Testament
James Horner
" Soft score by Horner is rich enough for an occasional listen "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the limited release
Testament is one of Horner's more minimalistic works, focusing like the film on the inner strength of surviving a nuclear war. Horner's ideas and themes are soft and somber, save for a couple of moments of hope and joy (like the opening of "Bike Talk" focusing on the joy and simplicity of bike riding (implementing the son's theme)), a theme that usually brings the more hopeful moments of the score (for instance in track 3).
The main theme itself is a horn solo and is less hopeful, opening the score with "Main Title" and turning up during the remainder of the score. Though everything's calm, there is enough going on to keep the score interesting enough. It may lack the oomph to satisfy a Horner enthusiast, but it's chock-full of calm dramatic music that would later develop its ideas in scores such as for instance Cocoon ("Mother and Daughter Talk"). The wordless choir that occasionally turns up adds another level of soft power to Horner's music, especially in "Hiroshi Hands Teddy to Carol / End Credits". All in all, it's a perfect score for a background listen, and again has enough thematic riches for the listener to dwell on. But it might not deliver the necessary dramatic thrills to satisfy anyone.
But perhaps it's one of the best scores to listen to today, to reflect on the pain we all suffer from these past few weeks.
Track Listing
1. Main Title (Main Theme from Testament) (1.40)
2. Bike Talk: Dad & Brad / Bike Ride: Dad & Brad / Brad's Bike Challenge (2.24)
3. The Picnic (1.29)
4. Liz Plays Pied Piper / Pied Piper Play / Pied Piper Flute / Pied Piper Piano (1.14)
5. Pied Piper Curtain (0.39)
6. Carol Consoles Liz / Carol Says Goodbye to Neighbor (6.07)
7. Mother and Daughter Talk (2.24)
8. Carol Bathes Scottie (2.40)
9. Brad and Henry Call CQ / Brad and Hiroshi Ride Double (1.29)
10. Carol and Priest Graveside / Desire to Live (2.36)
11. Hiroshi Hands Teddy to Carol / End Credits (5.15) Excellent track
Bonus Tracks
12. Liz Enjoys Mozart (1.50)
13. Fania Plays Mozart (0.37)
Total Length: 30.24
The main theme itself is a horn solo and is less hopeful, opening the score with "Main Title" and turning up during the remainder of the score. Though everything's calm, there is enough going on to keep the score interesting enough. It may lack the oomph to satisfy a Horner enthusiast, but it's chock-full of calm dramatic music that would later develop its ideas in scores such as for instance Cocoon ("Mother and Daughter Talk"). The wordless choir that occasionally turns up adds another level of soft power to Horner's music, especially in "Hiroshi Hands Teddy to Carol / End Credits". All in all, it's a perfect score for a background listen, and again has enough thematic riches for the listener to dwell on. But it might not deliver the necessary dramatic thrills to satisfy anyone.
But perhaps it's one of the best scores to listen to today, to reflect on the pain we all suffer from these past few weeks.
Track Listing
1. Main Title (Main Theme from Testament) (1.40)
2. Bike Talk: Dad & Brad / Bike Ride: Dad & Brad / Brad's Bike Challenge (2.24)
3. The Picnic (1.29)
4. Liz Plays Pied Piper / Pied Piper Play / Pied Piper Flute / Pied Piper Piano (1.14)
5. Pied Piper Curtain (0.39)
6. Carol Consoles Liz / Carol Says Goodbye to Neighbor (6.07)
7. Mother and Daughter Talk (2.24)
8. Carol Bathes Scottie (2.40)
9. Brad and Henry Call CQ / Brad and Hiroshi Ride Double (1.29)
10. Carol and Priest Graveside / Desire to Live (2.36)
11. Hiroshi Hands Teddy to Carol / End Credits (5.15) Excellent track
Bonus Tracks
12. Liz Enjoys Mozart (1.50)
13. Fania Plays Mozart (0.37)
Total Length: 30.24