Music From The Movies
by Andrew Keech

Commissioned by the Houston Museum of Natural Science for IMAX Theatres, Kilimanjaro: To The Roof Of Africa is a film that graphically illustrates this majestic three-coned volcanic mountain. Kilimanjaro rises suddenly out of the plains of Tanzania, reaching 19,336 feet, making it the world's highest freestanding mountain. Although not currently active, it still emits steam and sulphur in stark contrast to its perpetual snowcap. The film's stunning beauty and scenic splendour is highlighted and complemented by an equally stunning and captivating score from veteran IMAX composer, Alan Williams. His score draws heavily on the style and passion that he developed for earlier IMAX scores, like the highly acclaimed Islands Of The Sharks, but Kilimanjaro has added beauty and power to match the sheer scale of the mountain. The composer has paid homage to the film's African setting while portraying the majesty of the mountain in more spectacular classical terms. The 'Main Title' introduces the scores simple, yet charismatic theme, enhanced by tribal percussion and choirs that build to a stirring orchestral crescendo. The use of xylophonic-percussion sounds at times is reminiscent of American Beauty, but here the tribal beat and flute give a gentler feel and hence an authentic laidback African flavour. However, the power of the orchestra is never far away and in cues like 'The Crater's Rim' and 'Rift Valley' the composer creates music of symphonic proportions. While at other times, as in 'The Roof Of Africa', he relies on a plaintive trumpet to expose the solemnity of the scene before breaking into an almost religious chant of choir and percussion. The African tribal spirit is pitched just right, giving a flavour, but never swamping an impressive and lyrical orchestral score. Alan Williams has been responsible for some of the most outstanding IMAX and documentary scores of recent years, including Islands Of The Sharks, Amazon, In Search Of Lewis and Clark and Lion Of The Americas. Kilimanjaro is up there among his best. It has a presence and coherence that is rare among scores. Perhaps the important interaction between visual and aural with less emphasis on dialogue, which is the hallmark of IMAX productions, breeds music with attitude. In Kilimanjaro Alan Williams has certainly injected sensitivity, passion, elegance and the all-important majesty. A wonderful score.