Henry V

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It was 1989 until one classical composer pressed his print into the everlasting growing community of film composers. Usually composers have a hard time finding the right project or the one that promises the most. I can honestly say that adapting a William Shakespeare play onto the major screen with classical music promises a lot. Not only the hard earned task but also the challenging battle of what can and can't become, Patrick Doyle created with his classical touch a piece of mastery that stormed the audiences with surprise. And while I don't really adore this score, merely for its uninteresting nature of sound in my impressionistic mood, Henry V still has some moments of true brilliance. And I do mean that because when Doyle delivers an astounding fanfare or a choral phrase, it is heaven that touches your ears from start to finish. Kenneth Branagh, the director of many films to be scored by Doyle initially though the same when he hired Doyle for the score. In a way I was skeptical about Henry V: first of all a classic adaptation usually receives a classical score and while capable of accepting its tone, I hardly listen to any of the classical titles at all. But Doyle inserts a movie sound to his style, making it more acceptable for little old me. The score itself has several main themes that work just nicely. The main theme entitled 'Non Nobis, Domine' doesn't receive a lot of airtime but merely enough, first briefly in the opener 'Opening Title / O! for a Muse of Fire' followed by choral delight in tracks 12 and 15.

This main theme made the score itself a winner in its category. The theme for Henry V is more urgent, racing strings make it a very interesting one indeed and appears for instance in 'Henry V Theme / The Boar's Head', 'Now Lords, For France' and 'Once more unto the Breach'. Yet it is the noble fanfares of pride that make Henry V worth it in my case, a sorrowful version during 'The Death of Falstaff' but with immense proportions during the massive 'St Crispin's Day / The Battle of Agincourt', which upholds some immense drum solos. From this point the score becomes more noble and in advance more special. The last tracks are far more worth it then the begin, because it offers more inspiring film music and a lot of brilliance in tracks 11, 12 and 15. If its now nobility or sheer choral bliss, it is all worth it at the end. Mainly the highlight 'Non Nobis, Domine' with its church sounding fathers is brilliant, when the full choir joins in it is heaven at the right place you will find. It is repeated one last time but shorter in 'End Title'. Henry V may be as some claim it one of Patrick Doyle's masterpieces, I believe it simply isn't my thing overall. While I adore the second part of the album, it is the first that doesn't inspire me enough. Of course its all a question of taste and you will soon know which style you have but it is obvious that Henry V, even with its less interesting style still has some amazing moments of score, coming of Doyle which today is known for his masterful interpretations of Kenneth Branagh movies.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Opening Title / O! For A Muse Of Fire (3.33)

2. Henry V Theme / The Boar's Head (2.45)

3. The Three Traitors (2.01)

4. "Now, Lords, For France" (2.39)

5. The Death Of Falstaff (1.53)

6. "One More Unto The Breach" (3.43)

7. The Threat To The Governor Of Harfleur / Katherine Of France / The March To Calais (5.49)

8. The Death Of Bardolph (2.20)

9. "Upon A King" (4.49)

10. St. Crispin's Day / The Battle Of Agincourt (14.10) Excellent Track

11. "The Day Is yours" (2.33)

12. "Non Nobis, Domine" (4.08) Excellent Track

13. The Wooing Of Katherine (2.22)

14. "Let This Acceptance Take" (2.49)

15. End Title (2.35) Excellent Track

Total Length: 58.59

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=== Link to Composer Site: Patrick Doyle ===