Carnivāle [SOUNDTRACK]

Jeff Beal (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 14, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B0006J2GA2
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,778 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
HBO's pioneering series takes the dark carnival gambit of Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes, drops it in the bleak heartland of Dust Bowl-era America and jolts it with a compelling undercurrent of Biblical apocalypse. That's no easy dramatic flux to musically evoke, but veteran TV composer Jeff Beal graces the show with cues that seamlessly fuse Appalachian folk traditions with a brooding, goth-inspired ambient gloom. The anxious solo fiddle of the show's theme is a repeating motif, one the composer uses to variously evoke melancholy ("Dora Mae's Funeral"), bittersweet romance ("Rita Sue and Jonesy") or supernatural wonders ("Ben Heals the Girl"). Beal's use of mournful solo horn (as on "Mark of the Beast") often heralds the show's undercurrent of Biblical doom, while his hesitant, haunting piano passages seem to hang in the air for eternity. The evocative cues here stand in stark contrast to the oft-quirky jazz cool of the composer's Emmy-winning work on Monk, ample tribute to Beal's masterful abilities to channel his musical instincts into even the most diverse dramatic material. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of late 2004: Fascinating Soundtrack, March 10, 2005

By	Manny Hernandez "Author of Ning For Dummies" (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

As much as there is a certain resemblance in Jeff Beal's work for the music of the HBO Series "Carnivale" to the work of other top-notch composers such as James Newton-Howard or Howard Shore, I keep on being reminded more of the goth-based and medieval-sounding bands like Dead Can Dance as I go through the album. There is not a single weak spot in the entire 20 tracks.

All in all, comparisons aside, this is a fantastic and highly "visual" album, that can perfectly stand alone, but it also makes me want to see the series even more. If you enjoy this album, you will also like: "The Insider", "Baraka" and "Whale Rider".

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Soundtracks I have ever heard, January 3, 2005

By	Sir Adam of Scots "~S~A~O~S~" ((please remember to vote!!)) - See all my reviews

Jeff Beal and his crew have created something very special; something which rises above the rest.

There has only been two other times in my 22 years of living, where I have listened to a cd all the through twice, then purchased it on the spot. This makes three.

Carnivale will take your mind on a deep journey of imagination, and if you are like me, a writer, you will quickly get the urge to spray your creations on the written page. It echoes with familiar tones with the likes of Thomas Newman (The Green Mile, Fried Green Tomatoes, The War) and no doubt fans of his will love this rising star. Jeff Beal is also known for his works on the tv show Monk and the soundtrack for "Pollock".

What a work of art this is. The sweeping, haunting, mood's in tune will last with you for quite a while. I have allowed several friends and family members to listen to it, causing them to immediately want their own copy.

Carnivale is a hidden treasure. It is never too dark, but never to light. A wonderful blend of imaginative fuel. ~saos~

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "HBO series brilliant composing by Jeff Beal ~ Carnivale", January 6, 2005

By	J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Varese Records and HBO's acclaimed original new series "Carnivale", featuring the extremely entertaining score from Jeff Beal, inclusive with all the magic this talented composer can muster...takes place in the Heartland of America during the 1934 dust bowl...the 12 episode dramatic series illustrates the social havoc during the Great Depression.

The duties and task of composing a musical journey was given to Jeff Beal...his dark magical approach is a refreshing welcome with such cues as "CARNIVALE END TITLE(BEN'S THEME)", string instruments blend choral and brass brilliantly..."JUSTIN AT MR. CHIN'S(JUSTIN'S THEME)", impressive and impeccable capturing the moment and era of history..."LODZ AND BEN", creepy and emotionally gripping with outstanding orchestration..."WE CAN BE SAVED", mysterious interludes prevail with haunting overtones.

A "film-score-buffs" dream come true, with plenty of room to spare...highly addictive cues that will leave you wanting more of the same...hats off to Varese Records, Robert Townson (executive producer), Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman who composed and produced the "MAIN TITLE THEME", gets under your skin and stays there...this is a must have for all music collectors who can't get enough of top notch composing...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 60:07 on 26 Tracks ~ Varese Records 66627 ~ (12/14/2004)