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: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,215 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.

16 of 17 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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Downton Abbey purists beware of this CD's approach to the original score January 2, 2013

By Jennifer D. St Georges

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are a Downton Abbey purist..do not buy this CD. I read the reviews carefully as well as the table of contents so I was prepared for some additional music/songs which were not part of the TV show.....however I was expecting the original theme music to be 'the original version' as it stated in the liner notes. The theme music speed is too fast, the sound too weak...I was sooo disappointed. What I want is the music I hear while watching the show. When you buy the CD of The Pallissers and Brideshead Revisited, you get the TV music recording. So I am still looking. However wonderful Downton Abbey is, it is the music and its amazing theme which moves the whole watching/listening experience to the next level. I feel this was a little bit of 'switch and bait' as I saw the picture on the CD cover of the cast and 'assumed' I was getting the original interpretation. I am surprised they were allowed to use the cast photo without the show's original score. This CD is relegated to the car to play on very short trips when shopping!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Same Melody August 3, 2012

By Jan

Format:Audio CD

My husband had read a article about the Downton Abbey CD and how popular it had became since the series started. We love watching Downton Abbey and enjoy all types of music. This CD was disappointing, basically two songs just different versions.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars In Downton Abbey Withdrawal? Wait for Season Three with This March 3, 2012

By Grady Harp HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Downton Abbey has taken hold here in the USA like few other British dramas - for many reasons. First it is a brilliantly written story (we have just completed Season 2), the cast is extraordinarily fine, the settings and costumes are rich in nostalgia, and the musical score is one of the best 'made for television' soundtracks. John Lunn has composed themes not only for the Abbey itself but also for many of the characters. He assists us in getting to know them an din creating the atmosphere that each brings to the story. The English Chamber Orchestra plays the score and the main theme 'Downton Abbey' is well planted in all our minds. Of particular note is the setting of this main theme into a song sung by Mary-Jess, 'Didi I Make the Most of Loving You', a toast to the lovers of the series. But for general entertainment, adding the magnificent voice of British tenor Alfie Boe to the soundtrack is a bit of genius. He sings 'Roses of Picardy' in a manner befitting the period - straight but with heart - and also sings 'If You Were the Only Girl in the World' as though the song were completely new.

For pure pleasure and for beautiful music that brings memories of Downton Abbey to life, this soundtrack is a must for devotees of Julian Fellowes terrific creation. Grady Harp, March 12