Murray Gold's powerful score for Doctor Who is widely regarded as a major element in the revival of the classic cult series. The music from the previous three series has proved to be a bestseller and has been much acclaime... more »d by audiences and critics alike. This much anticipated collection will include Song Of Freedom, the stirring choral piece that celebrated the defeat of the Daleks in the final episode of the series and proved to be a major hit at the recent Doctor Who Prom. From his ground-breaking, BAFTA-nominated score to Vanity Fair, to the RTS Award-winning soundtrack to Queer as Folk and Torchwood, Murray Gold is one of the most accomplished composers working in television today.« less
Murray Gold's powerful score for Doctor Who is widely regarded as a major element in the revival of the classic cult series. The music from the previous three series has proved to be a bestseller and has been much acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. This much anticipated collection will include Song Of Freedom, the stirring choral piece that celebrated the defeat of the Daleks in the final episode of the series and proved to be a major hit at the recent Doctor Who Prom. From his ground-breaking, BAFTA-nominated score to Vanity Fair, to the RTS Award-winning soundtrack to Queer as Folk and Torchwood, Murray Gold is one of the most accomplished composers working in television today.
CD Reviews
Molto Bene, Mr. Gold!
B. Starbuck | Denver, CO United States | 02/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The release of the Doctor Who soundtrack has become almost as exciting for me as the release of the DVDs. I thought it would be tough for Murray Gold to surpass the soundtrack from Series Three, but I was oh so wrong. In watching Series Four, the music didn't seem as pronounced as in Series' Two and Three, but listening to the soundtrack, independent of the show, he brings his genius to the fore once again. Like I said in my review for the Series Three soundtrack, it might be incidental music, but there's nothing incidental about it.
He starts off with the retooled, rocked up opening theme for the show then moves into Donna's quirky theme. He covers music from Partners in Crime and The Fires of Pompeii, then moves on to "Songs of Captivity and Freedom" from Planet of the Ood, which is a beautiful lament with a victorious, if bittersweet ending. "The Source," from The Doctor's Daughter, is a beautiful piece which reminds you of the Doctor's grief and anger at the loss of Jenny. "The Doctor's Theme Series Four" is a reworking of the Doctor's theme that we've heard throughout the revived series, beautiful and haunting. The "Voyage of the Damned Suite" is the longest track on the album, combining the festive holiday sounds from the episode, as well as swelling triumphs and heartbreaking defeats. "The Rueful Fate of Donna Noble" is another favorite. It captures the sadness of her tragic departure, but also the hope, the knowledge, that she lives on, if robbed of her most precious memories. "A Dazzling End" reminds us, too, of the selfless sacrifice Donna made in Turn Left to ensure the Universe was put to rights.
In my opinion, this soundtrack, in its entirety, is the best of the three soundtracks. Mr. Gold has created a sound that is uniquely his - and uniquely the Doctor's. It's layered and complex, carrying a treasure trove of emotions: excitement, triumph, loss, danger, quirkiness, affection. All of the things that any true Whovian feels when they accompany the Doctor on his journey and adventures.
All I can say about Mr. Gold is that I think he's a brilliant composer of modern, contemporary classical music, because, quite frankly, that is what this music is. He has the wonderful ability of capturing the nuances of emotion and excitement from the series, whether happy or sad or dangerous or thrilling, and when you listen to it, you will be caught up and transported back to your favorite adventures, imagining yourself at the Doctor's side as he safeguards the Universe as its ultimate champion.
Bravo, Mr. Gold! Molto Bene!"
A full pot of Gold...
L. R. Lapasha | Durham, NC, USA | 01/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This soundtrack includes new arrangements of old favorites, nimble and emotive suites, spine-tingling horror tracks and soulful melodies. The balance is good between genres; there is rock/pop, orchestral, chamber ensembles, and a hearty chunk of choral work. It also works emotionally--between unapologetic kid stuff, romantic melodies, introspective riffs and claustrophobic mystery/horror themes, driving action vamps, and uplifting dramatic anthems.
Returning Favorites: The new version of the TV theme is raucous and full-on, mostly a good thing, and (to my ear) well-balanced in the midrange. "A Noble Girl About Town" explores jazzy variations on Donna's theme. "UNIT Rocks" offers a comfortably substantial tune here after its abbreviated release on the first CD. And finally, there is a wonderfully expanded version of the "Doctor's Theme;" a fantastic use of both orchestra and choir, as effective in its dramatic impact as was the "Doctor Forever" from the previous Series 3 CD.
Amazing suites: At over 10 minutes, the music for the "Voyage of the Damned" flows effortlessly; from the crash to Astrid's theme, saving the ship and the goodbye to Mr. Copper--all a glorious ride. "Greatest Story Never Told" also used extended scenes with luscious scores; out of context it's almost too rich with orchestration and mad chorals, but the core melodies hold the heart of this romantic, emotive piece together. And with the show's ever larger dramatic confrontations, "A Pressing Need to Save the World" weaves melodic and rhythmic elements from Series 3's "All the Strange Strange Creatures," but adds others and creates a more complex, perhaps even more listenable result.
Chilling horror and drama tracks: In "Midnight," even the violins somehow feel more 'itchy' than usual horror music, while plucking and pounding effects threaten... "Turn Left" is literally dizzying; acoustic effects mirror the story's mysteries and manipulation. The music for "Davros" has comparable effects to "Midnight," but in a generally more electronic setting. And "The Dark and Endless Dalek Night" evokes the threat of the series' most enduring enemy on the grand scale.
Heartbreaking, and soul-filling, melodies: In the "Songs of Captivity and Freedom" (and separate "Song of Freedom") its melodies, vocals, and even words from ancient philosophers come alive. Wilfred Mott and his family are celebrated in the wistful "Life Among the Distant Stars." Murray Gold has a gift for truly anthemic melodies--and gave them richly to Donna, in both the rock-guitar-based "A Dazzling End" for that brave Everywoman, and in "The Rueful Fate of Donna Noble" for her tragic destiny.
The album works well as a piece, overall; what initially may seem an 'extra' low-key track here or there actually gives a useful breather between the corridor-chasing and monster-threatening cues. They seem to have favored a body of work that offers listenability over the rote inclusion of impressive themes X, Y, and Z from specific favorite episodes--you may not get a favorite Sontaran track, but you can just pop the CD or iTunes album on and enjoy the whole thing. So do--get it, enjoy it!"
Even more great music from Murray Gold
bOoKwOrM | usa | 01/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is just more of the great music that Murray Gold's been making for the show. Twenty seven great tracks, which total to about 76(or so)minutes. Some highlights from this release include "The Doctor's Theme"(wow,fits the Doctor so well) "Turn Left"(if you liked the Doomsday theme from Season 2, you'll love this one), and "The Rueful Fate Of Donna Noble"(which sounds very sad and majestic at the same time). Definitely get this if you enjoyed the previous two Murray Gold releases."
A bit disappointing...
Doctor Trek | North Dakota | 05/01/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The first two MURRAY GOLD Dr Who cd's are PURE GOLD. The music contained therein exudes imagination and style. There's hardly a single track that I don't find wonderful! Season Four's cd, however, is a bit disappointing. You get the slightly revised opening and closing credits, and that's fine. But unlike the first two cds, there's no stand-out pieces that you NEED to hear over and over again; just some nice stuff that says little and rarely sticks with you. Don't get me wrong; it's not a bad cd. It's just not a great one like the others."
Track Listings (27) - Disc #1