Episode 8: Home Alone

Having already completed two pictures in 1990, John Williams wanted to take the late summer off from film scoring and write a clarinet concerto. However, fate intervened when Williams saw the rough cut of Home Alone and was instantly inspired to write its score. Despite it being a small picture, Home Alone is one of the maestro’s most thematic-oriented scores, writing no less than eight primary and secondary themes and motifs. These include the “Somewhere in My Memory” and “Star of Bethlehem” themes, which have both become bonafide Christmas carols in their own right. Join me and explore this spirited score to the holiday classic.