The Cider House Rules: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture [SOUNDTRACK]

Rachel Portman

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 7, 1999)
• Original Release Date: December 7, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00003A9QI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,911 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
With its idyllic New England locales and multiple themes, director Lasse Hallstrom's version of John Irving's book presented composer Rachel Portman with some challenging, if deceptively simple, choices. Portman's main theme (imagine a pastoral Copland waltz), stated by solo piano and then orchestra, sets us firmly in the tranquil Maine countryside, while permutations of it continually shade the film's various dramatic intentions. It's a simple, time-honored device, yet one that carries the implicit danger of Repetitive Schmaltz Syndrome. But Portman's melodic construction here is so strong, and her arranging skills so multihued, that she ultimately pulls off the tricky balancing act and delivers a rewarding listening experience. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply beautiful, February 18, 2000

By A Customer

I have listened to the score from "The Cider House Rules" perhaps a hundred times. Each time I ask myself, "What is so compelling about this score? Why do I keep coming back to it and finding something new with each listening?"

I believe it is simple elegance. The music is truly moving and the themes are beautiful. However, it is something more. It touches to the heart all the complex emotion, the love, the confusion, the excitement and in the end the acceptance and understanding of the deep and sometimes dark story of the film. The themes are All American. The emotion is universal.

For me, the test of a good film score is when it works both as an integral part of the film and can stand alone as an individual composition. In this regard, "The Cider House Rules" is a remarkable achievement.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Reflective, January 6, 2000

By	Jim Reed (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews

I have collected dramatic score soundtracks for over 15 years. This soundtrack ranks in the top 5%. The piano and orchestral accompaniment make this recording a must for all serious collectors. It will uplift and inspire you, as well as invite you to see the film again and again.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rachel Portman's best yet, December 26, 1999

By	William R. Sample "wsample" (Valley Center, KS United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard portions of this score played on local public radio and immediately had to have the CD. It is one of the most beautiful film soundtracks I have heard. Rachel Portman has written as masterpiece with Cider House. I do believe that she will receive an Academy Award nomination for this piece.