|
“In football, it’s not uncommon for an act of
prowess to receive a standing ovation. In a film scoring session,
such a response is much more rare. And yet that is exactly what the
members of the orchestra did after they had finished recording the
music for RUDY. ”
|
Gold-smith!
Gold-smith!
Review by Cap Stewart
Inspirational
sports movies area
a dime a dozen.
Some are more
effective than
others. The same
could be said for
the music
accompanying such
movies. One
composition that
stands head and
shoulders (and
waist and knees)
above the rest is
Jerry Goldsmith’s
score to the film
RUDY. His music
played an integral
role in the
storytelling,
elevating the
finished product
to dramatic
heights that would
have otherwise
been impossible.
Not to say that
the film is
sub-par (wrong
sports analogy, I
know). RUDY
effectively
dramatizes the
true-life story of
underdog Daniel E.
“Rudy” Reuttiger,
who despite his
small size and
hapless upbringing
dreamed of playing
football for Notre
Dame. With an
indomitable
spirit, Rudy
perseveres through
physical,
familial, and
scholastic
hardships, winning
the admiration of
even his harshest
critics.
One unfamiliar
with the
soundtrack album
might be surprised
to discover that
the 37-minute
running time is
taken up by two
themes—and very
little else.
Except for the use
of general
underscore (which
at least briefly
appears on about
half the tracks),
one of the themes
is constantly
being utilized in
some form or
fashion. I guess
“repetitive” is a
description that
could be used of
the album, but
it’s an accusation
that seems unfair,
considering the
memorability of
the themes.
First is the main
theme, which
sweeps the
listener away in
its sweet and
innocent euphoria.
That it plays in
triple meter
almost escapes the
ear; never does it
confuse the
listener by
sounding
waltz-like. It’s a
beautiful and
cheerful theme,
the musical
heartbeat of
Rudy’s
aspirations. The
album both opens
and closes with
this melody.
Second is the
triumph theme. As
the album
progresses, it
gains more and
more presence,
until it dominates
the final track
(titled “The Final
Game”). If the
abstract idea of
“inspiration”
could somehow
become a tangible
element and be
infused into a
musical framework,
this is exactly
what it would
sound like. The
theme is at its
grandest when
performed boldly
by the brass
section over a
rip-roaring string
countermelody.
This is the stuff
of film scoring
legend, as
evidenced by its
repeated use in
movie trailers, TV
sports programs,
and numerous other
venues.
The orchestration
is perfect.
Strings,
woodwinds, piano,
and harp dominate
the more quiet
moments
(particularly the
main theme). The
presence of brass,
timpani, and bells
(for the triumph
theme) indicate
moments of
achievement. A
choir occasionally
adds to the
texture of the
main theme, though
never threatening
to become
overblown. The
combined tone
color of the
various
instruments
masterfully
conveys the hope
and determination
that characterizes
Rudy’s pursuits.
Seeing an underdog
come out on top in
inspirational in
and of itself.
Having a master
composer outdo
himself multiplies
the inspiration
ten times over.
Goldsmith’s score
has won the hearts
of listeners
everywhere,
solidifying its
place as one of
the most beloved
inspirational
scores of film
music history.
In football, it’s
not uncommon for
an act of prowess
to receive a
standing ovation.
In a film scoring
session, such a
response is much
more rare. And yet
that is exactly
what the members
of the orchestra
did after they had
finished recording
the music for
RUDY. Maestro
Goldsmith had
indeed scored a
glorious touchdown
of his own.
Rating:
8/10
|
Track |
Track Title |
Track Time |
Rating |
|
1 |
Main Title |
3:36 |
***** |
|
2 |
A Start |
2:28 |
**** |
|
3 |
Waiting |
2:35 |
**** |
|
4 |
Back
on
the
Field |
2:07 |
**** |
|
5 |
To
Notre
Dame |
6:55 |
*** |
| 6 |
Tryouts |
4:28 |
***** |
| 7 |
The Key |
3:55 |
*** |
| 8 |
Take Us Out |
1:51 |
**** |
| 9 |
The Plaque |
2:36 |
**** |
| 10 |
The Final Game |
6:14 |
**** |
| |
Total
Running Time (Approx.) |
36 minutes |
|
|
