Composer Hans Zimmer has created some of the iconic themes in modern film - particularly within the superhero genre. He received widespread acclaim for his work on Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy; he has since gone on to score Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, and most recently Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with co-composer Junkie XL. While the latter films have been quite polarizing for DC fans, Zimmer's dazzling music has nevertheless been one of their strong points.

It's no surprise that Zimmer's scores have become so iconic over the years. He creates epic, yet still very engrossing, music that only seeks to enhance a viewing experience. And it's clear that his work in everything from the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy to superhero movies reflect just how impactful Zimmer's themes are. His notable presence in Hollywood has also inspired many composers to take on a similar sound - which often means giving a direct homage to Zimmer himself.

Courtesy of Nerdist, you can listen to classical covers of Zimmer's "Flight" from Man of Steel and his main theme from The Dark Knight Rises. The former piece is covered by pianist Lang Lang and violinist Maxim Vengerov, while the latter is done by Lindsey Stirling. The songs are a part of the forthcoming album called The Classics, which features covers of Zimmer's most notable themes, and is set for release on January 13th. In the meantime, take a listen to the two tracks below.

What's interesting about the two covers is how use they use a much more severe tone than the originals. It does seem like the composers took a few liberties in crafting the covers, but they are still incredibly beautiful. The "Flight" cover begins with Lang's soft piano, slowly building up the song's dreamy melody, and then it explodes when Vengerov's spirited strings kick in. Matching that is Stirling's cover of The Dark Knight Rises theme, which is equally engrossing. It would make for a fascinating viewing if we got to hear the covers in the context of the actual movies, although that may be too much to ask for.

After hearing these wonderful covers, Zimmer's recent retirement from composing superhero movies is all the more disappointing. He's been just as much a part of the genre as anyone else, and so future installments will more than likely reflect that. It is clear, however, that his music for movies like Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Rises is anything but forgotten. Not only that, fans will still be getting plenty more of Zimmer in the near future as he's currently busy away at composing Nolan's WWII epic, Dunkirk.

The Classics album will be released on January 13th, 2017.

Source: Nerdist