"I know a lot of people like to rag on James Horner because of his tendancy to make music that sounds a lot alike, and even repeat tunes. But no other composer can create music that touches the heart, reaching inside a person to something deeper quite like he does. Searching for Bobby Fischer is no exception. I am quite an avid soundtrack fan, owning about 50, and having heard over 80; and probably would rate Horner as my favorite composer, mainly because his music does reach the heart and soul of a person so well. You don't just hear it, you feel it. Out of all the Horner scores I've heard, and I own 14 of his personally, this one would rank at the top. Probably the only one I would rank higher overall is Bicentennial Man, and it's close between this one and that one. S.F.B.F. has a lot softer, delicate, and heartwarming tone than Bicentennial Man, but I really like B.M.'s mix. They're very close.So in closing, I would echo what some of the previous reviewers have stated, that if you are a soundtrack lover at all, and especially if you are a Horner fan, Searching for Bobby Fischer is a must have addition to your collection. Listen... and be touched!"
Another wonderful film score from James Horner
Lawrance M. Bernabo | The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota | 12/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Searching for Bobby Fischer" is another fine example of the work of James Horner, combining the diverse elements of a child's innocence with the ancient mysteries of the game of chess and the frenetic energy of competitive action. Horner's score is very reminiscent of his work on "Field of Dreams," especially the low chord on the piano when Kevin eyes the right piece on the board similar to those when Ray first sees Shoeless Joe on his baseball field. This soundtrack underscores what the strength of James Horner's work in films, which is that his music perfectly matches the scene. You listen to these tracks, such as "Final Tournament," and you cannot help but visual the scene in the film. In this regard Horner hits the mark much more often than John Williams, who tends to have memorable songs that somewhat overwhelm the action."
Horner at his best
Casey Quast | San Antonio, Texas USA | 01/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own almost all of James Horner's soundtracks and this one is by far my favorite.To try and describe his score in words is vitually impossible. The music on this soundtrack reaches deep within to penetrate every part of your body in ways that only music can. Everytime I listen to this soundtrack I get chills because it touches me so greatly.If you are a music fan (soundtracks esp), then you should own this soundtrack. You won't regret it!"
Heartfelt and Triumphant!
Scott Roy | Rochester, MI United States | 07/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own quite a few James Horner scores, and although in recent years I've not liked many of his recent scores, I still listen to this one time and again. Although it can't be compared to one of his best scores ever; Glory, it is in it's own right one of his best scores for a childrens movie. In my opinion, it's right up there with The Land Before Time. The main theme of the score is one that appears many times throughout the CD. It's a wonderfully light and heartfelt theme that never seems overused. Horner does a good job of playing off different variations of this theme to create interest in the score. 'Early Victories', 'Josh and Vinnie', and the last track do a great job using the main theme to create the feeling of triumph and joy. The beginning of track 12 uses the same theme but with the use of soft woodwinds and piano create a very quiet and moving track. The track 'Josh VS. Dad' is a unique track that doesn't feature any hints of any other themes on the CD. Using harp and piano, it's a very joyful and lighthearted track to listen to. Overall, this is one of Horner's less well known, but definitely one of his best scores ever! A great score for a great movie!"