Far and Away

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Between such renowned classics as Hook and Schindler's List, Williams wove his magic touch upon Ron Howard's Far and Away. And it seemed that a lot of people have ignored this score for that reason alone. And this is sad because there are still several things people should get acquainted with. Williams isn't all well known for his Irish influence and more the reason to check out the few examples he composed in his career. Far and Away may not be the biggest listen throughout, I promise you that the last tracks will send shivers up your spine. And that isn't the only reason because more of the influential pride is witnessed latter in the score. Enya's song 'Book of Days', which charmed up the trailer is a welcome pick and The Chieftains, an Irish band spices the mood even further with some enjoyable performances during' Williams playful attitude. All the merrier to give Far and Away a run in that CD - player of yours. If not for others then especially for yourself, to let those good times roll.

While the main theme is already introduced in the first track 'County Galway, June 1892' and further in various performances, it is the version first in 'Joseph's Dream' and later in 'End Credits' that does miracles to the ears. It is not only one of Williams' better in the genre but one that has magical quality of being remembered right after the first listen to it. Williams' typical emotional swing on these moments is sky high and any fan will have it difficult of not letting a tear when it appears. The Chieftains do add some flavor to the score when they perform their piece of music. 'The Fighting Donellys' and 'Fighting for Dough' are great tracks but Williams does a remarkable job with the theme even without their help, most notably in 'The Big Match' and the stunning 'The Land Race'. Without question the action / adventure music in this track and followed in the next 'Settling with Steven / The Race to the River' is some of the best music of the '90 by John Williams. It might be easy to say that the first 10 to 11 tracks aren't really that much but all is forgotten when the last tracks start to pump up steam.

Speaking of steam, 'Blowing off Steam' is one of those typical fun scherzo's coming of Williams' side. I think those that loved them in Home Alone (meaning the entire world) will do too with Far and Away's performances. 'Joseph and Shannon' has a rousing end finale while all the magical themes are repeated one last time in a mesmerizing suite, worthy of the full attention for sure ladies and gentleman. Far and Away doesn't always inspire from the first to the last minute but still has moments of supreme quality in the first part while the second explodes in full Williams' fashion. Ron Howard's film at the end may fail or not (I hardly remember anything of it) but the music alone makes the film worth it. And even if you don't like Irish influenced music, you will still have a blast with it because after all this is John Williams. You know, the man who has the art of giving you a good time. The musical themes composed by him speak more power then a lot of people giving it a go with words. A sub classic of the '90 not to pass for Williams admirers.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. County Galway, June 1892 (1.57)

2. The Fighting Donellys * (2.18)

3. Joe SR.'s Passing / The Duel Scene (4.43)

4. Leaving Home (1.56)

5. Burning The Manor House (2.45)

6. Blowing Off Steam (1.32)

7. Fighting For Dough * (2.04)

8. Am I Beautiful? (3.39)

9. The Big Match (5.58)

10. Inside The Mansion (4.26)

11. Shannon Is Shot (4.07)

12. Joseph's Dream (3.10) Excellent Track

13. The Reunion (3.53)

14. Oklahoma Territory (2.13)

15. The Land Race (4.58) Excellent Track

16. Settling With Steven / The Race To The River (4.09)

17. Joseph And Shannon (3.16) Excellent Track

18. Book Of Days: Enya (2.54) Excellent Track

19. End Credits * (6.39) Excellent Track

* Featuring the Chieftains

Total Length: 67.16

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=== Link to Composer Site: John Williams ===