Restoration

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

You could call 1995 James Newton Howard's breakthrough year without anyone noticing it until 1999, since he scored Waterworld, Outbreak, French Kiss and Restoration in this year, but wasn't noticed until a 6th Sense of some sorts. Anyway, Restoration was soon forgotten since hardly a word was said about it. And perhaps it has got to do with the fact that foremost this is a classical inspired album, with various selections of classical works by Purcell and that Howard throws in equally classical influenced music that at times you have to know the composer's voice well to distinguish the difference when not looking at the tracklist. But this also makes the score harder to appreciate, especially in the begin for those that don't warrant any specific attention at classical music, like me. However, its easy to say that Howard's classical interpretations are far more enjoyable then the ones of Henry Purcell, scattered in the first half mostly. The score by Howard especially sounds lovely when he unleashes the charming and beautiful main theme he wrote for the picture. His score starts with 'Main Titles' and here you don't hear Newton Howard's voice but a true classical inspired waltz with strings and harpsichord, until a more film music inspired theme (aka the main theme) is noticed after minutes. Most of the first album's film music is underscore, mostly even sounding like Alive's soothing music, like in 'A Creature of the New Age' and 'The Land of Mar'. A noticed track is 'The Wedding', softly spotting the main theme on guitar and flute, when strings add a nice extra color to that theme. Classical underscore of Howard returns in 'The Cabinet of Curiosities' but first you wouldn't hear it, until of course the theme returns to please us briefly. More playful harpsichord is for 'The Lie', again sounding remotely classical like.

Especially in between these selections there are various pieces from Henry Purcell and while short, they are for me so remotely boring, just because its classical music. I'm not for this kind of classicism, and while luckily short, they also make the score of Howard fall in between that boringness. 'Merivel Woos Celia' is back the classical underscore, but the soothing soft version of the theme makes it not go to waste. Alive like scoring in 17, a string theme growing to be noticed in 'The Right Knowledge' and a very subdued sound for an otherwise promising title as 'The Plague'. Its actually from track 22 this score comes to terms with true film music and with film music that wants to be noticed and sounds interesting. 'Katharine's Death' brings back the main theme but here heard so gracefully soft its rather touching. 'Night Sweats' reminds me actually of 'Vivienne's Death' of The Mists of Avalon and why is because some choir is heard in the classical darker side, then the main theme by choir and of course this makes an easy comparison. 'Hospital' is back with touches of classicism but especially light brass with a more prominent main theme statement make for true Alive feelings, and for the better of course. 'The Fire' could be considered the highlight, and why is because the main theme is now performed more dramatically on edge here, and this all to the strings and darker brass on the background. 'Newcastle' is a traditional piece for fast hobo and strings. In all respect, you must have respect for Newton Howard because his score falls perfectly in between all the classical selections, and never fall out unwillingly. This makes sure that the score of Howard is a perfect match for the visual partner, but to make it really interesting, I felt the classical selections should be deleted and that the more film music voice moments of the end should be more aplenty in number. But then Restoration wouldn't be underscoring that specific movie anymore, so my impression is stupid and misplaced. Which makes Restoration not for everyone and especially not one who wants more the movie color of The Village then the classical roots of Restoration.

\µµµ/

Tracks

Single Disc

1. If Love's A Sweet Potion * (1.31)

2. Main Titles (2.57)

3. Frost Dance In C ** (1.34)

4. A Night With Lulu (1.21)

5. Minuet In G *** (0.53)

6. Here The Deities Approve **** (2.28)

7. A Creature Of The New Age (1.09)

8. Overture In D * (2.25)

9. The Wedding (1.39)

10. Hornpipe In D Minor * (1.26)

11. Arrival In Bidnold (1.08)

12. The Cabinet Of Curiosities (2.54)

13. The Land Of Mar (1.10)

14. The Lie (1.18)

15. A New Ground In E Minor + (0.53)

16. Merivel Woos Celia (2.26)

17. Katharine Sleeps (3.23)

18. Taking Bidnold Back (1.35)

19. Muzette 1 In A Minor ++ (2.56)

20. The Right Knowledge (2.06)

21. The Plague (2.09)

22. Katharine's Death (4.37)

23. Night Sweats (3.03)

24. Hospital (2.54)

25. Doctor Merivel (1.50)

26. Listening To Celia's Heart (1.39)

27. The Fire (3.18)

28. Allegro From Sinfonia (Act II) ****** (1.19)

29. Your Child I Believe (1.12)

30. Newcastle (Traditional) (0.38)

31. 2nd Overture In D ** (1.28)

* From the Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell

** From King Arthur by Henry Purcell

*** From Abdelazer by Henry Purcell

**** From the Ode Welcome to all the Pleasures by Henry Purcell

****** From The Indian Queen by Henry Purcell

+ Harpsicord transcription by Henry Purcell

++ From 3e Livre Pièces de Viole by Marin Marias

Total Length: 61.35

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

=== Link to Composer Site: James Newton Howard ===