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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The BBC adaptation of Mervyn Peake's classic fantasy Gormenghast has been condemned and praised in equal measure, yet the prestige of the project is indicated by the musical score being the work of not one but two of Britain's most talented composers. Richard Rodney Bennett, composer of the quintessentially English Far From The Madding Crowd, wrote the imaginative instrumental score, which comprises the majority of the album. John Tavener, the composer of The Protecting Veil, and Song For Athene, provided the beautiful and striking choral pieces which illustrate the rituals of Gormenghast.
From the opening "Song for Titus"--setting a poem from Peake's text--the majestic "Celebration", "Irma's Romance" (a waltz after Bennett's own Murder On The Orient Express), and the triumphant "Farewell To Gormenghast", here is a fairytale in music. Those who expected more Gothic intensity will still appreciate the architectural vividness, the delicate percussive delights, and the sultry, exotic fantasy. Shimmering textures are occasionally evocative of Malcolm Arnold's Bridge On The River Kwai, the string-writing drawing parallels with Patrick Doyle's fine score for Kenneth Branagh's resetting in a 19th-century fairytale castle of Hamlet. The 24-bit recording has great clarity and the performances realise every nuance of the detailed orchestral writing. --Gary S. Dalkin
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Like stepping into Gormenghast personally,
By peter@england867.freeserve.co.uk (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gormenghast (Audio CD)
Gormenghast was superb, despite some bad reviews. The music, however, does not manage to conjure up the surreal images as does the story on it's own. But apart from this, the music is beautifully crafted and is a must for any classical music lover.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great British music,
By Gordon Pym (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gormenghast (Audio CD)
Richard Rodney Bennett must be congratulated for writing what is perhaps one of the best British soundtracks in recent years. His Gormenghast music is filled with soaring, gorgeous melodies, and an evocative gothic atmosphere that transcends the regular boundaries of film music. This CD flows like one huge symphony. If you enjoyed Patrick Doyle's "Frankenstein" score or Wojciech Kilar's "Dracula", pick this one up. Yet, Richard Rodney Bennett keeps a fresh voice and a distinctive style. The recording is vibrant and cristal clear while the performance by the BBC Philharmonic is on a par with the very best classical recordings. Here is a haunting soundtrack, one I keep playing quite often. Try to imagine a cross between the styles of Bartok, Walton and Vaughan Williams, but with a unique twist. A unquestionable winner. Nice booklet, too...
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