Anyone still doubting Michael Kamen's melody writing credentials really must hear Mr Holland's Opus as it contains four instantly memorable themes. The score opens with that for Holland himself, a broad, anthemic fanfare that also forms the finale of the American Symphony. The melody for Iris is surprisingly turbulent when it appears at the opening of the American Symphony, but is ideally suited in its quieter guise, notably in Iris and Glen. Perhaps the most touching theme is for Holland's son Cole when it appears in Cole's Tune during the underscore itself, but is arranged into one of Kamen's finest spin off songs, Cole's Song which is performed with restraint by John Lennon's son, Julian. Rowena's theme is the score's most melancholy melody, but is an engagingly understated theme for a pupil who has a crush on Mr Holland, but whose advances he resists for the sake of his loving wife and son.
Aside from the cues centering on the main character themes, there are plenty of enjoyable interludes, notably Practice, Practice, Practice, a witty scherzo that is turned even more manic for the Rush to Hospital, taking in more than a hint of Beethoven along the way. On the other hand, Vietnam is a sombre soliloquy as Holland and his fellow teachers note former pupils among the appalling casualties of that campaign. Before the finale of the American Symphony is performed in the film, Thank You Mr Holland is a by turns quiet, then more celebratory finale as a farewell is staged and he is finally able to hear his life's work. The American Symphony, for its grandiose orchestral passages, remains slightly controversial due to the finale which adds drums and guitars, turning the main theme into a rock anthem. In the film, only presenting this portion does somewhat belittle the entire work's overall achievement, but the full version on disc is a great finale.
Of course, if one were to be cynical, an eight minute work shouldn't really take even an amateur composer more than a few months to complete and if I were Mr Holland I'd have finished it off and got the kids to perform it - I know I'd have much rather played some Michael Kamen in my school orchestra than massacre yet another piece of obscure classical music. The funereal march from Beethoven's 7th and the more lively Concerto for Three Harpsichords by Bach are both included on the album and receive fine performances. Of course Kamen's music doesn't quite match up to works by two of history's most important composers, but Mr Holland's Opus still remains Michael Kamen's most engaging and passionate score and for that reason an essential in any collection. A great score that sums up everything that is great about Michael Kamen as a person and a composer.
Score Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 67:12