Search - Thomas Newman :: Angels in America [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

How a Leap of Faith Leads to a Revelation

Richard Stoehr | Bremerton, WA USA | 09/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was the score for "Angels in America" that brought the HBO miniseries to my attention in the first place. I've been a stalwart fan of Thomas Newman's excellent film music for some time now, and when I first heard of the score for "Angels" I knew I'd have to hear it. I took a leap of faith and purchased the CD without having heard a note of it, and I have to say that the risk was well worth it.



Newman's music for "Angels in America" is much like the miniseries itself -- at times whimsical, at times dramatic, at times serious but with a soft touch, it sets the tone perfectly. Newman's compostions here ride the fine line between hope and heartbreak, creating a memorable soundscape which can be listened to alone (as I first did), but also accompanies the action of the miniseries incredibly well. This is emotional, honest, and complex music for a complex story with powerful themes.



While "Angels in America" is a unique score overall, it is also recognizably Thomas Newman's, and one can certainly hear hints of Newman's other work in it. The first few minutes of "Quartet" remind careful listeners unfailingly of one of the darker pieces from "The Shawshank Redemption," and the surprisingly light tone of "Pill Poppers" hearkens back to themes heard in "Finding Nemo." However, Newman is nothing if not original, and he doesn't spend a lot of time borrowing from himself for this score. The main title music is unforgettable and instantly recognizable as belonging to "Angels in America," but avoids the trap of sounding catchy. Early tracks like "Lesionnaire", "Mauve Antarctica" and "Her Fabulous Incipience" help establish different scenes and characters, while later pieces like "Delicate Particle Logic," "The Mormons," "Tropopause," and especially the excellent "More Life" each use the main theme in subtly different ways to evoke different and unexpected emotions.



As with many Newman scores, there are a few tracks here not composed by Newman. Duke Ellington's "Solitude," a ragtime version of "A Closer Walk With Thee," and a revival performance of "I'm His Child" were all heard in the series, and are important in some way to the themes expressed there. I can see why they were included, but frankly, I purchased this CD for Newman's music alone, and while the other three songs are all good songs, it is his score that makes me put this in the CD player again and again.



"Angels in America" is a rich, moving score which I first got to know before I even really knew what the HBO miniseries was about. Now that I've seen the miniseries, and listened to the CD many times over, I can only say that the experience is that much richer. This is the ideal music for the miniseries from beginning to end, and one of the best examples of why Thomas Newman is a groundbreaking composer of modern film music."

Simply Sensational

Arkaan Semere | 12/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thomas Newman is one of the best composers working in American film today, and this is probably his best score. Angels in America was going to be an achievement (as a film): The cast + the director + one of the greatest plays ever = masterpiece. That's due in large part to Newman's wonderful music. The theme is sonically simply, but wonderfully engaging. In the film, it's first played over the opening "Crossing America" shot, and it gradually comes to a close over a blissfully evocative image. Some of the tracks ("The Mormons", "Bethesda Fountain", and "Lesionnaire") are played prominently in the film, and are easily associated with images. As usual with film scores, it helps to have seen the film. But it's not a necessity. I'm so moved when I hear "More Life" or "The Great Work Begins". In the movie, this is an cry, a missive, and a hope. In the score, it's a radiant voice asking us, no, DEMANDING US to live life. This score is the product of a fabulous imagination. The movie is a product of several minor miracles colliding. One of the greatest scores of the past twenty years. What more could you want?"

Once again, Newman at his finest!

Philip Mickey | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 02/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought "Angels in America" not because I have seen the film, but simply because I love Thomas Newman's work. It absolutely gave me what I was hoping for.Newman has such a talent for lending a "fabric" to a movie. Many naysayers accuse Newman of re-using the same music over and over again, but I think this is true of all composers. His movies have an emotion that no other composer can claim, and I think directors choose him for just that purpose - to give the movie an emotional fabric. He can take you on a journey with his music - physically, spiritually and emotionally. A movie takes on a definite tone when he composes the score. Imagine "Finding Nemo" with a score by Pixar-favorite Randy Newman. It just would not have the emotional resonance, and I did read that the writers of the movie wanted to have just that resonance.This soundtrack is a mixed-bag of Thomas Newman's best melodies and themes. In addition to the Main Title, this score has many great highlights, including "Ellis Island," "The Mormons," "Bethesda Fountain," "Tropopause," and my personal favorite "Mauve Antarctica." The score has a little of everything Newman fans enjoy. It has an Americana-feel like "The Horse Whisperer" and some eclectic sounds similar to "American Beauty." You'll also find the darkness found in "Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile." Prepare yourself for another journey when you listen.Another triumph on a long list of triumphs. Now if only Oscar would find a place on his mantle."