Munich [SOUNDTRACK]

John Williams (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 27, 2005)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B000CEV8Z0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,384 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This soundtrack caps a busy year for John Williams: In addition to Munich, he also scored Star Wars: Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith, War of the Worlds, and Memoirs of a Geisha. When it comes to Hollywood's A-list big-budget needs, Williams, with 46 Oscar nominations by the end of 2005, remains the go-to composer. But does he deserve his reputation? Well, it depends on what you want from a score: If you expect it to surprise you at every turn, you should look elsewhere; but if you want music to faithfully match the mood of the images it accompanies, and as lavish as said images usually are, Williams is worth every penny he gets, as Munich amply proves. While Steven Spielberg's drama-thriller starts off in 1972, Williams eschews period touches and delivers a mix of powerful, string-heavy atmospherics--"Hatikvah (The Hope)," "A Prayer for Peace," "Thoughts of Home"--while ethnic elements (which could easily have been overdone in a film dealing with Palestinians and Israelis) are, cleverly, almost subliminal. Fans of otherworldly female vocals should note that sought-after session singer Lisbeth Scott (The Chronicles of Narnia) appears on tracks such as "Munich, 1972" and "Remembering Munich." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Product Description

Steven Spielberg directs an international cast in Munich, a suspense thriller set in the aftermath of the massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics. Five-time Academy Award winner John Williams lends his musical talents to the film by composing and conducting the magnificent soundtrack. For Munich, Williams has created some of the most powerful and enduring film music of our time. With his sweeping score, he puts forth a feeling of intense emotion that takes the listener on a thought-provoking journey. With a career spanning over four decades, Williams has received 46 Oscar nominations (more than any living person) and has won 5 Oscars, 18 Grammys, 4 Golden Globes, 4 Emmys, and 6 BAFTA Awards.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Score #4 for 2005 by John Williams., January 30, 2006

By	Brian Litton - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Munich" is not a "common" John Williams score with sweeping melodies. It isn't instantly memorable like his other work, but is every bit as effective as anything he's ever written. It's a wonderful score, lending great power to the images that Steven Spielberg uses to tell his story. I'm continually amazed by Mr. Williams's ability to adapt his style to each project. Another notable fact is that "Munich" is his fourth score during 2005, following "Revenge of the Sith," "War of the Worlds" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." No tracks really stand out (the work as a whole is very consitent), and this may not be a CD to listen to over and over again. But its effectiveness and power make it a wonderful part of any John Williams collection.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Williams gem!, November 1, 2006

By	Nicholas A. Ziinojr (ridge, new york United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

John Williams'superb score for "Munich" pulls off something rare-it's
better than the movie.This is the maestro at his full-throttle best.
The score is intense,powerful,thrilling,and magnificently performed
by the LA Recording Arts Orchestra under the master's superb baton.
This is his best work since "Saving Private Ryan"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Have Taken the Academy Award!, September 26, 2006

By	Media Lover - See all my reviews

Well, I must say, Williams got ripped off AGAIN this year, with yet another beautiful score misunderstood. I sometimes wonder when the Academy will get a clue and start giving awards where they are do.

As far as the score goes, get it. It is a passionate tribute to it's story, and reminds me strongly of some of the best Williams scores. Echoes of Empire of the Sun, Seven Years in Tibet, Schindler's List and even Revenge of the Sith cover this album. On top of these wonderful stylistic comebacks is a wealth of new material, (meaning extremely original compositions) that cannot be passed up.

Support Williams, and buy the score that should have won.