Die Hard (soundtrack)

The Die Hard soundtrack comprises the musical score for the 1988 action film Die Hard, composed by Michael Kamen. The soundtrack blends original orchestral music with pre-existing popular songs, contributing significantly to the film's overall atmosphere and pacing.

Kamen's score is notable for its incorporation of classical music, most prominently "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is used thematically throughout the film, often ironically during moments of intense action or suspense. This juxtaposition of high culture and violent action became a signature element of the Die Hard franchise.

In addition to the orchestral score, the soundtrack features popular music tracks from artists such as Run-DMC ("Christmas in Hollis"), Vaughn Monroe ("Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"), and John Scott Trotter ("Winter Wonderland"). These songs contribute to the film's setting during Christmas Eve and provide a contrasting musical backdrop to the more intense action sequences.

Several versions of the soundtrack have been released over the years. The original soundtrack release did not include all of Kamen's score, and bootleg versions containing more of the original music have circulated. Later, more complete official releases became available.

The music from Die Hard is widely recognized and has become synonymous with the film's distinctive style, influencing action movie soundtracks that followed. The blend of classical music, popular songs, and original score has contributed to the film's enduring popularity and status as a classic of the action genre.