Customer Reviews

The Soloist

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

 

 

This is a really intriguing idea for a soundtrack--cello and fragments from Beethoven's Eroica Symphony in interesting contexts, mixed in with some other equally interesting things. What is on the album is engaging and exciting to listen to, but the bottom line is that this should've been twice as long.

Soundtracks are often frustrating to the listener because while the brief excerpts on a recording my bring recall of a movie moment that was special, usually the segment is foreshortened to the point of frustration. It is not really clear just how much of this soundtrack was composed by Dario Marianelli, as so much of the score is fragments from Bach's Cello Suite No.1 in G major, moments from Beethoven's String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132, Eroica Symphony and Symphony No. 9 - all cleverly mixed with Marianelli's own orchestral backgrounds.

The aspect of the soundtrack that is not made clear is that the cello music is being performed by La Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong and that the orchestral portions are from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It seems odd that on a soundtrack from a movie based on a story that takes place in Los Angeles that the major contributors to the success are not mentioned. People who simply want to remember the film will be satisfied with the soundtrack. For those more interested in classical music, go for full performances of which there are many fine ones available. Grady Harp, March 11

I loved the music but some of the pieces were just so short, it was hard to get into them. The good thing is that it moved me to purchase some of the complete symphonies. Even better.

The CD is just as entertaining as the movie. I remember thinking when I saw the movie that I would have to get the CD and it certainly did deliver.

Does anybody remember the song that was playing while Lopez was drinking wine alone in his house? Who is the artist? Not sure why it's not on the soundtrack. Good stuff other than that.

In response to the question about the song being played while Mr. Lopez was "home alone," it was "Mr. Bojangles" as sung by Neil Diamond. Check out the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's version on the album "Uncle Charly and His Dog Teddy." It'll break your heart, in the good way.

Some of the sounds from the movie - because it's a soundtrack - might be a bit disturbing, but otherwise the music is top shelf, thoroughly enjoyable listing.

Just like the movie, this CD expresses the roller coaster ride of its stars. For someone who hasn't seen the movie, they might think it odd when hearing cars in one selection, but then the cars fade away to leave you only with the breathtaking music. If you like soundtracks, this is a good one!

I enjoyed this soundtrack, but I also wondered why the song that is playing in Mr. Lopez' house is not on the soundtrack, I have been trying to figure out who the artist is because it was a great song!!

The song Lopez listens to in his house is Mr. Bojangles sung by Neil Diamond.