Search - Michael Kamen, Seattle Symphony Orchestra :: Mr. Holland's Opus: Original Motion Picture Score

Krista E. from SANTA BARBARA, CA
Reviewed on 3/15/2007...

Gorgeous music from a great movie.

One Mild, Lovingly Respectful but Dissenting Voice

Enrique Sanchez | Miami, FL | 04/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Holland's Opus is a movie close to many of us Classical fans because it successfully bridges the world of "now" with the world of "then".I love all of the tracks and you could say that the whole is wonderful experience in light of its wonderful melding into the storyline which has endeared many of us since the movie came out.Having said that, I guess I should be the responsibly sober informer. I am surprised that no one has yet mentioned the following:Doesn't it seem quite evident to those of us who know the 4th movement of Brahms 1st Symphony and the R. Strauss 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' that Michael Kamen's "American Symphony" actually lifts quite noticeable snippets from these two works?Not even to mention the Beatles ending chord of "Day in the Life" which comprises the last chord of "Mr. Holland's American Symphony".I suppose I am not as concerned by the Beatles as I am with the Brahms and Richard Strauss score-lifts. All I am saying is that Kamen, though he made a very admirable use of historical references (mostly of the Brahms theme), has not come out to explain why he did this in the first place? Sometimes it is better when the Emperor says he has no clothes before the little boy in the crowd says so. It clears the air and makes more friends.Let's give credit where credit is due.Final decision: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with nit-picking reservations. :)"

Captivating and Throbbing

Matthew M. Yau | San Francisco, CA | 02/24/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The motion picture Mr. Holland Opus released two soundtracks. The movie soundtrack contains popular rocks from the movie and this current review concerns the much awaited original scores. I have to say this music score CD captured my heart as soon as the first track "Mr. Holland Begins" played and accompanied Richard Dreyfuss' memories. The spotlighted track is "American Symphony." The unabridged version of "American Beauty" is recorded to satisfy fans' craving from the ending of film. A beautiful reprise "New Baby/Coltrane/Children Should Listen to Mozart" is also recorded in the score. The recording also includes some of the most emotional and dramatic pieces like "Cole's Tune", "Thank You Mr. Holland", and "Cole's Song". My favorite of all is "Cole's Song" - an expression of fatherly love. Too bad the CD doesn't include the original version of the song when Richard Dreyfuss actually performed in the film. Overall Michael Kamen had brought us the most captivating and throbbing original music score in Mr. Holland Opus."