Braveheart (1995) is a historical action/drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role. As if I need to tell you: it seems to have become his most popular movie role, and arguably his best acting effort. Gibson portrays the legendary Scot William Wallace, who gained recognition when he came to the forefront of the First War of Scottish Independence by opposing Edward I of England. Wallace, a commoner and initially a meek and passive individual, becomes a rebel when he refuses to follow the law and let the British mate with his would-be bride, and unites the 13th Century Scots in their ultimate victory over English rule after her brutal murder.

The ongoing popularity of the film Braveheart is shown by its almost cult-like following years after its release. The Mel Gibson epic is a romantic version of the Scottish legend, and the musical score contributes greatly to the emotional impact of the entire film. The film’s graphic violence, including the killing of Wallace’s wife, is offset by an offbeat sense of humor, Gibson’s masterful acting, and a musical score that exemplifies the film’s themes of innocence, beauty, tragedy, brutality and ultimately victory.

James Horner, who also composed the scores for the movies Apollo 13, Aliens, Legends of the Fall, Patriot Games, and Titanic, is inspired by traditional Celtic and Scottish influences in his scores and has at times been accused of inserting them needlessly, in most annoying ways. The movie Braveheart seems to have given him a legitimate outlet for this inspiration, as in many scenes the music takes the leading role in telling the story.

It is Horner’s ability to span such a wide range of emotion in a single score that earned him widespread acclaim for the music from Braveheart. Oddly enough, although the movie has had a dedicated following for years, it is new movie fans that keep the soundtrack of Braveheart on the best-selling lists.

Daniel Kobialka’s interpretation of “A Gift of a Thistle” from Braveheart fully encompasses the romance and the Celtic influences of the original score. Listen to this sample from Braveheart performed by violin, oboe, English horn, cello and recorder.

“Braveheart” is one of 13 selections from the album “Celtic Quilt” by Daniel Kobialka.</font>