Testament - In Country

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

The disc is without doubt pure Horner territory and pure Horner linked because none other than Horner fans will worship the availability of this score on earth. Testament still wonders around as one of Horner's earlier efforts and the suite of In Country (which holds a half hour of music, even more than the aforementioned score on the cover) already dates back of the days when Horner was really making a name for himself in the business. Now, both scores are what Courage under Fire and Field of Dreams were in the light of Horner fans, a dramatic effort and patriotic stir that didn't hold the majesty but definitely the dramatic impact of both scene and sound. James Horner might be known now for scoring it with finesse, at that point it was a welcome change after such efforts as Star Trek II and Glory. Testament is the earliest and captures everything in roughly 25 minutes, the suite of In Country which was composed 6 years later holds the largest place in both favoritism and length, if most when it comes down in remembering it at the end of the score. A two score release is important for the one that starts the score, because this one has to pick up the interest and make sure that it is remembered after the second score has stopped. But that is the problem of Testament; while the second ends with a suite that is just perfect, it is the overall subdued nature that doesn't make it bad but just forgettable after the end. You even have to make sure that you don't forget it while actually listening to it.

So Testament is nice and even until today, it has very few if even non lift offs, but the problem is also, nothing really sticks to mind until the 10th track. That is by far the track each one will be remembering at the end of the disc. It has for the first time a Horner moment completely carried through the vocals. This is not a children's choir or a solo vocal but a stunning ballet of emotions, clarity of intentions and a heart that is pure Horner, full of emotion. It is also the one moment of the score of Testament that really made me alive during the score. The other moments (even the vocalized parts) didn't do it for me. The whole score is quite emotional and subdued, a lighter moment is only noticed in 'Riding the Bike' and a theme alternation (especially considering its tone) is most welcome in 'This is our Home'. But for the most part this score meanders with nice thematic material but not a moment of full interest, the score hardly picks you up like perhaps small intimate dramas should do, in any way they never fall short of ideas and the score still listens nice if you compare its thoughts and ideas of themes. So Testament is not a score that I regularly listen to, even if it is nice and easy listening attempt. But the mood which is not down but more unsatisfying in character is lacking a point or two on the Horner scale. Still, with all honesty, its original look (even after 2002) and the nice presentation of themes make it a score that requires the attention, even if I know that some Horner fans will be bored by its outcome.

In Country, which will probably disappoint the fans at first is perhaps even the better outcome at the end. On the back cover there is said that from 12 to 19 In Country is presented by a suite, but no track listings are given, no time of the tracks or entire score and no information whatsoever of added bonus. So far it seems to deal around a dramatic family drama with even Bruce Willis in the head role. But Horner also gives it a patriotic twist because the story revolves around a daughter that never knew her father who died in the Vietnam war. Meaning you kinda quickly spot the drum links towards Glory and Field of Dreams is also in there to give it that meandering drama mood, but most the score is a bit better in the experience of listening to it. It still loses me on the moments, definitely in the middle and because both scores never pick up steam nor interest but the theme is good and the last track is great, so the end result is at least that 9 minutes of Horner magic can make a whole score acceptable if even wonderful. The piano is present in some moments and a mesmerizing dramatic highlight is witnessed in the final track 'Track 19' when it almost reaches Legends of the Fall pride and Braveheart momentum in the string work, great stuff. Also, of which I heard, Malcom McNab's trumpet solos are good and the overall quality of the sound is somewhat better than the Testament recording. Still, both scores are a long way in making it enjoyable for both the Horner fan and the casual fan. Good to know is the lack of any re occurring theme of the past or present (because I hate that with old scores, suddenly holding a theme Horner used recently). But while both scores carry strong ideas and development, they are never as strong as meant to be, mostly due to the soft overall nature of both scores. It remains an item which Horner fans must have but liking it is up to you personally, and if it is difficult, the highlights will pull you through.

Testament: ***
In Country: ***

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Tracks

Single Disc

Testament

1. Testament (1.40)

2. Riding The Bike (1.18)

3. The Picnic (2.21)

4. Carol Comforts Her Children (5.57)

5. This Is Our Home (0.49)

6. Love Memories (1.29)

7. Scottie's Illness (2.36)

8. Ready To Start (1.07)

9. Night Of The Fire (2.18)

10. Recollection (3.09)

11. The Last Testament (2.40)

Total Length: 25.25

In Country

12. Track 12 (4.59)

13. Track 13 (2.31)

14. Track 14 (3.52)

15. Track 15 (2.51)

16. Track 16 (2.35)

17. Track 17 (1.32)

18. Track 18 (2.07)

19. Track 19 (9.55) Excellent Track

Total Length: 30.22

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

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