Snow Falling on Cedars

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It is credit to James Newton Howard's talent that he distinguishes himself with various genres. And drama is one where he can add a special touch. While certain composers stick with emotional movie music it was Howard that blessed the movie with a sorrowful classic score and with emotional deep choral power. Howard surely weaves the story inside his music, Intersection became a bit more outdoors' through the harmonica and Grand Canyon much more Americana through the choral depth. Snow Falling on Cedars has the ability to use ethnic instruments (including the shakuhachi). This is not the part that makes the score more beautiful but surely offers a side unknown to Howard and together with the classical on going thematic material and the impressive choral part it is easy to see why Snow Falling on Cedars has become one of '99 hidden treasures.

People searching for bold emotional score will discover that Snow Falling on Cedars isn't the one to go by, then they would have to try out Legends of the Fall, which by the way receives a short hint in 'The Strawberry Field', with its warm violin solo. Snow Falling on Cedars is more the underscore, impressive yet not relying on the orchestra's size or range, it is even to say that Howard barely adjusts the volume. What it does have is a complete meandering mood and once you start listening it isn't hard not to be quiet in an instant. There is no big main theme but smaller ones, each with a different style, the real main theme is a typical Howard building construction, sort of Grand Canyon and Unbreakable and is heard for the first time in 'Carl's Fishing Net'. Other more sorrowful themes are discovered in the entire score and really bring the music at ease. It isn't until the 14th and the 20th track that this score becomes more impressive. Howard's usual choral depth by the Los Angeles Master Chorale starts to bring pure emotion in 'The Evacuation' and the highlight of the score 'Tarawa', people that loved the choral part in Atlantis will truly embrace it. The other highlights are 'Humanity Goes on Trial', 'Can I hold you Now' and 'End Titles'.

At first this score didn't have much to say, it meandered simply from the first minute to the last and even the choral parts slipped before my eyes. But it was the 4th time that truly opened my eyes and put my heart in motion. This score isn't one that offers the emotional material that you can adore in one minute, it really grows and it impresses you more with each new try. You truly have to say that James Newton Howard's Snow Falling on Cedars is one score to have, simply because it is so far his most finest and deepest emotional release, the themes are soft but gorgeous and once you put the volume loud enough they will grab you. Of course certain persons will slip past this one and in a way understandable. But those that seek the deep treasure in Howard's composition will one day or another discover why it has a treasure in the first place. I especially note that after several listens, it becomes a soundtrack people should consider embracing.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Lost In The Fog (2.59)

2. Carl's Fishing Net (2.52)

3. Moran Finds The Boat (1.12)

4. Hatsue And Ishmael Kiss (1.42)

5. Kendo (0.51)

6. Driftwood Hideaway (1.49)

7. The Strawberry Field (3.54)

8. The Worst Kind Of News (1.07)

9. Seven Acres (1.53)

10. The German Soldier (3.13)

11. Snowstorm (1.53)

12. Coast Guard Report (1.12)

13. Typeset (1.39)

14. The Evacuation (6.34) Excellent Track

15. Courtroom Montage (1.34)

16. Susan Marie Remembers (1.36)

17. The Defense (1.45)

18. Snow Drive (1.29)

19. Typing (1.41)

20. Tarawa (4.09) Excellent Track

21. The Battery (0.46)

22. Carl And Kazuo Negotiate (1.44)

23. Humanity Goes On Trial (4.47) Excellent Track

24. New Evidence (1.23)

25. Snow Angels (2.30)

26. Can I Hold You Now? (4.47) Excellent Track

27. End Titles (6.13) Excellent Track

Total Length: 67.32

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