From Film Music to Classical
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epic
orchestral
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From Film Music to Classical

If you love film scores, you already love classical music — you just don't know it yet. The sweeping orchestras, the emotional themes, the drama: it all comes from centuries of classical tradition. This journey shows you how your favorite movie moments connect to the masters. Let's pull back the curtain.

Also sprach Zarathustra

Richard Strauss

You know the opening from '2001: A Space Odyssey' — those massive chords announcing dawn itself. Richard Strauss wrote this tone poem in 1896, inspired by Nietzsche's philosophy. The full piece is a 30-minute journey through human experience, but that sunrise opening changed cinema forever.

Ride of the Valkyries

Richard Wagner

From 'Apocalypse Now' to countless action sequences, Wagner's Valkyries charge through our cultural imagination. Wagner invented the concept of the 'leitmotif' — musical themes for characters and ideas — which became the foundation of all film scoring. John Williams is Wagner's direct descendant.

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In the Hall of the Mountain King

Edvard Grieg

Grieg's ever-accelerating chase music has appeared in 'The Social Network,' 'Needful Things,' and hundreds of commercials. It's a masterclass in building tension — the music starts quietly and grows into chaos. Grieg himself called it something 'that stinks of cow dung,' but audiences loved it.

O Fortuna from Carmina Burana

Carl Orff

The definitive 'epic trailer' music. Orff's setting of medieval poems about fate has become shorthand for drama and destiny. From 'Excalibur' to 'The Doors' to every other movie trailer, O Fortuna tells us: something big is about to happen.

Symphony No. 9 - Ode to Joy

Ludwig van Beethoven

When filmmakers need pure triumph, they reach for Beethoven's Ninth. Used in 'Die Hard,' 'A Clockwork Orange,' and countless others, the Ode to Joy represents humanity's highest aspirations. Beethoven was completely deaf when he conducted the premiere. He had to be turned around to see the audience's thunderous applause.

Explore Composers from This Journey

Experience This Music Live

There's nothing like hearing classical music performed live. If you're in Denmark or Norway, discover upcoming concerts near you.

Currently available for Denmark and Norway via LiveKlassisk.com

Continue Your Journey

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