It makes perfect sense why Lisa Gerrard was chosen to work with Hans Zimmer on film collaborations such as Gladiator. Gerrard’s otherworldly and deeply soulful voice adds dimension to the brilliant orchestral arrangements and melodies that Zimmer creates. Together they are able to achieve what great film music is meant to do, evoke a deep emotional connection for those watching a film. Oftentimes it is hard to pinpoint what exactly we qre feeling in that moment, we just know that we are moved, sometimes to tears. And days after watching the film, the melody themes repeat in our heads as we analyze and try to make sense of the film’s meaning.
Get the Sheet Music for “Gladiator, Now We Are Free” here: https://www.mymusicsheet.com/marisasmusicstudio/195157
Lisa Gerrard’s contribution to the music of Gladiator was highly-recognized, and she received a Golden Globe Award for it that year, in 2000. Her performance also popularized the “wailing woman” music phenomena, which has since been used in other epic films and historical dramas. The style has an exotic, lamenting quality utilizing a female voice with heavy vibrato and a mournful, wailing sound.
Hans Zimmer is one of the most prolific music composers in the film industry. He is a master of creating beautiful and effective themes that brilliantly support the film’s story. He has scored over 150 films, including many classics such as 1995’s The Lion King, for which he the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.
Zimmer’s themes and compositions have become popular outside the film arena, as well. They translate beautifully as instrumental solos, and have become popular as piano arrangements. One such recognizable piece is “Honor Him / Now We Are Free” from Gladiator.