Customer Reviews

Onegin: Motion Picture Score (1999 Film)

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

 

 

Magnus Fiennes has taken his score and traditional themes, to weave a wonderful and enjoyable album for your listening pleasure. The score flows seamlessly with little interruption, with Russian melodies which were arranged specially for the film. The time is 1800's, the music plays an integral part in providing the film's emotional impact which rises to the occasion.

A few stand outs - DEVIL'S TRILL featuring violinist Chloe Elise Hanslip age twelve, with her own personality, presence and performance is a testimony to her great gift and professionalism. Track seventeen (17) entitled REJECTED has the entire orchestra building to that satisfying mood.

Total Time: 56:17 on 18 Tracks/ Milan Records - 73138 35900 2 (1999)

Magnus Fiennes supposedly took traditional Russian melodies and incorporated them into score for better authenticity. Nice and commendable. Problem is, that the certain themes he used without giving credits are not "traditional". They have specific authors and were written long after the movie takes place. For example, "Onegin's theme" and "Name day waltz" are both practically identical to the song "Na sopkah Manchjurii" composed in early 1900s by Ilja Shatrov. In the movie (not included on soundtrack CD) characters sing "Oi tsvetet kalina", written in 1949 for a well-known movie. Having Pushkin's characters singing this song is as ridiculous as having them wear jeans, for example.

The Soundtrack is profoundly outstanding and remarkably inspiring!
The movie is fabulous so are the actors!

Beautiful music! if you liked the movie, you will love the cd. Too bad it wasn't available off amazon when I wanted to buy it!

Evocative of cold barren landscapes and sorrow filled hearts, it seems to capture the Russian soul. Director Martha Fiennes choices are beautifully placed. In particular, the controversial inclusion of Beethoven's 'Mir Ist So Wunderbar' from Fidelio which lends an ethereal tone to a very traditional piece.