12 Years a Slave – Original Score
Hans Zimmer · 2013
38 min · 21 tracks · video game music · film score
A hauntingly beautiful orchestral score that evokes deep emotional resonance and historical weight.
Why this album works
The score for '12 Years a Slave' received widespread acclaim, earning Zimmer an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. Its impact extended beyond the film itself, contributing significantly to the emotional depth of the narrative and enhancing discussions surrounding race and history in America.
- Best for
- haunting moments of reflection dynamic emotional peaks and valleys immersive storytelling through sound
- Context
- By 2013, Hans Zimmer was already a prominent figure in film scoring, having composed for blockbuster films like 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight.' The release of '12 Years a Slave' marked another critical collaboration, showcasing his ability to convey complex narratives through music, especially in the context of a powerful historical drama.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thomas Anders· Sarah Connor· Die Ärzte· ATB· Kraftwerk· Silbermond· Tokio Hotel· Alphaville
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Solomon Northup Standout 1:55
- 2 Main Title 0:28
- 3 Bedtime 1:35
- 4 Arrival in Washington 0:23
- 5 Solomon in Chains 5:03
- 6 Preparing for Travel 1:00
- 7 Boat Trip to New Orleans Standout 5:14
- 8 Saratoga Flashback 2:11
- 9 River Rafting Claps 1:05
- 10 Eliza Flashback 1:45
- 11 Escape Sequence Standout 1:19
- 12 Time Passing Sequence 1:31
- 13 Devasted Crops 0:50
- 14 Plantation Life Pt A 0:59
- 15 Plantation Life Pt B 0:55
- 16 Judge Yarney's Ball 1:09
- 17 Letter Writing 0:51
- 18 Solomon Burns the Letter 1:05
- 19 Soap 3:38
- 20 A Free Man 2:12
- 21 Nothing to Forgive 3:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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