This is one of the best scores composed by James Horner thus far, and certainly the best of 1989. I hold this opinion because the film, combined with the stunning soundtrack by Horner makes for an unforgettable movie and unforgettable is what it truly is. Critics have always lauded Horner to no end of not being able to compose anything original. But with Glory, even the most cruel critic has to admit to being wrong. The unique blend of almost all of the styles that have come to symbolize Horner's work (i.e. orchestral and piano crashes, low pieces building into high booming pieces, choral movements, etc.) can be found in this soundtrack and it is a pleasure to listen to it. For many soundtrack collectors, this was one of the first soundtracks they ever bought.
Not only did it introduce many people to the world of film music, bur it brought James Horner into a positive light with many people as he so deserves. With the help of another good score, Field of Dreams, being released around the same time, Horner became a respected composer. Some of the old generations of composers first noticed Horner's talents and vocalized their support --Elmer Bernstein
supposedly being one of them.
As for the music, it is performed with a full orchestra and boys choir. Choral movements in soundtrack score is nothing new, but the way it is utilized here is what makes this soundtrack work to the level it does. I remember seeing the movie in my eighth grade history class and afterwards, everyone, from soundtrack collectors like me to hardcore rap fans were humming and singing the choral pieces together. The voices of the Boys Choir of Harlem make this score work --from the horrors of the bloody battle of Antietam to the epilogue and mass burial. Every few minutes, the music swells up to a peak in its power. For example, this occurs during Colonel Shaw's Christmas Eve monologue, the "year of jubilee" march, the preparations for the charge on Fort Wagner, and the finale of the attack itself. These moments will send chills up your spine, which is what a good score should do!
Listening to the last four tracks is the most inspiring part of the soundtrack for me. Covering the entire musical period from before the attack on Fort Wagner to the end credits, the music keeps the mood of the characters in mind. The main theme, first introduced in A Call To Arms, is heard in almost every track and the last four tracks use it very well. The Closing Credits is among one of the most popular pieces used in various commercials and sports shows. It is a powerful theme belted out by The Boys Choir of Harlem with such emotion that it is indeed a testament in itself as to the power of Horner's composition skills. If you've never heard the soundtrack, you'd be a fool not to go out and get this one. And if you're just starting your collection of soundtracks, this should be one of the first you get to start it off. I recommend both the score and film to all.
Total time: 43:21
1: A Call to Arms (3:07)
2: After Antietam (2:39)
3: Lonely Christmas (1:54)
4: Forming the Regiment (5:26)
5: The Whipping (2:09)
6: Burning the Town of Darien (2:30)
7: Brave Words, Braver Deeds (3:09)
8: The Year of Jubilee (2:25)
9: Preparations for Battle (7:32)
10: Charging Fort Wagner (2:51)
11: An Epitaph to War (2:32)
12: Closing Credits (6:51)