James Horner talks STAR TREK II score

James Horner talks about his 1982 score to STAR TREK II - THE WRATH OF KHAN.

[@Akira625]

This guy did an absolutely stellar job scoring the Star Trek II & III, RIP.

[@christopherthrawn1333]

He died??

[@Robert_Manners]

Totally focused on the actions and the story, brilliant indeed.

[@taopilot2669]

Agreed, such a great theme. I've always wondered why they couldn't use it again for the fourth movie, since II, III, and IV were the most connected. Other composers have left movie series, but they were still able to use their themes.

[@ministryoflies1344]

Agreed...so sad that he didn't carry on through the rest of the series...

[@leif1075]

@@ministryoflies1344 Do we know why they didn't?

[@NicholsFan]

This is probably my favorite movie score of all time. When Kirk is running down to Engineering to see what happened to Spock the violins sounded like they are crying. Such a tragic moment but beautifully captured by Mr. Horner. The whole soundtrack was just sheer magic. We lost a very talented man this past week. RIP Mr. Horner.

[@toddwalker2161]

So true....such dissonance and sadness in that part.

[@colinmoore5991]

James Horner is the only composer who can make me cry on cue.

[@yuljohnson847]

And that same theme that mr. Horner used for Kirk rushing down the ladder sounded very similar to the theme he used when the hero Colywn from the movie Krull was trying to retrieve his glaze after he had guided it into chest of the villian of that movie. Star trek 2 and Krull had alot James's signature and familiar brass,horn and strings passages, great composer and i miss him to this very day 😞

[@thelonecomet1377]

Yes. You are quite right.

[@tommy516]

Agreed! You can tell he did the music for this and Krull, there are a lot of similar string sections. Both are great!

[@VallaMusic]

still amazes me how Horner had the job to follow the absolutely awesome Goldsmith score from the first movie and managed to pull off a monster masterpiece of his own

[@KevinWale]

He then followed Goldsmith on Aliens.... too bad they threw him under the bus on it.

[@jandreidrn]

@@KevinWale just like what they had done with Goldsmith on the first film.

[@nikosvault]

and at age 28.

[@kthx1138]

While Goldsmith's musical contribution in the first film is massive, in many ways, I feel Horner's score in the second film is even BETTER, more exciting, more heartfelt...

[@ian_b]

@@kthx1138 I agree. I think this is the better score. No disrespect to Goldsmith but this score is absolutely perfect and extremely fine music just on its own.

[@PLAYplaceprod.church]

The Enterprise would’nt be able to fly without the music of either Horner or Goldsmith following its adventures. Rest in Peace James and Jerry

[@Pondimus_Maximus]

This was James Horner’s greatest score, without a doubt! He’s really not dead... so long as we remember him... 🖖

[@louismeshon1020]

1982 - a young teenager sees/hears Star Trek II The Wrath of Kahn, he says it's the best movie music he has ever heard. 2019 - a middle aged man is about to go into emergency surgery in late July to save his life (his appendix have burst and he's suffering intense pain, very close to death) In the hospital, the man plays Star Trek II soundtrack opening theme just before surgery. 2020 - I am nearly crying over this interview and what it means to me. This music has saved my life many times over. It has given me strength and purpose to live the best and most powerful life ever. THANK YOU JAMES HORNER!!!! Your score and knowledge of music is the most....... HUMAN..... I will ever hear or have the honor of calling my insipration for life and living!!! L. Meshon, Jr.

[@dezinguy]

And the important thing is that it did save your life, and you're still with us! 🙂

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

McCoy : [1:23:00] What's the matter with you? Elderly patient : [weakly] Kidney [pause] Elderly patient : dialysis. McCoy : [geniunely surprised] Dialysis? [musing to himself] McCoy : What is this, the Dark Ages? [He turns back to the patient and hands her a large white pill] McCoy : Here, [pause] McCoy : you swallow that, and if you have any more problems, just call me! [He pats her cheek and leaves]

[@SandSpock33]

II and III were fantastic Scores. Godspeed.

[@huambo]

RIP James Horner. A genius.

[@Robert_Manners]

He was so 🐾

[@darrenoconnell2891]

Taken too soon.

[@voicevitality7197]

He actually repeats much of his music in his movies. He's not very multi-dimensional.

[@karimelmahmoudi1583]

Like Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner totally nailed their contribution to the Star Trek musical universe. RIP both.

[@scifijunky1979]

James Horner's scores, particularly the ones in Star Trek II and III touch my soul in such a way it makes me forget where I'm at at the moment. He was truly gifted in his art.

[@chrisselner5005]

So true, they are a huge part of both movies.

[@darrenoconnell2891]

I agree with your assessment.

[@Paul_1971]

Same here about touching the soul - I always find the ST II & III soundtracks both stirring and emotional, such brilliant scores. RIP James, you went before your time.

[@markkarjaluoto5628]

I love the second and third Star Trek movies in large part because of James Horner's scores. I particularly enjoyed "Stealing the Enterprise" from the third movie... the music made what was pretty much backing a ship out of the garage so dramatic.

[@JohnL2112]

Stealing the enterprise has to be my favorite “action” sequence because of this score

[@SimonLeicester]

The score accompanying that scene if truly magnificent

[@ajchovanec]

If you listen closely during that scene, the voice of the computer saying "Danger, space doors are closed, danger" and the beeping sounds from Scotty's failed attempts to open the doors fit in so well, it's almost as if they're part of the music.

[@Voculus]

Without so much as a hint of exaggeration, I say that this is the single finest musical score ever written. James Horner was a giant, and is missed dearly.

[@ramius4689]

His music was pure magic.

[@gwenking7700]

His score on TWOK & TSFS were brilliant

[@AlanCanon2222]

I saw Wrath of Khan when I was 13, having narrowly escaped dying from a brain hemorrhage. It was my first outing after leaving the hospital, the first thing I wanted to do, and it played on the biggest screen in Louisville. I'll never forget how I felt when the lights went down and the music swelled as that big, beautiful, rotating starfield appeared on the giant, curved Cinerama screen. Thank you, Maestro Horner.

[@russellspeak3096]

50% of the success of Star Trek II is the music. As good as the actors are, the music compliments their performance immeasurably.

[@Kalentros]

James, Jerry & John...the Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach of modern composing. I've said for years that film scores are the classical music of our times.

[@jandreidrn]

And now two are gone, only John trudged on.

[@Johnprestonevans74]

This is James Horner's greatest film score. That speaks volumes considering his incredible breadth of work and the fact they he was able to not only succeed - but eclipse Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful score for The Motion Picture. The music in Star Trek II is as much of a character in the film as Kirk, Spock and Khan himself. Absolute brilliance.

[@Slovflyer]

I wept like a baby for 20 minutes at Spock's death scene when I recently watched ST2 again. The friendship and bond the 2 characters share and the pain Kirk goes through is so real it just hit me like a truck that moment. And of course the music set the incredible tone for the entire sequence leading up to the death scene, including the ironic fast paced score while visually the ships moved slow and gracefully fighting for tactical advantage unlike the adrenaline filled high speed typical space fight nonsense in most sci-fi -- something I greatly appreciated this go around vs a decade prior hehe. Amazing all around movie.

[@tylerolsonfilms]

Rest in Peace James. Your music is a huge inspiration to me and so many

[@sskoog]

Fucking brilliant piece of music. I'll put the Battle of the Mutaran Nebula up against any classical composition ever written. Saint-Saens, Stravinsky, Mussorgsky, you name it. Horner became a legend on June 4, 1982, and immortal on June 22, 2015.

[@mhm2472]

I completely agree with you!! He stands as an equal to any composer who ever lived. It was a huge loss to the entire world when he died in that plane crash. I love his music more than I can put into words. Oh, how I wish he were still here, writing that glorious music!

[@evertonporter7887]

sskoog He had so much more to give....very sad when I heard about his tragic death.

[@mulberryjohn7413]

Mr. Horner knocked it out of the park with his music visions for ST2 ! I loved seeing this as it explains everything I feel viscerally watching the film !

[@alexaniskander]

YES, THEY WERE WONDERFUL SCORES FOR WONDERFUL FILMS...MAY YOU, JAMES HORNER, LIVE LONG AND PROSPER, WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW...

[@iowa61]

Brilliantly conceived and executed. Evocative as all hell. One of the great scores of all time.

[@jimhults4916]

John Williams is my favorite composer and James Horner as well. I like both John Williams and James Horner.

[@dnasty312]

James and Jerry both on the Mount Rushmore of composers 🎼 Still hard to believe they are no longer with us 😢 #Godspeed, gentlemen 🙏

[@keithwhisman]

I feel the loss immensely. James Horner has made me cry and laugh more times than I can count. I have been bracing myself for John Williams as he is really getting old now I was just left destroyed when I found out Mr Horner was gone. Movies will suffer with him gone from this world. The world has lost a brilliant man. I wish I could have met him, I would've thanked him for making me happy and making me sad and even scaring me at times. RIP, Mr Horner you will be missed.

[@kxmode]

Every single film composer NEEDS to watch this! THIS is how you compose a score. The film scores lately have been bland and generic. The absolute worse is Jupiter Ascending. The entire composition is forgettable. In fact I cannot even remember what the "theme" was.

[@FranticAnimations]

The bland and generic scores lately also include his. Horner has gone shit.

[@1978rharris]

+FranticAnimations Well, that's just your opinion. You can change your mind, of course. Or you can continue to be wrong.

[@FranticAnimations]

1978rharris Nice contradiction there. Saying it's just my opinion then say that I'm wrong. Maybe look up the definitions before posting, buddy.

[@1978rharris]

+FranticAnimations That one went right over your head there, didn't it. Lol

[@FranticAnimations]

1978rharris The execution of your comment wasn't well enough for anything to be made out of it.

[@jeffkyler5660]

This score is IMO one of the 25 best all time and WILDLY brilliant and original. Remember, Horner was following Jerry Goldsmith who had written one of his best scores for ST:TMP. Simply stunning work.

[@rbarger71]

This is my favorite soundtrack of all time. Aliens is #2 and Alan Silvestri-Predator is right up there too.

[@MegazoneMusic23]

was thinking ALIENS also! Someone I know is Crazy about the Balto Score

[@sandal_thong8631]

I've been listening to the intros of Superman and Supergirl on KZbin this past couple years.

[@EdgyNumber1]

After Jerry Goldsmith's TMP theme, this for me came a very, very, close second. Wrath of Khan itself was an amazing story but to see a composer with an eye for such cinematic detail really dig into what the story was about is simply amazing...

[@franzhaas6889]

I HAD THIS SOUNDTRACK AT 14 YEARS OLD. I JUST PLAYED OVER AND OVER. JAMES HORNER IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE'S. HE SEEMS VERY PRACTICAL IN HIS COMPOSITIONS.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

I LIKE PEOPLE WHO LISTEN TO MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS. HE DID AN AMAZING JOB AND THE MOVIE IS A MASTERPIECE, ALL AROUND.

[@cripplehawk]

When I found out died. I went hysterical like Jimmy Conway in GoodFellas when he finds out that his boy Tommy died I gonna really miss him

[@bingbruce4865]

In my opinion, this is some of the best music for star trek just because of James Horner finding the emotion of the scenes and moving us. Thank you James. I can't watch even these clips without feeling the emotion of your music.

[@Anamnesis]

A million great things I could say about Horner's contributions to the franchise, but the thing that strikes me most here is how he comes right out and says he wasn't at all familiar with Star Trek. He just came in and brought something completely different and classic to the table, and it's a legacy that will stand the test of time forever.

[@Thesimon221]

Rip James Horner Loved trek 2 soundtrack I still listen to it to this day

[@speedracer1945]

His music made that first battle scene awesome with His music , such a good soundtrack , RIP

[@Maizerus]

RIP, sir. And thank you for this amazing soundtrack. I don't care if bits of it were used in Krull, it was great anyway.

[@gargantuaism]

What tracks were used in KRULL that were already used in Star Trek 2 ?

[@sandal_thong8631]

This past month I watched Krull for only the 2nd time and this time noticed the sounds of Star Trek II. No surprise he scored that a year after ST2.

[@aj.s...]

Yeah, Horner ripped himself off a lot. But I don't care...

[@Jamaicafunk]

A lot of losses in the Trek universe this year... Very sad...

[@hulkmeister23]

Jamaicafunk You are right; hard, very hard. I just hope Bill isn't next.

[@DarkMsStress]

Derek Bates It's hard not to think about these things...But we're all getting older.

[@hulkmeister23]

DarkMsStress all I want is one more chance at him being Kirk; then I can feel complete.

[@DarkMsStress]

I think he's put it behind him. He's a forward thinker focused on his current projects.

[@lordmikethegreat]

Derek Bates I suspect he'll outlive them all!!

[@kirkhenry3867]

The climax where the enterprise is immediately seen leaving the drydock after McCoy asks Kirk about the tranquilizer is one of my favorite moments in any cinematic music, ever.

[@sandal_thong8631]

Meh, the visuals were a repeat from _Star Trek: The Motion Picture_

[@144Donn]

The music is indeed GENIUS!

[@russ1542]

It's just one of the best film scores of all time and James Horner became my favourite composer because of it. This music is my childhood.

[@TerryComo2010]

He did a terrific job of explaining how he was able to score the film. A truly inspiring interview and something any musician should see. One of the best movie scores of all time.

[@blueknight5754]

This was majestic..and I will always remember how the music gave me goosebumps. Rest in paradise..thank you for making a classic!

[@and8302]

All time favorite composer and conductor

[@throatwobblermangrove8510]

James Horner wrote many of my favorite movie scores, but listening to him talk about what went into this makes me realize how ignorant I've always been about how deftly he worked the different elements together. It gives me even more of an appreciation. He definitely was a true master.

[@PM-mf8wd]

Best movie of franchise and score..

[@toddwalker2161]

Funny story about this soundtrack....I was falling asleep driving back to college when I was around 20 years old. There is a loud bang in the percussion and low brass that woke me up as I was listening to this in my car. If I had driven into the median, there was a bridge on that stretch, thus, this score may have saved my life! True story.

[@Rockin_Ross]

A truly gifted composer. Especially since he didn’t really know the show.

[@saquist]

The ship and dry dock scene was a reuse from the Motion Picture...but the Music of TWOK made it what I remember today.

[@judemonge8697]

My favorite theme from Trek. Rip James Horner.

[@dvarblo]

He scored the themes for two of the best sequels to Movies ever made...Coincidence? I think not.

[@michaelhammock1270]

This is a great interview. I admire Horner's spirit and his music has been a big part of my life. His work on The Wrath Of Khan is beautiful and epic. Jerry Goldsmith's score to the first Star Trek film means so much to me as well. Both are favorites. Goldsmith and Horner are deeply missed.

[@chriswootton]

If you can get hold of it I would highly recommend his soundtrack to Krull.. It's as good as Star trek 2 and Aliens.

[@captain4053]

Thank you James horner For composing the soundtrack to star trek 2. I still listen to it even in my adult years.

[@damnablethackeray]

A great talent and a sad loss. This score was the first thing to make me realise the true beauty of music. Thanks for the upload.

[@christopherthorkon3997]

You left us too soon. Thank you for the music. Rest in peace, James Horner.

[@ShumaiAxeman]

I would love to meet him just for the chance to shake his hand and praise him for this score. Absolutely phenomenal.

[@reachforacreech]

absolutely it is.so exciting dynamic.

[@stanleykubrick1472]

RIP James Horner.

[@kthx1138]

Star Trek II is brilliant! Horner's entire creative range is in this one score!

[@andrewgarner734]

Horner along with Goldsmith and William's knew how to score real themes,something lacking with today's movies scores,sadly gone but the music lives on,thank you

[@rorymcclernon4674]

Some of the best movies scores ever created. beautiful work. This is my kinda trek!

[@angelg6565]

R.I.P James Horner. A truly legendary film composer.

[@captain4053]

R.i.p James Horner

[@jamalbaker4423]

Late 70s, early 80s had the best movie scores. Star Wars, Empire, Basil Poledouris' Conan is in there too.

[@jonny5779]

The music he wrote for Braveheart was nothing short of brilliant. Such a loss😢💔

[@Storm331]

Thanks for this. A blueprint to a masterpiece. His explanation of the Kirk-Spock musical storytelling is what every composer should try to achieve in their own work. -Magic-

[@int53185]

You owe it to yourself to watch the theme performed by the Vienna Orchestra. Mr. Horner in appearance RIP. Godspeed Sir.

[@donna25871]

And they still use Horner’s music in Star Trek - such a beautiful and timeless score.

[@matthewwells1606]

"...the more I could break the audience's heart." LOL. Just amazing. What a beautiful score. RIP.

[@theriocassius4338]

Though he was a good choice for composer his orhcestration is very similar to the work of Jerry Goldsmith in the first film.

[@elusive1970]

For me TWOK is one of the greatest soundtracks of ALL time.

[@BatoNY65]

The man is a genius. This score is one of the best I've ever heard.

[@RealPete]

One of the most brilliant scores ever.

[@robertmorris8997]

Music that sends chills. Absolute genius.

[@yuljohnson1321]

Very PLEASED to have recently completed my James horner soundtrack collection with his score to Another 48hrs! James was an amazing natural talent for somebody who was as young as he was when he first started, incredible! Composing such high profile scores at his age back in his early career was nothing short of an indominable force in the film composing world. Love this interview on his great score to Star trek 2 which catapulted him to legendary status in the same line of work such as John williams and the late Jerry goldsmith!

[@inflintity]

One of the best movie scores ever composed, best score of the Series. Krull included.

[@whiplashfilms]

Man what a loss.

[@jmc32007]

Brilliant composer .

[@Comewithmeifuwant2live]

4:00 His phonetic take on kirk/khan opposing music is hilarious! Rest in peace James you're sorely missed.

[@thetree2044]

Such a talented man very sad he was taken from us too early.

[@kentamccarter9580]

Man I love James Horner's voice, it's so gentle, and he was a great guy

[@whez08]

Craving any kind of interview with Horner, this comes as a gift. A rare glimpse of how he thinks and creates. Thanks for this.

[@OfficialAndies]

Horner IS the reason I love Star Trek

[@saquist]

I get chills

[@yuljohnson5502]

Great in-depth interview with the great James horner! Love his discussion on the movie's principal villian theme, Khan. James proved with his Star trek scores,Krull,Aliens and other scores that he was very adapt to scoring sci-fi epics!

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Well scored Sir!

[@71superbee3]

RIP James Horner

[@lamueldagon7618]

I thank you Mr Horner,your great theme for Star Trek 2 helped me fall in love with Star Trek.It was this film that got me hooked into Star Trek in the first place.May you rest in peace with God.

[@philipbunney9445]

Incredible incredible score. The moment of seeing Enterprise on the far side of the moon is always uplifting & triumphant.

[@toAdmiller]

Leave it to a composer named Horner to give all the juice to the horns...lol. I'm a trombone and love it, but if brass players are honest with themselves, we all secretly want to be horns for this stuff...!

[@jimhults2490]

0:19 James come to know John Williams, John Williams scored Jim and Sandra QVC Adventure and Star Wars, James Horner did Jim and Sandra QVC Adventure for the theme for Sandra.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

Some great musical moments in the score .. I personally loved the music.. 👍👍👍

[@bjornehlers2519]

You are right here. I'am now 33 years old. You was only a genius. My best music composer in my life. R.I.P. JAMES HORNER

[@maximumhate666]

It's an insult to the universe that he died so early.

[@mikeleo1]

He was a Genius. His music made the movie awesome. Rest in Peace, we will miss you.

[@RyderSpearmann]

A brilliant composer, certainly for action films... never a disappointment. Shockingly (especially me being huge JG fan). I think a as grand or even slightly greater achievement than the wonderful Goldsmith score for TMP.

[@ShumaiAxeman]

Whole heartedly agree. I absolutely love te score for the first film, especially the wavy use of "the beam" for V'ger but there's just this fantastic compulsive element to Horners score that wins out for me.

[@andersonrearickiii6392]

I’ve enjoyed all his scores including Krull. The sea theme was perfect, this is, after all, Star Fleet!

[@billzebub06277]

One of the greatest soundtrack movie composers, EVER! RIP.

[@jjphoenix4055]

And this is why Star Trek TMP, STII The Wrath of Khan and STIII The Search for Spock are the best scores of the entire franchise, forever.