A MAP OF THE WORLD

The is a soundtrack to a movie by the same name based on a novel by Jane Hamilton. As such, a review of this album must take into account the restrictions imposed by a soundtrack format. The story is set in the midwest and I believe that because of this Pat has a connection with it that is uniquely his and transpires throughout the score. The score consists of a theme and variations. The main theme is initially presented by solo acoustic guitar and accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and sonically lush. The theme is expanded upon over the next 6 tracks. Subsequent short tracks follow the dramatic storyline and the main theme and secondary themes come and go. The main theme is gloriously recapitulated in tracks 26 and 27 in unique PM style. If you appreciate PM's clean acoustic guitar playing beautiful melodic variations you will really enjoy this album. It is readily accessible but may seem repetitive to some. It is a soundtrack...but one that can stand alone on it's musical merit even if there were no movie to go with it. 4 stars.