ALAN Forshaw presented an interesting programme of film music.

Many major composers wrote music for the cinema, for example Shostakovich, Benjamin Britten and Prokofiev. They composed mainly ‘serious’ music but who, for different reasons (political, financial, etc.) produced film scores throughout their careers. This was the first time the society has listened to an evening devoted to this genre.

Film music is a little unregarded as a part of the music scene – indeed, a quick look in Groves for Shostakovich, for example, reveals only a single reference to his compositions for the cinema and none in the list of works.

Yet for modern composers, writing for the cinema or composing advertising jingles provide them with valuable income before fame beckons (if it ever does).

Shostakovich wrote in the time of Soviet Realism and falling foul of the censors could have dire consequences for any artist. The films are long forgotten and include Alone, The Great Citizen and Piragov. By way of contrast, Alan played extracts from the award-winning film composer Hans Zimmer. He has written for over 150 films including Gladiator, The Thin Red Line and Rain Man.

The next meeting on October 20 is about Mozart. Further details at salisburyrms.org.