Customer Reviews

Dangerous Liaisons

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dangerous Liaisons has been a favorite movie of mine for quite some time, not only for the intricate story line... but for what lay beyond the surface. The haunting music of this movie paints an emotional as well as intellectual vision that creates the subtle nuances that contribute so much to the essence of this film. This soundtrack is worth having in that its not distinct from the story line, but like every soundtrack worth its salt it contributes to and adds a vibrant depth to what is on the screen. The music is also multi-faceted in that it is not only enjoyable to listen to when thinking of the movie itself, but it also makes wonderful background music to an intimate dinner or just time spent relaxing after a long day. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a truly excellent CD.

This is one of my all-time favorite soundtracks (as well as one of my "desert island pick" movies), for its music perfectly evokes the film's spirit and themes by combining historically pertinant pieces by Bach, Gluck, and Handel with original compositions by George Fenton. A despairing passion undercuts selections like "Beyond My Control" and "A Final Request", reminding the listener of the film's dark emotions and actions, whereas the lighter moments are brought to view in "Emilie" and "Ombra mai fu."

This is one that will grow on you. When first I purchased it, I only bought it for the Gluck aria "O Malhereuse Iphegenie," and disliked the majority of the other tracks, finding them sparse and odd, but once I started to listen to it, I found that Dangerous Liaisons worked its way into my CD player every day.

This soundtrack has the track with the Handel aria Ombra mai fu, which is sung by Paolo Abel do Nascimento, a natural castrato, who also is visible in the film. You can hear him hitting really high notes without breaking up or sounding shrill. The recording gets five stars simply for including this precious track.

I recommend this soundtrack to those who like the baroque sound when it's accessible with catchy tunes. These carefully selected Classical and Baroque-style pieces are very accessible enjoyable pieces, not boring in the least way, especially the pieces and excerpts from Bach, Gluck, Handel, and Vivaldi. But modern-day sountrack composer George Fenton can certainly hold his own as well, as clearly evident in pieces like "Emilie" and "A Final Request." If you're in the mood for some elegant, majestic melodies, this is the soundtrack to get.

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"