Hans Zimmer performs his own ‘Inception’ guitar solo – and of course it's epic

23 August 2021, 20:14 | Updated: 23 August 2021, 20:18

Pianist in St Pancras wows with performance of the main theme of Interstellar by Hans Zimmer

When a movie music great strolls on stage and thunders out an spinetingling solo from one of his most iconic scores.

When a great composer plays their own music, it’s always something very special.

Sometimes a composer would conduct from the podium, like the great John Williams, or play from the piano like composer Max Richter.

But when you’re a multi-instrumentalist like movie music maestro Hans Zimmer, there are many options with added epicness and theatricality.

Like what happened at this ‘Hollywood in Vienna’ concert from 2018.

Read more: A phone company was tired of its old ringtones. So, Hans Zimmer composed an ‘orchestra’ of sounds

Attired in his trademark suit, black shirt and sneakers, Zimmer casually strolls on stage. With the orchestra roaring behind him, the composer takes on his famous solo from the soundtrack to the film Inception.

Watch the moment here:

Hans Zimmer performs INCEPTION "Time" - The World of Hans Zimmer

The German composer began his career playing keyboards and synthesisers. Though these have always formed a key part of his compositional world, he is also an accomplished guitarist.

In his scores, Zimmer has always been fascinated by how electric stringed instruments can interplay with an orchestra, and frequently uses electric guitar and electric cello.

His soundtrack to the 2010 futuristic thriller, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a real stand-out.

In Inception’s score, Zimmer explored the collision between imagination and that futuristic sound world. His score was densely constructed, electronic toned, with an ever-present lyricism.

His incorporation of a guitar is reminiscent of the great film scores of Ennio Morricone. For the soundtrack, Zimmer brought in Johnny Marr, former guitarist of The Smiths, to play the parts.

But in this concert, we’re very pleased he picked up the six strings himself.