Maurice Jarre: Witness

Maurice Jarre originally wrote this for synthesizers – because the Amish consider acoustic instruments otherworldly – but – then rearranged it for orchestra, as here.

Released: 1985
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover

The Film: A hard boiled Philadelphia cop travels to a quiet Amish community to protect a young boy who has witnessed the murder of a narcotics agent. In this peaceful community, the policeman is forced to confront the essential character of his own violent profession.

The Composer: Maurice Jarre's use of synthesisers in this score appears to be an unusual choice of soundscape for such a film, but it seems to enhance the otherworldliness of the Amish community. The simple thematic ideas come together in the barn building sequence, which emphasise feelings of early America and the community work ethos.