In the days when so many "soundtracks" are just compilations of pop tunes it is a relief to find an orchestral soundtrack that harks back to the glory days of composers such as Bernard Herrmann. Howard Shore's music for "The Aviator" is as good as *that*. It contains broad sweeps of excitement ("H-1 Racer Plane") and sinister, disturbing pieces ("Quarantine") reflecting Hughes's mental deterioration. The first track ("Icarus") has the qualities of a Bach fugue.
Highly recommended - and if you prefer the other type of soundtrack there is the "Music from The Aviator" album where you can hear the contemporary music of the 1920's, etc.