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Where to go to purchase Film Scores?


Old Composer

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I've searched around on Google for a while, as well as a few sites that offer scores, and I can't find anywhere that offers full scores for films. I've heard from some people on this site that they have scores to certain films, and I'm wondering where I could purchase some scores.

Thanks

PS - Sorry I haven't been as active around here lately. School + Teaching can be a scallop.

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Film scores are still under copyright, so you'll very rarely find film scores available freely and legally online (unless the composer/publisher/copyright holder has agreed to release the scores publically, even with restrictions, but that's not a very common case at all).

Your best bet would be to go to a music shop. Film scores don't cost that much anyway. Well, most of them. You can also try sheetmusicplus.com or even amazon.com .

If you don't care about legal stuff, I'd suggest you definitely go check pianofiles.com - but make sure you've got something to give in return, otherwise you will have a hard time finding someone who is willing to give away scores without return.

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Like Jujimufu said, there are very few actual scores true to the film--most are commissioned concert arrangements.

However, the John Williams Signature Series is a set of scores that are as true to the originally written scores and can be studied with the original soundtrack at your side. Of course, they don't include session notes and alterations made during the scoring sessions, but it's as close as it gets.

Shop around, they sell at different prices.

Apparently, the original Star Wars/Indiana Jones scores are in a vault at Lucas Arts--they include musician notes penciled in by the performers.

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Sincerely doubt you'll find film scores available except through studio libraries and the like, and except for a few famous films scores as from John Williams, as stated. I think West Side Story is available as a score.

I'd love to get the score for Green Mansions but the chances are very slim indeed.

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  • 11 years later...

It used to be really common for film scores to be released on record.  In the eighties they released most of them.  There were many times that I would go see a film and like the score and go straight to the record store and buy it.  That being said, they do not seem to be released anymore.  I would suggest going to used record stores.  Most of them will have a "Soundtrack" section and, while soundtracks are not scores, they are usually mixed in there.  You may not find current ones but there are many great scores from movies past.  In fact, I am listening to "The Mission" by Ennio Morricone as I write.  

It is really frustrating because I used to buy many scores starting in my early twenties and now I see a film and wish I could buy the score.  Luckily I have many from years ago.

Good luck.

 

David R.

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