Hans Zimmer's World Tour hit Radio City Music Hall this week
and played to capacity crowds. While Zimmer isn't my favorite film score
composer by a long shot, I rarely have the chance to see film music performed
live and this opportunity was too good to pass up. So, with bellies full of a
fantastic dinner at Bill's Bar and Burger's, I - joined by my wife and sister -
took our seats at the legendary venue. At exactly 8:00, the lights came down
and the curtain rose.
Without introduction, the music began with a medley made of
up scores from Driving Miss Daisy, Sherlock Holmes and Madagascar. It was an
energetic start, setting a lively tone. As each section of the ensemble was to
play, the curtain rose another row to reveal them. When the curtain was finally
fully raised, we were able to see the round screen behind where a variety of
images would be projected to match the music.
Once the first medley was complete, Mr. Zimmer began his
intro. An affable personality, he projected much warmth, humor and joy,
engaging the audience and introducing his fellow musicians. The love shared
between Zimmer and his troupe was obvious and contributed to the family feel.
Throughout the evening. Zimmer would take up the guitar, the keyboard, the
drums and even a xylophone. His musical talents were widely on display.
Over the following two and half hours, a greatest hits
collection from Crimson Tide, Angels and Demons, and Gladiator swept the
audience away. Excitement gave way to beautiful imagery when The Da Vinci Code
was played, but the real surprise came when the unmistakable voice of Lebo M.
exploded forth. The Lion King piece was received with rapturous applause and
even I had chills when it concluded with a rousing rendition of "The Circle of
Life."
More thrills and cheers when Jack Sparrow's theme began,
ending the first half of the show with a generous helping of Pirates of the
Caribbean.
The second half began with True Romance and Rain Man before
heading into Super Hero territory with fan favorite cuts from Man of Steel and
the Wonder Woman theme from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The
Thin Red Line was sandwiched between DC and Marvel as The Amazing Spider-Man
2's "Electro's Theme" rhythmically flowed outward. There was a brief
respectful interlude as Mr. Zimmer introduced "Aurora," and
understated piece created to honor the lives lost in the Aurora, Colorado movie
theater shootings during showing of The Dark Knight.
Interstellar provided a lengthy and inspirational
"close" to the show, as Mr. Zimmer gave a rather restrained farewell
and left the stage. However, like any good musician. Zimmer knew how to play
the audience and everyone filed back for an encore: a truly explosive and show
stopping medley from my personal favorite of his scores, Inception. It was well worth the wait.
At the end, the entire audience was on its
feet, cheering, stomping and caught up in the love given and taken by Zimmer,
his musicians and his fans. 
