Search - Thomas Newman :: Oscar And Lucinda: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Pleasure on a whim.

anthemic | Australia | 04/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have yet to see the film, 'Oscar and Lucinda'. I bought this soundtrack on a Thomas Newman whim. I actually set out to buy 'The Green Mile' having owned 'The Shawshank Redemption' and heard the score to 'American Beauty'. Now that I have all three - this soundtrack brings me the most pleasure. 'Shawshank' was wonderful in offering variations in the main theme (see: 'Shawshank Prison'(Stoic theme)/'Suds on the Roof'/ 'Sisters'). However, much of the soundtrack tends to be uninspiring with very slow piano tracks. 'The Green Mile' offers a superior range by offering that 'deep south guitar twang' ('Billy Be Frigged'/'Limp Noodle'),delight ('The Mouse on the Mile') to raw emotion ('Foolishment').However, it is 'Oscar and Lucinda' that really basks in the glory. Thematically, the soundtrack is more consistent and glued together. Composition wise, the soundtrack is quite inspiring and effects a range of moods from glory, subduedness, to wonderment.'Sydney Harbour' is pure delight beginning with quiet bells, synthesizer, and flute before erupting into a full orchestral sound that takes you by joyous suprise.The flute motif prevalent throughout lends itself to an Irish/Scottish feel (see: 'The High Downs and the Sea'). Meanwhile, 'Prince Rupert's Drop' and 'Bruckner: Oh Justi', evoke a church choir sound bringing a spiritual quality to the soundtrack. 'Rumours' and 'Six Rivers to Cross' (with it's fine cello) exemplifies that part of the soundtrack that is racy. Here, the quicker pace brings relief to (or stirs) the rest of the soundtrack - a technique sadly lacking in 'Shawshank'. Other memorable tracks are: 'Floorwashing', 'The Church of Glass', 'Leviathan', 'The Caul', 'Oscar and Lucinda' (End Title). Thanks to good variation on a theme, mood, and pace - 'Oscar and Lucinda' saves itself from ordinariness. I bought this soundtrack on a whim and I am so glad that I discovered it. Hope you do too."

Tom Newman's Magnum Opus

Mr. Christian Lauliac | Paris France | 06/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Oscar and Lucinda" is an overlooked, quirky costume drama, provided with an inventive, lyrical score by Thomas Newman. His score deftly mixes some grand cues for children's choir, scherzo-like writing for strings ("floor washing") and a seductive use of ethnic instruments. Among many other surprises. Sometimes the children's choir is exhilarating ("Prince Rupert's Drop"). The next moment if floats dreamily over the orchestra. Thomas Newman really knows how to make the best use of orchestral colors. Just like Charles Ives, Newman makes a very good use of politonality and folk tunes. The result is both seductive and flows like a symphony by the best of British composers. Thomas Newman has already triumphed with lush scores such as "Little Women" and "The Shawshank Redemption". This soundtrack proves why he is considered as one of the rising stars of Hollywood's musical scene. The recording by Shawn Murphy is incredibly good with a crystal-clear presence of the many subtle nuances in the scoring. Classy design by Sony Classical. A definite must have!"

Unique and Wonderful

S.Y. Wong | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 01/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most over-looked scores in the year that Titanic swept everything. From the beginning, Thomas Newman evokes the mystery and music of glass. Gently and gradually, it becomes a representation of glass pieces that are eventually put together to build the glass church, the highlight of Oscar and Lucinda. Perfectly complementing the strange and unredeemed love story between Oscar and Lucinda, the score narrates the story, laying out the dreams and aspirations of the characters, their despair and hope.This CD may not readily appeal to everyone. But have a listen to it first before you buy. You never know what beautifully inspiring music you may find.The recording is airy and atmospheric. The Sony Classical label promises pure unadulterated acoustics. Exquisite in its softer moments and majestic in its swells. A must-have for music fans who appreciate classical type scores for films."