Alan Silvestri ‘I’m Forrest…Forrest Gump’: Run Forrest, Run!

Alan Silvestri: I’m Forrest…Forrest Gump

Context

Composed for the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Alan Silvestri’s score for the film was nominated for ‘Best Original Score’ at the 67th Academy Awards. Alongside the motion picture soundtrack by Silvestri, there is also a soundtrack album released for the film which has popular 1950/60s songs that were heard in the film. 

The Music

I’m Forrest….Forrest Gump is the first track on Silvestri’s motion picture release and it is also the main theme for the film. Known for the syncopated opening rhythm played on a harp, the theme has been described as “the sound of Forrest Gump”. The sustained strings accompany whilst the piano takes hold of the melody. After playing in its upper register, the piano soon comes into its middle range, which widens the timbre of the piece. The lightness of the melody is also shadowed by solo woodwind players who decorate the score. 

As the music grows and more voices enter, Silvestri keeps the piano at the forefront. The rich and sonorous strings lead the piano into the final flourishes of the theme, with I’m Forrest…Forrest Gump coming to a sparkling close. 

Ⓒ Alex Burns

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