Franco Zeffirelli's version of Charlotte Bronte's gothic masterpiece gets a predictably romantic and stately treatment. Italian composers Vlad (Tea with Mussolini) and Capponi coat the subdued narrative with a somber, symp... more »honic gauze. These tracks evoke a mood of erudition to reflect the director's fealty to the classic, literary subject matter, but as an independent listening experience, it is dull. This is mainly because, despite the many "themes," there is a dearth of striking melodies. Aside from the tension on "Fire at Thornfield," the general spirit is flat but not consistently mellow enough to be relaxing. With neither sonic distinction nor a sense of dramatic buildup, listeners are left with orchestrated monotony that might be dreamlike on the screen but lacks utility as a recording. --Joseph Lanza« less
Franco Zeffirelli's version of Charlotte Bronte's gothic masterpiece gets a predictably romantic and stately treatment. Italian composers Vlad (Tea with Mussolini) and Capponi coat the subdued narrative with a somber, symphonic gauze. These tracks evoke a mood of erudition to reflect the director's fealty to the classic, literary subject matter, but as an independent listening experience, it is dull. This is mainly because, despite the many "themes," there is a dearth of striking melodies. Aside from the tension on "Fire at Thornfield," the general spirit is flat but not consistently mellow enough to be relaxing. With neither sonic distinction nor a sense of dramatic buildup, listeners are left with orchestrated monotony that might be dreamlike on the screen but lacks utility as a recording. --Joseph Lanza
CD Reviews
MY favorite CD
michelle marshall | TEXAS | 08/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my favorite CD after i saw the BBC 1983 verison of jane eyre i whent out and bought this sound track .the Jane eyre novel is also one of my favorite books . For a while I had been looking for music that would fit the origanal story . For people that are fans of the the novel alone this sundtrack is a must have . The music realy stays with the sprit of the novel."
It's about time...
dotkel | Kennesaw, GA USA | 12/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally. That's the only thing I have to say. After two years of waiting for this CD it's finally here for all music lovers to enjoy. I've always loved the story of Jane Eyre, but this score allows the true passion and purity to shine through. The oboe solo in Jane's Theme is overwhelmingly lush and rich. No one who hears this piece would ever think anything is lacking at all."
WOW!
Jordan | Florida | 08/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's about time they recorded the music from the Zefferelli's Jane Eyre. The movie is awesome. The CD is beyond words. You can just hear the story of her trials and triumphs in the notes. Jane's Infancy and Jane's Journey are probably some of the best."
HALLELUJAH !
Martha | Vienna,Austria | 02/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE the movie......the soundtrack is a masterpiece ! Hallelujah,that it has been released after years of waiting !"
Lush return to old-fashioned scoring
Martha | 10/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Never heard of this version of Jane Eyre? You're not alone; this beyond mediocre 1997 release directed by Zefferelli didn't have much--except this beautiful and lush score that has at last been recorded on CD. A wonderful, melodic return to '30s-'40s-style movie scoring from one half of the team that brought us the lovely (although not quite as accomplished) Tea With Mussolini score on CD this past summer. Listen for the pre-Titanic melodies readily apparent (and better) on this score."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1