Batman: Original Motion Picture Score

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Free Music Notes for Batman: Original Motion Picture Score

Free Music Review: The reason why I began to love movie music
Hit: 5 Stars

It is true that most of the album is dominated by the dark-heroic theme of its name, but there is far, far more to it than just the theme. If you plan to purhcase this CD, you must listen to everything in its entirety. There are so many beautiful pieces in this cd that it's quite complicated in describing a favorite.

The general synopsis of the way the music follows on this CD is very close to a story in itself. The opening three tracks offer a grand introduction to the hero and also to the creation of a maniacal monster. The First Confrontation is probably my most listened track. It's gradual rising in action from the initial cellos to the strings to the brass is quite a cool track to listen to. To me, it is a very complicated piece and perfectly encompasses the feeling of the chase throughout the chemical plant. And when Batman enters the scene, the piece moves in a more intensified scenario. Very good chase music. There is also a 'falling' theme towards the end of the track, which is also used in effect during the Final Confrontation. Take note of the lone strings around 3:30 and compare it to the Finale Confrontation. Just a good example of some of the subleties to this score.

After these first three tracks, everything slows down as it seems well, and gradually grows as the plot unfolds. Tracks four to fifteen are the main chunk of the movie, and are expressed through mystery, discovering secrets, and unfolding madness of the joker. The Descent into Mystery has to be a classic Elfman piece, and is definitely a must have even on mp3! But unnoticed goes the track proceeding it, The Bat Cave, which perfectly accentuates the sense of mystery Batman has. The subtlety in this piece is quite a fine example of much of the unmentioned music that goes on for Elfman. And now for the finale. I consider the finale to be tracks fifteen and up. If there is one thing that I'd want to see (or hear) in my lifetime would be to just hear these seven tracks played in concert. The variations in all these tracks offer some of Elfman's grandest, most powerful music he's done. These tracks sum up the movie's music; ranging from heavily heroic flights through Gotham to the most beautiful track I believe the Cd has to offer. Up the Cathedral has to be one of the darkest pieces I have heard from Elfman thus far. It is not flamboyant Elfman here, but rather a very gothic nature it takes. It truly resemble scaling a centuries-old cathedral in the pale twilight of the moon. I have used this track a few times when learning monologues to get 'in the mood'.

Then, the finale shifts to the a complete shift in gears from the cathedral to that of joker's 'waltz to the death'. Whenever I ask someone about what they remembered from Batman, the one answer I receive 99% of the time is 'the crazy part at the end where they're dancing and fighting'. A really fun, kooky side to the movie, reflecting the joker and his 'violent mood swings'. After the waltz, it goes onto the the Final Confrontation, which actually contains a heightened version of the First Confrontation. (When you notice that similarity in the music, then you know you've been listening for a long, long time!) The Final Confrontation is a very good climax piece as fate shifts from Batman to the Joker, and of course, bringing Batman out in triumph again. Then there's the real Finale; a good representation of Batman winning the day, but even moreso. It is a classic movie ending piece that is quite memorable. Suppose that's why they use it in the Batman ride in Six Flags Magic Mountain. The reprise offers a more upbeat variation to the opening piece that is very robust and just one last treat to the score before it finishes.

Overall, you can see that this requires in depth analysis for all major film score listeners. If I were you, and I didn't own this score, I'd leave my computer right now and buy it asap. Or even better! I'd just buy it on Amazon.com and save gas! This is the one score that people must own, even if they don't really like movie music. Fun, exciting, dark, heroic. Containing all the elements for a wonderful listening experience!

Favorite tracks: Batman Theme Roof Fight First Confrontation Descent into Mystery The Bat Cave Chage of the Batmobile Attack of the Batwing Up the Cathedral Waltz to the Death The Final Confrontation Finale

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