Customer Reviews

Brideshead Revisited: Original Score (Soundtrack to Miramax Film)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to admitt to being somwhat of a film score snob, it takes a lot to impress me,that being said I have only praise for this score. Like most people I go and see a movie and if I like the score I buy it. But on occasion I take a chance and get the score before viewing the film. This was the case the Brideshead Revisted score, and basicly I coudn't be happier with it. Simply put, the music is gorgeous, I love CD's that you can play straight through without having to skip tracks to get to the songs you enjoy. And the Brideshead Revisted score to me is one of these. it has sort of an enchanted quality that pulls at you. With a kind of elegent melancholy that is all at once sad, beautiful, and comforting. I find this to be very relaxing, great for reading of going to sleep to. There's nothing here that I found the need to skip over, but I would have to say that my least favorite tracks are

10 Wise Old Wine used, I supose to add a sense of period to the mix. to me though it seemed a little out of place.

and
19 Rex which takes away somwhat from the overall flowing dream-like
feel.
But no real complaints, I really think the test of a good film score is 1, can the music stand apart from the film and still be worth hearing. And 2 once you've got it home,will it gather dust in your collection, or will you go back to it again and again. I think the Brideshead Revited score is both of these and more. Push play, sit back, and take a 47 Min. and 21 Sec. vaction.

Absolutely beautifully done. Not since the ENGLISH PATIENT or THE HOURS have I shelled out dough for a soundtrack. Composed by Adrian Johnston and splendidly performed by Terry Davies, this soundtrack had better win the Oscar this year. Glorious and novel as anything that has not come out this year.

Sorry folks, but I must disagree with you here. While a few of Davies' pieces are certainly lovely, the track as a whole--like the movie--can't hold a candle to the original score. I listened to the new soundtrack, then downloaded the Geoffrey Burgon score which I hadn't heard in a while. Song after song, I found the Davies' score redundant and lacking the depth of Burgon's consistently sumptuous music which captures perfectly each appropriate scene. Who doesn't experience et in arcadia ego when listening to "Sebastian's Summer?" or shed a tear over "Sebastian Alone?" or see Julia blossom in "Julia?" For my money, I'll stick to the original-- both the music and, from what I've been reading about the movie, the TV show!

I often buy film soundtracks or scores to be able to relive some of the experience and emotion of a film if I truly loved it. This new version of 'Brideshead Revisited' captured succinctly, and in many ways, more effectively than the famous Granada Television serial, the wit and melancholy of Evelyn Waugh's book.

The soundtrack is a stand-alone masterpiece. You do not need to have seen the film to enjoy this music. It somehow manages to convey a yearning, melancholy and beautiful stillness. I would say it is up there with the most soothing music I own.

Obviously it does help to have watched the film to enjoy that extra level of understanding of the music and I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a beautifully made period/ literary production. Having watched the film does especially assist with appreciating the track, 'A Small Red Flame', which honestly touches upon the sublime.

I have always loved Brideshead Revisited, the book, the PBS series, and now the film!!! I thought all the young actors were superb and of course Emma Thompson as Lady Marchmain was incredible!! I love this music score!! I can listen to all the tracks without skipping any of them, and, of course, track 23, The Red Flame, is so moving it will send chills down your spine!!! I highly recommend the movie and the soundtrack to this production!!!

Although I enjoy instrumental music, I'm not usually a fan of soundtracks to movies. This is a rare exception, the music is hauntingly reminiscent of the characters in the book. Track 1 (Sebastian), not only sets up the musical themes utilized throughout the score, but is an inspiring expression of the character Mr. Waugh created. Worth the investement if you enjoy the book/story and music. By the way, why did this score not receive an Oscar nomination (not to mention Mr. Whishaw's performance, which was also quite inspired).

This is the sound of falling in love, of seasons changing, of first kisses. Truly beautiful music that I never tire of.