDI just can’t replicate.

The setlist was a great mix of personal favorites and pieces I actually kind of forgot about. Hearing these themes (which are usually so massive in their original scores) stripped down to four string players was incredible!

• Inception: “Time”

• The Lion King: “This Land”

• The Holiday: “Maestro”

• Dunkirk: “Supermarine”

• The Pacific: “Honor”

• The Dark Knight: “A Dark Knight”

• Wonder Woman: Main Theme

• Gladiator: Suite

• Interstellar: “Cornfield Chase”

• Dune: Suite

• Sherlock Holmes: “Discombobulate”

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Suite

• Man of Steel: “Flight” (Encore)

We were only allowed to record the Pirates of the Caribbean suite so I shared some clips on my Instagram if you wanted to check it out!

I was pleasantly surprised to see the room absolutely packed. Seeing that many people show up for a string quartet playing film music was inspiring in itself.

That night reminded me that there are so many ways to connect to music, even in unexpected places. If you’re feeling a bit stuck in your studio or uninspired by the digital side of things, I highly recommend finding something live and local.

It’s definitely an experience I won’t forget!

~ Robert

PS: I’m looking to work with a small group of composers 1:1 this year. My goal is to help you feel more confident in the music you’re creating and really lean into the storytelling side of your work.

If you’re interested in working together, reply to this email or DM me on Instagram and let me know what you’re currently struggling with or what you feel is holding you back. I’d love to hear from you and see if I can help! 😊