Overview

"Saving Private Ryan is certainly one of Steven Spielberg's most powerful films. The accumulative effect of his great photography and the splendid performances contained in the film combine to produce a jolting emotional impact, particularly in the closing moments of the movie.

Preparing the music for this portion of the film presented a particular challenge in that the music needed to be effectively reverent in tone while still being quiet and simple enough so as not to intrude on the private reflections of each viewer. It occurred to me that the music could be vocal, at least to the extent that it featured a choral texture but without relying on a written text that might present a distraction for the audience. I do however feel that the piece can be performed effectively with orchestra alone.

In writing the music, the fallen heroes shown in the film were constantly in my mind and it is to the memory of the real-life heroes portrayed so convincingly in the film that I have the privilege of dedicating this music."

John Williams

Score Specs

End Credits. Found on the soundtrack

Duration 6:00

19 pages

10"x14" spiral bound full orchestral study score

Instrumentation

FLUTE 1
FLUTE 2
OBOE 1
OBOE 2
ENGLISH HORN
Bb CLARINET 1
Bb CLARINET 2
Bb CLARINET 3 (Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Clarinet, opt.)
BASSOON 1
BASSOON 2
CONTRA BASSOON (Bassoon)

F HORN 1
F HORN 2
F HORN 3
F HORN 4
Bb TRUMPET 1
Bb TRUMPET 2
Bb TRUMPET 3

TROMBONE 1
TROMBONE 2
TROMBONE 3
TUBA

TIMPANI
PERCUSSION 1 (Deep Military Snare Drum, Sus. Cym.)
PERCUSSION 2 (Glockenspiel)

HARP

VIOLIN I
VIOLIN II
VIOLA
VIOLONCELLO
CONTRABASS

SATBB CHORUS