Customer Reviews

Enigma (Score)

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

 

 

ENIGMA is one of the best scores ever composed by John Barry. It is methodically repetitive, yet simple in its construction and execution. It brilliantly taps into the emotional subconscious mind of the viewer of this intelligently crafted film. What may seem like a very static score is in effect very dynamic. I purchased this CD before I saw the film. Initially I was just pleased that John Barry had scored another film and the soundtrack had been issued. It did not seem extraordinary at the time but after seeing and hearing the score in the film I can only say and feel that it is an exceptional piece of work. It reaches back to what film scoring is all about. It evokes a feeling, a response to the images and the story unfolding on the screen. Once I saw the film I could not get this music out of my head. This is John Barry's most mature score and one of this best. It will grow on you.

As others have said, it's a pity we don't get to hear more scores from the man who, along with John Williams, is probably most responsible for turning people on to the art of film scoring. How many millions of people have walked out of a Bond film, Dances With Wolves, Somwehere In Time, Zulu, or any of countless other films, having been swept away by the music and rushed out to get the album?

Barry is among the most important, influential and, most of all, accessible film composers of all time. His combination of achingly romantic tunes, orchestrated with a crisp, sweeping sound that is unmistakable, is always a joy to listen to, even when the scores are to movies that don't deserve them.

In a world where each new blockbuster score sounds exactly like the last one, and the majority of Hans Zimmer-sound-alike composers manage to make a full orchestra sound like a mere synthesizer, this is a glorious old fashioned movie score. There are a couple of lovely themes, especially the main one, for Claire, the character played by Saffron Burrows. When it merges with the theme for Hester, Kate Winslet's character, in the next to last track, London 1946, it's film scoring at its best.

The appearance of a new John Barry film score has sadly become something of a rare event these days.There was a time when, at the very least, one could expect (and relish)a James Bond soundtrack every two years. These days Barry emerges only every now and again, but thankfully this is one of those times. His score for Michael Apted's film "Enigma" is classic Barry, and it just happens to be something of a spy thriller, this time set in World War II Great Britain. But ulike most of his music for the 007 films, this score depends on subtle tones which bring to mind Barry's scores for "The Tamarind Seed" or "Somewhere In Time," especially because there is a definite romantic angle here as well. The subtlety and complexity of this score is perfectly matched to the story of the breaking of the Nazi Enigma code machine. Of course there are also the tense and menacing motifs that are characteristic of Barry (note "Trip to Beaumanor," "At Beaumanor" and "The Train," for example), and some of these take us back to the best of Barry's Bond music. Apted's film is well acted, written and directed but gains a noticable boost from a fine Barry score. Unhappily, the film is in limited release, which means that Barry's music will not gain its deserved recognition (his wonderful score for "Cry the Beloved Country" suffered a similar fate). Too bad, from his somber, romantic main theme, on piano and with full ensemble, to a host of motifs that carry many of the critical moments in this film, Barry weaves a masterly score. Well packaged and produced, John Barry's sountrack for "Enigma" is a must for serious students and fans of film music, and a rare treat for Barry fans.

I love this CD!! I watched the movie so many times I lost count, and the Soundtrack was a definite MUST-HAVE. I am not familiar with the name John Barry, but after reading all the other reviews, I know I've heard his music before. The haunting melody of the main theme has me wanting to try my hand at playing the piano. It's a shame the movie "Enigma" wasn't highly publicized. I happen to love Dougray Scott! He plays the jilted, brooding, intellectual genius so well that you can't help feeling sorry for him and hoping that he finds love with Kate Winslet, who is every bit his equal. The music captures all of this so well. I highly recommend it!!

What can I say about this amazing composer that hasn't been said already?
Buy any of his albums, whether it be James Bond, this, or what have you, and you will get a masterpiece and a unique sound that is all Barry's own.
It sounds like he puts his heart and soul into each composition, even if the source material isn't that inspiring. Goregous, lush orchestration will make you forget all your cares and worries.
Here's another Barry gem for my collection!

He's back! After being out of the scene for a while Barry is back and is still in tip top music shape. This score reminds me and takes me back to the more dramatic darker portions of the James Bond scores he did in the 60's. It really has a close resembalance to Thunderball. Barry should be considered one of our best composers of all time along with Goldsmith (who is my all time favorite), Hermann, Morricone, and Williams. I haven't heard anything about this movie in particular, but the music is great. Way to go Barry.

This is a wonderful score. John Barry is the master. This is his best score since RAISE THE TITANIC. This is a soul searching score.

Really enjoyed this score from the great John Barry. Had planned to buy this anyway after watching the film. Suddenly got more of an itch after the news of his passing a few weeks ago. Favorite tracks include: Main & End Titles, The Quarry, Wigram Arrives, Tom Goes To Cottage, Simply Wonderful/Finding Crib, Police Chase. Nothing groundbreaking here, just vintage Barry. Melodic, simple, and satisfying.

Has all elements of a good suspense tale, loosely based on true events: great writing, actors, score. Initially I thought it could have been edited more tightly, but after viewing this again in 2010 (around the time of the plane crash which killed the Polish leader and his wife, who were flying to the Soviet Union) regarding certain events in this movie, I changed my mind and was glad this was woven into the story. Hope I haven't been too specific, as I don't want to spoil YOUR enjoyment of this film!

One reason I enjoy the movie Enigma so much is that the music so perfectly matches the story, the mood, and the setting. Thus when I found a CD of the Enigma theme music I just had to have it! Its in our timed CD player every night, along with the score from Dances With Wolves. I don't think there is a better score writer in the film industry today than John Barry. This score is subtle, so you are not overwhelmed with sound as is the case with so many films today; yet it powerfully pulls you right into the drama and the romance. And its great listening on its own as well. The simple recuring run of notes through the score is beautifully done. It stays in your head hours after you have listened to the CD.