There have been a number of times in my life when I have made a judgment about something and then later found that I completely changed my mind.  This is not an unprecedented occurrence, of course, but it has made a real impression when the judgment was about something musical and important to me.

I find that this has happened most often when I had great anticipation about something and then, after the event, found myself initially disappointed in some way.   One of the first times I remember this was when I saw the first Harry Potter movie.

I was a huge fan of the books, and the anticipation around the first movie was pretty intense.  Would they completely mess it up?  (Something similar is presently swirling around the new Harry Potter theme park at Universal in Orlando.)

After seeing the movie, I remember that my initial reaction to the music soundtrack composed by John Williams was that it sounded just like all his other movie music.  Somehow I was expecting something so special that when I heard the familiar trademark elements of a John Williams score I was disappointed.

Later, however, upon listening to the soundtrack at home on my stereo I found there was much about it to appreciate.  I started to note how the choice of melodies and instruments seemed somehow perfectly matched to the material.  And finally, after repeated listening, I became completely obsessed with the music and started to number it among my very favorites!  This was quite a turnaround!

Of course, I made a wrong judgment at the moment when the lights came up in the theater.  My mood or mindset just wasn’t right to give a true evaluation.  Or possibly it really did grow on me.

More recently I had a repeat of this experience with the movie “Avatar.”  I went into the first viewing a bit skeptical of all the hype, but left the theater amazed by the experience.  And yet I remember having discussions with friends that I didn’t remember any of the music.  It seemed odd that there was no sweeping “ET” type melody to carry home with me.

Eventually I became completely obsessed with all things “Avatar,” seeing the movie over and over, playing with my Banshee toy at home while working, and listening to the soundtrack over and over.  I have since decided that the movie is well served by a soundtrack that doesn’t overpower.  The visuals are the king of this empire, and the music seems to heighten the action at just the right moments.

I now really appreciate the choices of sounds, the interesting mix of electronics and native instruments, and the very nice chordal melodies that serve the story so well.

So I now try to remember that first impressions, or at least “initial judgments” can sometimes definitely be wrong.  I try not to jump up on too many soapboxes too quickly.  Mature thinking requires some thought, some time, and the ability to decide that you were wrong!  My apologies to Mr. Williams and Mr. Horner.  Thanks for writing some of my favorite music!