Customer Reviews

Flicka [Original Motion Picture Score]

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

 

 

Admittedly, Zigman has a long way to go to be compared to a Jerry Goldsmith but in this author's opinion he is on his way.

His compositions in scores for movies are increasing and in all the meat of the music Zigman has created some great melodic and major themes that will bring him to the brink of major composer talent.

His first major work mixed with other artisits was the sentimental and romantic "The Notebook". If you listen to His work it is some of the best
melodic phrasing I have heard in a long time comparing favorably with Mark McKenzie, another composer a bit ahead of Zigman in composing experience and orchestration.

However, the manner in which Zigman, who co-wrote the score for Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium with Alexandre Desplat, a work for mothers and fathers to observe with their children,the score is as important or more than the movie, his orchestrations are superb. The music soars and may affect the listener emotionally in several cues - one in particular, cue 10, The Flight of the Magorium, had me spellbound wiping away tears.

In this score for Flicka, Zigman again shows us his amazing gift for subtle strings and piano while working with the 100 plus Hollywood Studio Symphony then soaring into the stratosphere at times with the entire ensemble. There is a major theme Zigman uses very effectively in cues 2, 6, 10 and 15. You'll recognize it's ethereal sound of piano combined with voice and synth in all four. The music in the total score is gorgeous. Zigman goes very soft to make his points on various cues and just the opposite on others. Flicka is not a typical "horse movie composition". This is a noteworthy score and one which again makes a major statement for Zigman. A very astute purchase for those who want to listen to lush, beautiful music composed by an individual headed to the top of his class.

Truth be told, I'm not a fan of this kind of film. It's kind of a "coming of age" story with a modern country style, neither of which interests me. Horses are wonderful animals, but I'm not a big fan. So, seeing this kind of movie doesn't appeal to me usually.

That being said, Aaron Zigman's score is a delight to listen to, and makes the film a joy to watch. There are a couple of main themes that crop up regularly in the music, with a contingent of smaller themes. These are used regularly, and appropriately. The tender moments are lush and endearing, while the exciting moments don't get too heavy; perfect for a horse chase.

I highly recommend this soundtrack because it is simply a lot of fun to listen to. The music that is here is very well done. Just don't expect to have a large number of different themes.

This is great music. Buy it. Buy it now, in fact. But the movie it comes from -- eh. Watch it or not. Has some good moments. But the only really great thing about it is the music (the soundtrack, that is -- not the other CD with songs) that it spawned.

That's it. Short 'n barely sweet.