Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Young Sherlock Holmes Movie Suite

Young Sherlock Holmes Suite
Music by Bruce Broughton

In in a single note, or phrase, or nuance, one can tell greatness. It stands out simply because it exists while overshadowing all the others.  Mr. Broughton gives us his very best work to date in this movie suite.  There is so much music in the score, that this is the third incarnation for this suite and it is finally ready for consumption.  There are other versions of this suite floating around out there, but with a complete timing of 28:10 this one follows the storyline of the motion picture, faithfully merging the choral voices and orchestra on the way to the conclusion.  I really believe that this will be one of your favorites once you give it a listen. Enjoy!  -MJ

APE FILES (Lossless):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dheua0a9tzwe8iw/YngShrlckHlmesSte.zip

MP3 FILES (Hi Quality 320):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z9c2fc4ik0lhwsd/YoungSherlockHolmesSuite.mp3

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Agony And The Ecstacy Movie Suite

The Agony And The Ecstacy Suite
Music by Alex North

Many of the motion pictures from Hollywood's golden age offer us an opportunity to experience the original masters as they experimented with their craft.  This is our first movie suite from Alex North who is best known for his work on Cleopatra and Dragonslayer, but many believe that his work on The Agony and The Ecstacy has been overlooked.  From the first sounds of the horns as they reverberate across the soundstage to the understated flutes that signify a burgening artist, we are reminded that this is a majestic undertaking.  After all, scoring the events of the painting of the Sistine Chapel must have caused Mr. North considerable concern.  He rose above his personal issues though and we are delivered a work that reaches beyond the ages. With a timing of 24:28, this slowly builds to a fitting climax. This may be one that you'll pass on, but after listening, I hope you enjoy.  -MJ

APE FILES (Lossless):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pcwebq9eud54h73/AgnyNEcstcy%2CTheSte.zip

MP3 FILES (Hi Quality 320):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3sgckdgioc9x0p/AgonyAndEcstacy%2CTheSuite.mp3

Friday, November 19, 2010

Van Helsing Movie Suite

Van Helsing Suite
Music by Alan Silvestri

Although this is too late for Halloween, it is a full-bloodied, featured movie suite by Mr. Silvstri that does not rest on its laurels but comes out swinging with a bold statement.  Well utilized drums beat the charge of the dark avenger as one chases towards a fate worse than death, while the horns of dispair hang around your head.  Is it time yet?  Listening intently, you'll hear the whispering notes of the full orchestra as it swirls around you, heedless of the dangers ahead. You can't stop, you must go on, so the music presses us forward. After only 20:39 it will be all over. Hopefully when you pause to breathe, you'll realize that you enjoyed this one, too.  -MJ

APE FILES (Lossless):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m65lk3lncx4xew4/VnHlsngSte.zip

MP3 FILES (Hi Quality 320):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhls7tf3fgdmnxb/VanHelsingSuite.mp3

Monday, November 8, 2010

Hidalgo Movie Suite

Hidalgo Suite
Music by James Newton Howard

In an interesting change of scenery, we have a short movie suite here from Mr. Howard that crosses the lines of musicality.  Filled with basic sounds such as beating drums, single lutes, as well as Arabic pipes, this music does a wonderful job of setting the time of the late 1800's and place of the Arabian desert for this motion picture. Still the orchestra is represented in such a way as to cause one to reflect upon how all the different ethnic music of the past world can be combined to entertain us today.  Emotionally, this movie suite is mostly about the race to the finish with some short pauses along the way for a man and his horse, so this music may not be for everyone.  Yet, if you are a fan of motion picture scores, with a running time of only 14:14, you should take the few minutes that this runs and give it a listen.  Who knows, you just might enjoy it. I know, that I do!  -MJ

APE FILES (Lossless)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qwidahk33iojvst/HdlgM0Ste.zip

MP3 FILES (Hi-Quality 320)