Balto

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

When it comes down to animation, Horner is one of the best composers to provide the musical link. There are too many good examples not to mention and one of the recent and so far the last is Balto. The score isn't your average kiddie effort and while Horner has proven that already, Balto is perhaps one of the most serious if one of the best to enjoy scores. Not everything truly mesmerizes because sometimes it takes a comical light approach, but when Horner does his thing, he surely makes it worthwhile for the listener. Balto as usual gives the listener also the song that belongs with the movie's heart and once more Horner makes it a slight winner in the category. It isn't the best but I find something of it so truly inspiring that I can't but like it. What we can like of the score is easily divided into sections, when the theme makes an entrance and when Horner simply explodes with fanfares and pace. I would especially recommend Balto to those who like Horner in a really good day.

How Horner does it is beyond me, but every time he seems to get what he wants, an orchestra that can deliver this massive sound. To tell you the truth, I believe The London Symphony Orchestra wasn't perhaps needed at all but it sure feels good that a splendid orchestra is at the helm of this composition. And they do as usual splendid work. One of the best things that Balto possesses is its main theme. It gets versions all over the score and usually appears in any track but this never to the annoyance of the listener. The first score track (the second number of the album) has a good strong performance but the best possible use is still discovered in 'The Dogsled Race', when pace picks it up and lets it explode with excellence. As told before, there is some lighter stuff to be found here: emotional ('Rosy Goes to the Doctor') or light and bouncy ('Boris & Balto') but it is still when Horner starts to unravel the adventure that the score truly becomes interesting. For instance the good track 'The Journey Begins' with great moments of thematic material as the suspenseful follower 'Grizzly Bear' which has a threatening feel all wrapped around it, luckily no four note danger motif to be found here. Also when Horner wants to be inventive he can be when he inserts neatly in 'Jenna / Telegraphing the News' a sort of Morse code rhythm, through flutes.

Tracks 10 and 11 aren't that big but the last two tracks surely are with some remembrances by the way. 'Heritage of the Wolf' will immediately pick your attention with Enemy at the Gates' influence from (1.25) and mainly doesn't stop from there. But still the track has excellent variations on the themes and some mighty fanfares to proof it. 'Balto Brings the Medicine!' is your typical final score track with the last performances of the main theme, which it supported through soft choral work, excellent. The song at begin and end it enjoyable and features a more serious nature, at least that is until the children's choir joins in. Some people might find it disturbing but I in fact think it adds a more playful family link. Anyway, Balto is one animation score not to forget if you truly enjoy the whole package of compositions. It doesn't feature that Mickey Mouse stuff nor does it bore, in fact it has a hell of a pleasurable ratio when Horner starts delivering his thematic voice.

\도도/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. Reach For The Light (Theme From Balto): Steve Winwood (4.24)

2. Main Title / Balto's Story Unfolds (4.40) Excellent Track

3. The Dogsled Race (1.41) Excellent Track

4. Rosy Goes To The Doctor (4.05)

5. Boris & Balto (1.29)

6. The Journey Begins (5.06)

7. Grizzly Bear (5.23)

8. Jenna / Telegraphing The News (2.22)

9. Steele's Treachery (4.38)

10. The Epidemic's Toll (3.29)

11. Heritage Of The Wolf (5.54) Excellent Track

12. Balto Brings The Medicine! (4.53) Excellent Track

13. Reach For The Light (Long Vers): Steve Winwood (5.26) Excellent Track

Total Length: 53.40

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: James Horner ===