Oscar And Lucinda: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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Free Music Notes for Oscar And Lucinda: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Free Music Review: Demonstrates his Command of an Orchestra
Hit: 5 Stars
I ordered this CD after reading many favorable reviews, some of which suggested this was some of Thomas Newman's best movie soundtrack work. Well, I can say I am not disappointed. I have downloaded several of the 29 tracks to my IPod, where only my favorite music goes.
The soundtrack for "Oscar and Lucinda," unlike most modern soundtracks, is made up entirely of original material, no doubt because of the historical setting of the film! Clearly Newman's score carries alot of the direct emotional impact of the movie. At least that is my opinion. The pieces are rich, orchestral compositions, that are aggressive, and are clearly in keeping with the period in which the movie takes place, and the big-screen, dramatic moments around which this screenplay is written. So its not difficult to see why people rated this CD so highly.
I've learned, however, that my love of Thomas Newman's film scores comes not from this type of dymanic, period work, but from his more intimate, melancholy music, such as can be found throughout such scores as "Meet Joe Black," "The Shawshank Redemption," "The Horse Whisperer," "Road to Perdition," "The Green Mile," and even here and there in "Phenomenon." [Note, most of the Newman material in "Phenomenon" was mysteriously left off this otherwise very fine CD.]
Anyway, five stars for "Oscar and Lucinda's" wonderful movie soundtrack. But if you want intimate not grandiose; cello not kettle drum; melancholy not bold; treat yourself to one of these other, beautiful soundtracks.
Free Music Review: Newman's CELTIC CHORAL SYMPHONY to the God Of Glass.Rarely will you find a better assemblage on CD....Beyond 5 stars!
Hit: 5 Stars
Thomas Newman(SIX FEET UNDER for T.V lovers)) is a master at using the complete range of instruments known to man!! His transcendent score for OSCAR AND LUCINDA is an veritable treat for the musical senses.Since the movie and book concern itself with the ever present theme of one's fascination with glass and it's connection to The Divine,Newman has taken these themes and spun them into a magnificent symphony of glass tinklings ,Celtic reels and jigs and mammouth choral settings.As Gillian Armstrong's film is shot in very short snippits,Newman has fit his music more than appropriately to catch the intent of each scene of the "gamblers at life" Oscar and Lucinda.This leaves you with a soundtrack of 30+ short pieces which COULD have presented the listener from entering Newman's Extra-terrestrial.NOT SO, THOUGH. Sony Classics has wisely rearraged some of the order of the pieces and given such a short lead in between songs that the entire soundtrack plays as one large and extremely varied symphonic/choral work that is a complete wonder to the ears.Each track reinvokes the film's action taking place,but even without seeing the film,Newman has composed a masterpiece in his own right.(I recently had the immense joy of hearing a local symphony choose the "Suite from OSCAR AND LUCINDA" for use on it's programme,which showed the weight that a certain conducter felt this score had!)The technology used to reproduce this soundtrack is of the highest quality.Even on the cheapest of boom-boxes OSCAR AND LUCINDA fills,inspires and speaks loudly.It blocks out "road noise in the car,and in the silence with earphones?.......well it doesn't get much better than this.Newman's amazing and spot-on music actually made the film so much better than it really was.For lovers of full-bodied,uniquely scored and multi-dimensional movie scores,I rank OSCAR AND LUCINDA in the top 10 scores of the last twenty years.It is a rare cd to try to find,and you will have to pay a good but fair price.It is well worth even more than that to own it!!!!Free Music Review: Oscar & Lucinda--film & score
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful film, a lovely book, and a beautiful score. I can't recommend it highly enough!Free Music Review: Tom Newman's Magnum Opus
Hit: 4 Stars
"Oscar and Lucinda" is an overlooked, quirky costume drama, provided with an inventive, lyrical score by Thomas Newman. His score deftly mixes some grand cues for children's choir, scherzo-like writing for strings ("floor washing") and a seductive use of ethnic instruments. Among many other surprises. Sometimes the children's choir is exhilarating ("Prince Rupert's Drop"). The next moment if floats dreamily over the orchestra. Thomas Newman really knows how to make the best use of orchestral colors. Just like Charles Ives, Newman makes a very good use of politonality and folk tunes. The result is both seductive and flows like a symphony by the best of British composers. Thomas Newman has already triumphed with lush scores such as "Little Women" and "The Shawshank Redemption". This soundtrack proves why he is considered as one of the rising stars of Hollywood's musical scene. The recording by Shawn Murphy is incredibly good with a crystal-clear presence of the many subtle nuances in the scoring. Classy design by Sony Classical. A definite must have!Free Music Review: Pleasure on a whim.
Hit: 4 Stars
I have yet to see the film, 'Oscar and Lucinda'. I bought this soundtrack on a Thomas Newman whim. I actually set out to buy 'The Green Mile' having owned 'The Shawshank Redemption' and heard the score to 'American Beauty'. Now that I have all three - this soundtrack brings me the most pleasure. 'Shawshank' was wonderful in offering variations in the main theme (see: 'Shawshank Prison'(Stoic theme)/'Suds on the Roof'/ 'Sisters'). However, much of the soundtrack tends to be uninspiring with very slow piano tracks.
'The Green Mile' offers a superior range by offering that 'deep south guitar twang' ('Billy Be Frigged'/'Limp Noodle'),delight ('The Mouse on the Mile') to raw emotion ('Foolishment').
However, it is 'Oscar and Lucinda' that really basks in the glory. Thematically, the soundtrack is more consistent and glued together. Composition wise, the soundtrack is quite inspiring and effects a range of moods from glory, subduedness, to wonderment.
'Sydney Harbour' is pure delight beginning with quiet bells, synthesizer, and flute before erupting into a full orchestral sound that takes you by joyous suprise.
The flute motif prevalent throughout lends itself to an Irish/Scottish feel (see: 'The High Downs and the Sea'). Meanwhile, 'Prince Rupert's Drop' and 'Bruckner: Oh Justi', evoke a church choir sound bringing a spiritual quality to the soundtrack.
'Rumours' and 'Six Rivers to Cross' (with it's fine cello) exemplifies that part of the soundtrack that is racy. Here, the quicker pace brings relief to (or stirs) the rest of the soundtrack - a technique sadly lacking in 'Shawshank'.
Other memorable tracks are: 'Floorwashing', 'The Church of Glass', 'Leviathan', 'The Caul', 'Oscar and Lucinda' (End Title).
Thanks to good variation on a theme, mood, and pace - 'Oscar and Lucinda' saves itself from ordinariness. I bought this soundtrack on a whim and I am so glad that I discovered it. Hope you do too.
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