Search - Michael Nyman :: The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Haunting, yet oddly comical in some way...

squarehawk2 | usa | 01/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...just like the flim. The whole score is an overshadowing funeral procession that never gives you a doubt that bad things will go down soon, and according to the story they did.



The opening title on disc can be oppressive at 12 minutes, but the next 3 that follow are fine pieces that showcase both the lighter (few that there are) and darker points which do not overstay their welcome. The closing composition is a chorus (the London Voices) featuring a floating saprano that is great, however it too like the 1st take is close to 12 minutes long and it can grate on you if you're not in the mood for it.



As far as the remastering goes, I only have the original pressing of the cd, so I won't know (but how could it not be better?). The graphics look like they were done by 23 Envelope.



It's nice to see it's not forgotten."

Too Haunting?

Jiffy | Bermuda | 05/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was at the theatre watching something dull, and inexplicably starting feeling really anxious. During a quiet moment in the film I was watching, I realized I was hearing Nyman's soundtrack coming through the wall from the next theatre. This was about two months after I first saw The Cook/Thief. It is a beautifull score, but still gets to me.



If you found the movie disturbing then you might prefer a Zed and Two Naughts which is as lush and beautiful, but without the emotional side effects.



Like other Micheal Nyman scores, these are not short music cues, but fully developed pieces. I wish other soundracks were as carefully considered before release."