- Audio CD (14 Jan 2002)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Soundtrack
- Label: Sony Classical
- ASIN: B00005V5KH
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 166,196 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
James Horner was faced with an unusual challenge when he composed the score for Iris, a film about author Iris Murdoch's descent into Alzheimer's disease. In the movie, two actresses play the role of Murdoch and scenes constantly shift between those showing the novelist as a young woman, played by Kate Winslet, and as an old, dying woman, played by Judi Dench. Horner solves the musical continuity problem of jumping backward and forward in time by writing solo violin parts that echo Murdoch's emotions and tie the past and future together.
Joshua Bell does an exquisite job playing the vitally important violin solos, particularly in the selections from the last part of the movie, when the music must speak for someone who has lost the ability to use words. Horner has wisely opted to use understated orchestration, which gives Bell's playing an emotional clarity that would have been swamped by a larger ensemble. By toning down the bombast and trusting in his gift for melody, Horner has produced one of his finest and most subtle scores to date. --Michael Simmons
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This score went virtually unnoticed by critics and the audience - even the ones who praised the film. Yet this music completely changed the tone and mood of Iris, and was the key component of making it the success it was.
To those who are familiar with the film's music, this score has most of the music used. However, some of the best bits - the piano parts from earlier on in the film as an example, have been ommitted ,although I can't understand why (time isn't a factor - the album's only 50 minutes long)
But what it misses out on there, it makes up ten fold with the rest of the score. Joshua Bell's violin playing is the most beautiful I've ever heard - that's including Itzhak Perlman's in Schindler's List! His playing is in most of the score but composer James Horner uses a varied assortment here to make a truly rich and yet delicately refined score.
The main theme itself is good, but even that pales in comparrison to some of the other themes touched upon later on. In fact, Horner's score here is very similar to his recognised work of the same year - A Beautiful Mind. I cannot understand why that won over the awards ceremonies and not this; perhaps it was all the marketing!
My favourite tracks, although the whole thing plays best from start to finish, has to be Parts 5 & 7. Part 5 is featured around the time when they visit Janet's cottage by the sea. It encorporates Bell's violin and Horner's usual use of horn and strings. At 11 minutes long it is a pleasure if, like me, you are able to listen to it whilst looking out to sea. It is relaxing.
Part 7, 11 minutes as well, is basically the last ten minutes of the film in its entirety, i.e. all the music playing in the death scene is featured here. I really noticed the power of this music when watching this scene at the cinema; just before Iris dies she is happily dancing around in front of the window in the corridor - and there's a very simple piano riff playing. Pure simplicity that plays like a character from the film.
Indeed as this film contains all kinds of human emotions, so too does the score. This means that even if you haven't seen the film you get the rich sense of grace and sadness. Certainly one for if you are wanting to be taken on an emotional journey.
Format:Audio CD
This is an amazing soundtrack! Relaxing, uplifting & beautiful! You won't be disappointed if you buy it!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
11 reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Like a Lark on a clear day
18 Mar 2002
Format:Audio CD
I knew I wanted this sound track from the moment I left the movie theatre. The music is beautiful, and can fully stand on its own outside of the "Sound Track category", and could easily have been sold as "classical music". The Joshua Bell violin solos are haunting and beautiful.
The track on the CD I enjoy the most is number 8. Here is the song "Like a Lark", that Kate Winslet (the young Iris) sings. It is followed by an enchanting violin piece, and the lyrics then come back. It is the only track with vocals.
I enjoyed this CD..found it to be relaxing, and comforting. It may inspire one to pick up an Iris Murdoch book, and settle in for a cozy read. I highly recommend this CD. James Horner has done very well.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Beautiful
6 Feb 2002
Format:Audio CD
The music for this movie is very beautiful. Although James Horner does repeat himself. He does not do so as much. In fact almost all but 5% of his music is original. It does "sound" like the "Spitfire Grill" soundtrack. However he did not took any music from it. I would also praise Joshua Bell for his performance on the violen.
A word of warning, the CD booklet contains some info on each of the music tracks. This info basically tells the whole plot of the movie. Avoid reading it if you want to see the film.
Enjoy
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Horner's excellent IRIS
9 Jan 2002
Format:Audio CD
As a musician myself, I immerse myself in all types of classical, film, and opera music -- especially with magnificent writers/performers such as James Horner and Joshua Bell.
First, this is the one Horner score that will distinguish itself from his many other soft spoken scores. Many will say, "Well, it sounds like his music from 'Spitfire Grill,' and it's nothing original anyway." Liars, liars, pants on fire!! Horner includes some chords from "Spitfire Grill," but this score is very much DIFFERENT from the above score -- this is an original score, people!
Second, this is a gentle, delicate, and beautiful score -- very much the opposite from "The Red Violin" score. Bell's solos are incredible throughout the CD -- he is able to play so loudly & yet so softly, too -- incredible!
Congrats, Dr. Horner!
DEFINITELY worth your money!
Dimitri Ntatsos
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