Search - John Tavener :: Children of Men (Original Motion Picture Score)

Significant Music from a Significant Film

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Tavener was the perfect choice as the composer to create the musical score for the film CHILDREN OF MEN. Much of the music used throughout the film (songs like 'Ruby Tuesday' etc) are well enough known that they don't require re-recording in this memoir of a deeply moving film. But it is the opportunity to listen without the visuals to the music Tavener created 'that brings an even deeper appreciation for his accomplishment.



In addition to Tavener's own compositions this CD includes the Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau rendering of Mahler's 'Nun Will Die Sonn' So Hell Aufgeh'n' from the 'Kindertotenlieder' (a more apt song cycle could not be imagined for this childless film) as well as Krzysztof Penderecki's 'Threnody For The Victims Of Hiroshima' as conducted by the composer and Handel's excerpt from 'Alexander's Feast' ('War, he sung, is toil and trouble').



But the remainder of the works - 'Fragments Of A Prayer', 'Eternity's Sunrise', 'Song Of The Angel', 'The Lamb' and Mother of God, Here I Stand' (For String Orchestra), and 'Mother And Child' - are pure Tavener, works that speak a spiritual language that provides some of the only sense of hope of future in the film. This is a superb collection of music for all those who appreciate not only Tavener's work but also his ability to bring together such fitting works to undermine a film such as this. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 07

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Sublime Listening

JFAlford | Alabama | 08/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Sir John Tavener, whether they see this movie or not, will certainly want to add this to their collections. While the movie puts the tension and emotion to good use, one can easily draw the same emotional impact from the disc itself. The nine pieces on this disc are as thoughtful selections for setting the feel of a movie that you are likely to find. Special kudos go for the inclusion of Krzysztof Penderecki's Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima. This piece for 50 or so strings has to be one of the most accurate and chilling musical portrayals ever composed."