Customer Reviews

The End of the Affair - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Fans of Nyman that are familiar with his scores for 1990's The Hairdresser's Husband and 1997's Gattaca and liked them, will probably like this disc as it heavily relies on strings and is based on simple and emotional melodies. Hardened fans of the louder, pulsing and drivin work for Nyman's band, or more difficult concert work only, should likely stay away from this one. Generally likable with plenty of the music fueled by sensuality mixed with pain that Nyman is so good at, but not particularly ambitious or original. Fans will be glad to see him working with violinist Alexander Balanescu again though!

I haven't seen the film (Andrew Sarris's best of the year) yet, but it sounds like Neil Jordan temp-tracked the film with _Carrington_ (also by Nyman), and told him to copy the temp track. While I began to appreciate the score for what it is after listening to it a number of times, its relation to the other score is remarkable. The only energetic piece is "Vigo Passage", the most blatant re-use of a theme from _Carrington_, while the romantic music is good, but nothing to make it stand out from the more original but similar _GATTACA_. It's not enough of a disappointment to make me stop buying Nyman albums as they come out, and I wouldn' want to return it, but it's probably bst for those who like the film or Nyman's more romantic scores. It just goes to prove that what someone is recognized for (the score was nominated for a Golden Globe that went to Ennio Morricone) isn't their best output, as Nyman's other scores for 1999 were much more striking and original.

This score is an example of the warmer, more extrovert style the Nyman began to adopt in the past few years, against his "trademark" style (chugging rythms, saturated strings etc.), now used principally in concert works. "The end of the affair" reminded me of the wonderful "Gattaca", but on a lesser level: the orchestral palette is less varied and the inspiration level is not so exceptionally high. So, while this music works wonderfully with the (very good) movie, it's less

successful as a piece of music in itself. Still,it's music-making of a pretty high order, which effectively evokes the feelings of an ill-fated love story ,and Nyman fans should not hesitate. Also, given that nowadays the average level of soundtracks is usually miserable (you know, 10 min. of music and the rest is a bunch of second-hand pop-rap songs not even heard in the movie!) this is a release to enjoy for everybody.

It's not too often that I write a review. In this case, I am writing a review of a soundtrack for the very first time. While watching this movie last night, I could not help but notice the score. Actually, I think the score might have made the movie. It reminds me of the soundtrack to "The English Patient." Not that it is musically alike, but that it somehow evokes an emotional, passionate response as one watches the film. Bravo, Nyman!

Michael Nyman's film score for "The End Of The Affair" is a stunning and remarkably beautiful release. The music is dominated by lush string arrangements and moody piano passages. A thoroughly engrossing and melancholic CD, it may be one of the most delicate and romantic scores I have ever heard. I cannot recommend this enough, for it captures both the forbidden passion and profound sadness of Graham Greene's characters. I never get tired of this disc and it is perfect for those rainy Sunday afternoons.

I went to see this movie a few weeks ago and the thing that has stood out in my mind is the wonderful score. Right away you hear this powerful music and it is so beautiful. I own numerous movie soundtracks and to me this one is right up there. I absolutely love it.

It doesn't seem that others were as impressed as I was- but while I was watching the movie I noticed the score more than anything else, and that's the reason I bought the soundtrack, so it didn't leave me dissapointed!

I was very disappointed to receive the soundtrack CD of this recent movie and find the most memorable of all songs "My Haunted Heart" missing. It is the reason I purchased the recording.

I was very pleased with the cd i purchased from Amazon. The time was right on arrival,all intact and as new.
I would certainly buy from you again. thank you. CJ Venour.

I am an avid Graham Greene fan this and The Quiet American are two of my favorite stories by him. I highly recommend this for a really good story to just sit and watch.