Downton Abbey: Original Music from the TV Series [Soundtrack]

John Lunn, Alfie Boe | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 13, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Decca Records
• ASIN: B005EW4MS0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,928 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Original soundtrack to the hit BBC TV series. Downton Abbey is a British television drama set in England during the Edwardian era in the fictional estate of Downton, Yorkshire. Reminiscent of Upstairs, Downstairs and Brideshead Revisited, the series features acclaimed actors Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern. The original soundtrack is by acclaimed composer John Lunn. Featured on the soundtrack is acclaimed Decca signed tenor, Alfie Boe, performing the songs "If You Were The Only Girl In The World" and "Roses of Picardy."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical in the series, magical in my memory December 13, 2011

By Storylover TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Downton Abbey caught me by surprise. Not only was the Edwardian drama surprisingly compelling, but I kept wondering "who is writing that music?" Themes of longing and beauty, reminiscent of the best work of Richard Robbins in "Maurice" and "Remains of the Day" kept replaying in my mind over and over. Now as I listen to the soundtrack, all the emotion, the repressed longing, the subtle looks come back to me, and I am returned again to that world. I cannot separate the music from the visuals, they are so tightly interwoven in my mind, but my office mates who have not seen the show have enjoyed this soundtrack as well. It is relentlessly lovely, hopelessly romantic, and simply a delight. For fans of the show, this is a can't miss. For those who haven't seen it, this would appeal to lovers of modern film music that have learned from the minimalism crowd but still love heart on the sleeve romanticism. Wonderful.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Downton Abbey, take me away! January 9, 2012

By S. Goldberg

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

As another reviewer so aptly said, you can't listen to this music without picturing the scenes from the TV show which go with certain key passages. The opening theme is one of my favorite songs of the show, so I love the longer version of the song which is found on the CD. In fact, the first song on the CD - Downton Abbey, the Suite - is one that I could just put on repeat to hear over and over again! The second track - Love and the Hunter - will take you back to Lady Mary's day of hunting with the gentlemen, right before her world turned upside down. There are so many moments from the series that you can imagine while listening to this soundtrack.

Of the three vocal tracks, my favorite by far is the one performed by Mary-Jess - Did I Make the Most of Loving You. The melody is the same as that of the opening theme, set to words. The lyrics seem to add an extra layer to the melody as you listen to the song. The other two vocal tracks are performed by Alfie Boe. Just listening to them transports you to another era.

If you haven't seen Downton Abbey, I highly recommend going back to watch the first season and then quickly catching up on the second season which just started here in the States. Not only will you love the depiction of a world of class and servitude which it recreates, but you'll also have a wonderful series of visuals to accompany this soundtrack - scenes of love and treachery in a story which is not to be missed.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A bit of anticipation January 17, 2012

By Phyllis Dohanian

Format:Audio CD

When I hear this music, my mind's eye flashes scenes from Downton Abbey, transporting me from my current life to one where I probably would have been a scullery maid. When I watch Downton Abbey, this CD has made me more aware of the background music and how it contributes to the overall experience. Well done Alfie Boe!