THEMES

This is a compilation of pieces purported to all be from movie soundtracks. While most certainly are, I cannot vouch for several. The album begins with the real End Titles From Bladerunner, a bit of a tease since none of those original recordings had been available yet. This is perhaps the most driving song ever. The rhythm is relentless and the theme on top of it is highly dynamic. A bit startling if one is expected something soft. The Main Theme from Missing follows, which is a more typical melody and orchestration. This track is available only on this collection. A very beautiful piece. L'Enfant, originally from Opera Sauvage, was used in The Year of Living Dangerously, followed by the tune used in a Gallo wine commercial, Hymn, also from the same album. The liner notes say the entire album was a soundtrack for a French nature film, like much of his output in the 70s. Chung Quo from China appears next, and I think this was used in a Seiko watch commercial. The Tao of Love, also originally from China comes afterwards. I am not aware of where this was used and am inclined to think it is included just because it is such a nice little piece, easily overlooked. The Theme From Antarctica follows. So far, most of this album consists of previously released material, but next we get the Opening and Closing Titles from the Bounty. To my knowledge, these are the only pieces from that soundtrack available in the U.S.A. The first is a haunting piece that makes me think of being caught in an elaborate trap, or a situation where there is no real way out. The latter is a variation on the same motif, except that there is a sense of grandeur and resolution to it. The rest of the album consists of more pre-released music, namely Memories of Green, from See You Later (and Blade Runner), L'Apocalypse des Animaux's La Petite Fille De La Mer (I would have preferred Creation Du Monde myself), and two pieces form Chariots of Fire, Five Circles and Titles, misnamed here as Chariots of Fire. I think it significant that the compilers saved the most popular piece for last. Overall, this is a nice set, even though most had already been released on a number of different albums. The real gems are the pieces from Bladerunner, Missing, and The Bounty. For the completist, or the most rabid fan, these are essential. For most others, this album provides merely a good collection of pretty tunes.