2004
"Believe" from The Polar Express
Alan Silvestri
The song Believe from the 2004 film The Polar Express, a warm holiday ballad by Alan Silvestri that orchestras play at seasonal concerts.
What to listen for
This is a song, and in concerts it is performed either with a singer or as an instrumental version.
It starts softly, with a gentle, glowing sound in the strings and light touches from a piano or a bell-like instrument.
The melody enters in a calm, steady way, simple and easy to remember, about holding on to wonder and faith. In an instrumental version the tune is carried by a solo instrument or the strings.
The music builds as the song goes on, growing warmer and fuller as more of the orchestra joins in, with swelling strings and brass.
At the peak the tune is stated loudly and openly, and then the music settles back to a quiet, peaceful close.
The story
Alan Silvestri wrote the score for The Polar Express, the 2004 animated film based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book. He wrote the song Believe with lyricist Glen Ballard, and in the film it is sung by Josh Groban. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Silvestri is also known for scoring Back to the Future and the Avengers films. Believe has become a seasonal favorite, and orchestras play it on holiday and family programs, sometimes with a vocalist or a children's choir.
First time hearing it?
- It runs about four minutes.
- It may be sung or played without a vocalist.
- It often appears on holiday concerts and family programs.
- You do not need to know the film.
Written by OrchestraFinder, reviewed October 2026.