2 CD COMPLETE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SCORE

Jerry Goldsmith

Includes the Complete Soundtrack + Alternate and Unused Tracks

 

Composed, conducted and produced by Jerry Goldsmith

Performed by The National Philharmonic Orchestra

Orchestrations by Alexander Courage

'Legend' is a highlight of Jerryīs output in some instances. Ridley Scottīs fairy tale offered him a bright and shining side as well as the dark forces of evil, both his trademarks ('Secret of N.I.M.H.' vs. 'The Omen'). His approach in using synthesizers to refresh the possibilities of the orchestra with unusual sounds reached zenith to this time. Thatīs a big quarrel or a big advantage, depending on your preference. Although I think that the synthies work very well in some instances, I think they fail in others. Nevertheless I adore the try to break new ground. The extended length of the scoreand the single cues make it a more complicated listening (even comparable to that Horner scores in that genre). The theme song is a simple fairy tale melody, another romantic theme for the male hero (Tom Cruise!), which is used as heroic fanfare in the finale, very strange-sounding synthie rhythms for the Goblins and dark brooding choral passages for Mr. Scratch himself. The unicorns have a grand and noble theme while the dwarfs get a kiddie little tune. Normally I wouldnīt tell you all the boring details but in this case you get a further right direction how much this score has to offer. The 'Dress Waltz' is only great, for a scene where the princess is forced to the evil, when a black gown is dancing around trying to seduce her (successfully). A small waltz grows more and more into a frenzy finale when the choir gets weird and concludes in a big crescendo. 'Legend' is near the top of my G-score top list.

Rating *****

Total Time: 66:24 + 64:27

Tracklisting: Yes

       CD I - 19 Cues

       CD II - 20 Cues