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Soundtrack Review


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Guy Farley: Film Music Collection

 

Composer: Guy Farley
Label: Caldera Records
RRP: £13.99
Click here to buy - caldera-records.com
C6017
Release Date: 02 December 2016


Caldera Records present the Guy Farley Film Music Collection, representing a selection of four soundtracks composed by Guy Farley. Included are Anthropoid (2016), Tula: The Revolt (2013), Irish Jam (2006) and Dot.com (2007). For Anthropoid, Farley wrote a moving choral piece, while Tula: The Revolt shows his sure symphonic hand for romantic melodies and aggressive action. Irish Jam is a colourful score featuring influences from Irish folklore and Dot.com is a lively composition for small orchestra and solo instruments such as guitar and harmonica, portraying the joie de vivre of village life in southern Europe...

Guy Farley (The Hot Potato; Knife Edge; Mary of Nazareth; Modigliani) is a composer whose work I loved from the very first time I heard it. He has a style of working that results in some of the most incredibly deep and moving scores of the modern day. His music always sounds different and every album I've heard so far has worked just as well outside of the movie as it does when watching the onscreen action. in fact, I'd argue that his music works better alone where every note can be heard and every nuance can be felt.

Guy Farley Film Music Collection collects together four very different scores. Although, I have to admit that on balance I wasn't a huge fan of Irish Jam, but then I'm not a lover of Irish jig-style scores. That said, it is enjoyable and well constructed, it's just not the style of music I enjoy listening to. The rest of the album, however, is up to Farley's heartbreakingly beautiful usual standard.

The album contains 34 tracks (1 hr, 08 min, 09 sec) and includes a 8 min, 42 sec interview with Farley talking about these scores and how he likes to work. The collection is split as follows: Anthropoid (1 tracks - 3 min, 31 sec), Tula: The Revolt (6 tracks - 12 min, 10 sec), Irish Jam (13 tracks - 20 min, 29 sec) and Dot.com (13 tracks - 23 min, 17 sec).

Only the coldest of hearts won't fall in love with 'Speranza's Theme (Original)' from Tula: The Revolt; and 'Pedro and Elena' and 'Peace at Last' from Dot.com. 'Speranza's Theme' is worthy of the great John Barry when he was at the pinnacle of his career.

Whether you're a fan of Farley's or a collector of beautiful scores, this is one album you need in your music library.

10

Darren Rea