Record Label: Decca
Genre:
Band Link:
Buy on Amazon.com link

I don’t know anything about Dario Marianelli or this movie BUT the film score does sound quite beautiful. Filled with lots of piano cues, and orchestral music that sounds straight out of the 18th century. The first thing I noticed with the music is how much it sounds like Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” Well one song in particular, “The living Sculptures of Pemberley.” That could have been the intention but I really don’t know. I like it though, and that’s all that matters. I really enjoyed track four “Meryton Hall,” because it had a classical sound to it, but very Irish folk as well! British folk, American folk, Irish folk, whatever; it’s all the same. Well not really but whatever.

The score was composed by Marianelli but pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is the one that brings this score to life. The piano work on the album is fantastic, but you can’t forget the tracks with the strings & other orchestral instruments as well. I’m sure the music fits the movie well but I haven’t seen it yet so I don’t know ( I think the film opens wide in December sometime). But the music on the album stands on it’s own, without having a movie to back it up and that’s important. The film score is original but it sounds very classical from that time period. I think the composer & other people involved have done a great job of putting the music with the time period. I think this score couldn’t have been released at a better time, because I think it’s the perfect CD to put on for holiday dinners. It’s peaceful, quiet but lively enough that it won’t put you to sleep. This soundtrack should not be ignored by film score lovers.

Bottom Line: A beautiful score, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s nominated for an Oscar.
Notable Tracks: The living sculptures of Pemberley, Meryton Townhall, Arrival at Netherfield, Liz on Top of the World, another Dance
Overall Rating: