Spiritual Fiction |
Christus
Apollo
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One of the best known
and most beloved
author's of science
fiction has been Ray
Bradbury.
Responsible for such
creative projects as:
Fahrenheit 451,
Something Wicked This
Way Comes, and The
Illustrated Man,
Bradbury also wrote
Christus Apollo in 1969
- a cantata
which clearly
demonstrates the
author's unique style of
combining the spiritual
with futuristic/ sci-fi
elements. As
inseparable as the
name of "Ray Bradbury"
is to the genre of
science fiction
literature, so the
name of "Jerry
Goldsmith" is when it
comes to the genre of
science fiction film
scores. For the listener, the experience is impressionistic and thought-provoking...as atonal compositions can be. At the same time, the flavor remains uniquely "Goldsmith," and images from some of the composers earlier sci-fi projects may float in and out of mind as Music for Orchestra plays. Being based on the 12 tone method as well, the Music for Orchestra plays almost like a prologue to the Christus Apollo selections. The transition is seamless. What does set his work for Christus Apollo apart from Music for Orchestra; however, is the inclusion of a chorus, mezzo-soprano, and the indelible narration of Anthony Hopkins. Christus Apollo is a spiritual text given an edge of science fiction through Ray Bradbury's classic style. The text proposes the idea of Christ's mission extending beyond our Earth and being taken to other far off worlds. Musically communicating the spiritual aspect of the text, Goldsmith employs both choir, mezzo-soprano vocals (Eirian James), and even a pipe organ. While terran-focused Christian compositions contain these very same elements, the atonal construction removes connection with our home planet and lofts the message, visions, and ideas communicated to the twinkling worlds overhead. It is the dodecaphonic style that keeps the listeners attention focused heavenward and also keeps the music an arm's length away...at best. Conversly, Anthony Hopkins' noble, yet approachable voice helps to keep the piece grounded and accessible by mere earthling-soundtrack-fans.
Following some 42
minutes of atonal,
Goldsmith compositions
comes the tonal,
celebratory piece,
Fireworks
The reviewed CD was produced through DSD and, as with most Telarc releases, is brilliant in terms of clarity. Also available is a SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) recording of Christus Apollo which, if one has the right hardware, would be a must to obtain. The liner notes are fairly extensive including the complete narrative of Christus Apollo and notes by Jerry Goldsmith. All in all, it is a superior package that contains one of early 2002's more intriguing compilations. Track Listing and Ratings
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*The Experience-O-Meter displays the track to track listening experience of this soundtrack based on the 5-Star rating given to each track. It provides a visual depiction of the ebbs and flows of the CD's presentation of the soundtrack.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Referenced
Reviews |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Home | Soundtrack Reviews | Blog | Podcast | News | Forum | Features | About | Advertise | Links | Shop |
Copyright ©1998 - 2009. Tracksounds: The Film Music Experience. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. All compact disc artwork is property of the specified record label and appears here for informational purposes only. All sound clips are in Real Audio format or mp3 and are the exclusive property of their respective record labels. Contact the Webmaster |