This is yet another superb score from yet another lame very sub-Disney animated movie. James Horner almost seems to have made a living from scoring wannabe Disney films, which is a shame as Horner is far to good a composer to be wasting time on such things (much like Jerry Goldsmith who seems to waste his vast talents scoring crappy horror and action movies). Surprisingly for a Horner score this is reasonably original most of the time and is much more unique than some of his other animated outings such as An American Tail. They have almost turned into a sub genre of Horner scores and can end up being a little bit too much the same. However, Balto bucks this trend and makes for a refreshing and rousing score. The main theme is a strident brassy almost fanfare like motif that is just rugged sounding enough to convince us that this story is set against the harsh snowy backdrop.
Although managing to steer clear of his other animated scores, there are definite hints of some live action Horner scores, Willow and The Rocketeer both make cameo appearances although this isn't especially widespread. The action cues are robust and exciting and perhaps seem just a fraction overpowering for an animated film, but perhaps this was just done to beef up the excitement of the onscreen action. The rest of the score has some more tender moments as well as more playful sections, most notably in Boris and Balto. The mimicking of the Morse code in Telegraphing the News is a sensible if obvious touch.
I don't think this goes down as one of Horner's best scores, but I rate it quite highly because it is for the most part original and just bounces along very nicely indeed making it just downright enjoyable, oh and the song isn't too bad either (apart from the slightly yucky children singing in it). The performance by the London Symphony Orchestra is as bracing and exciting as ever. Recommended for Horner fans, definitely, but for others I would suggest there are better Horner scores.
Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 53:38