Favorite Alan Menken Score

[Silver]

I'm actually suprised I didn't think of this sooner since nobody else has asked this question. One of the most critically acclaimed, successful, and beloved composers of recent film hisory should have his own poll. Just look at the variety of musical genres he was able to accomplish. And since their are so many fans of his on this Board I'm curious as what's you're favorite score of his?

[joplin4]

I love all his music, but I think his best is "Aladdin". The score is so dynamic. I think "The Little Mermaid" comes in at number two on my list.

[liongirl]

My 2 faves are: Beauty and the Beast and Hunchback.
L.G.

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

As great as many of those scores are, I voted for Enchanted because it wound up combining so many memorable Disney styles.

[Silver]

I'm an enormous fan of Alan Menken's music! His craft and passion for each piece is undeniably a joy to listen to. To say this man is mega-talented is an inderstatement. I honestly have to say with (nothing against the many other composers out there) but I can't imagine these films being as beautiful as they are without his wonderful scores. But if I had to pick one score that stands out as a favorite- that would go to The Hunchback of Notre Dame!

The intensity, majesty, and the tragedy create the perfect marriage for what this wonderful story is. I still can't fathom how this score didn't win the Oscar. The nominees were great, but this was over the moon brilliant! Oh well, at least he was nominated. Spinetingeling and oustanding is all I can say.

[Skeleton Grin]

I too voted for Hunchback.
The brooding, somewhat operatic tones of this film really won me over though I love each score from Menken immensely.
Hunchback's to me, feels particularly deep with some fantastic orchestral pieces, perfectly depicting shades of light and dark.

[Pirate_Princess_Lass]

That is really tough. All of Menken's scores are fantastic. I voted for The Little Mermaid because I love the music but I think the one that really affects me is Hunchback. The score of Hellfire gives me goosebumps whenever I listen to it.

[SpellWovenNight]

I can't decide, not yet at least. Not only are they all so good but they're all so different. Personally I can't tell it's him by just listening to the score (like you can with other Composers). The type of music and the mood the scores bring are just so unique!

[barkydog2000]

Ok, I voted for Newsies because I really do think it is very good, but mostly I voeted for it just because I knew that the chances of anyone else voting for it was near to none. But that is how it should be, because honestly, Hunchback of Notre Dame (my first choice) and Beauty and the Beast (my second choice) are honestly much better all around.

it is so hard to pick just one because all of them have great songs and intrumentals! All of them are very fitting for the movie. TLM is dreamy and joyful, Hercules is funny and hopeful and so on, but I think you that have voted for Hunchback had touched on way it is better, it isn't necessarily better, but just more powerful, menacing, touching.

[Briar Rose's Dark Knight]

I think it's a testament to how good Menken is that some people are wondering why Disney is going with Randy Newman for The Princess and the Frog. I think Newman will do a wonderful job on that film, it's just that Menken has become synonomous with Disney because of his successes.

[SpellWovenNight]

I went with Pocahontas. I'm not saying it's the best or anything but it is my favorite because it captures the essence of two different cultures and you can really hear that in the music.

[Pride]

I voted for BATB just because I love how it combines every element of the emotions...some are dark and frightening, some are grand and majestic, and some are suspenseful and dynamic, and there isn't one song (OK, maybe Be our Guest...) that I don't like. Even the background music is great to listen to. Maybe I'm biased because I actually have that soundtrack, but Hercules and Hunchback did come very close.

[Silver]

I think what makes Alan such a successful and acclaimed composer is a couple of different things. First and foremost, he becomes part of a project to serve the story and it's characters. He studies the film's themes, settings, character view-points, and tone deeply. While he could do what he knows best and stick with it hoping it will mesh with the film. (Some composers do that and it becomes redundant) He takes the challenge and ventures into uncharted territory to what will match seemlessly with what the film stands for. Secondly he has a passion for many music genres and loves to gain new knowledge about them. He loves rock, gospel, musical theatre, and exotic equally as a fan. But then he goes a step futher and applies that love into his own ability. It's just a matter of what fits with the piece. And finally he is a wonderful team member. In all the interviews I've seen him do and all of what his collegues say, it's very clear to see he is a friendly but focused person. That is what any responsible creative team member on a film should be. But I think his technique and passion are stronger then some of the aspects of the film and that is why he's so beloved.

[rapunzelshair]

THOND score will always send chills down my spine in delight

[Mrs. Nesbit]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a very haunting score. It brings to life the darker side of the Disney film and paints the perfect picture for the story to be told. It captures you and pulls you in and keeps you watching. It's very good at selling the happy moments of the story as well.
The whole scene where Quasi climbs to the top of the tower and raises Esmeralda above his head and yells sanctuary wouldn't be the same without the score behind it.