The Cider House Rules

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Rachel Portman was a name that many people associated with success. I did discover that rather late when both The Legend of Bagger Vance and Chocolat received critical acclaim, but not a moment before the main theme swelled into emotional proportions did I know I would like her style from that minute on. And since that day several of her scores became highlights in my collection, with The Cider House Rules as one of them. So you can say that I ignored her music for too long but I'm catching up and this score is a good way to begin. What this soundtrack simply brings is emotional grandeur, each note swelling bigger, better and bolder before you receive the fullest capacity of emotion. With no exception we start this score, 'Main Titles' is a joy to start it all for a Rachel Portman soundtrack. The right atmosphere for a drama is discovered in almost each track. The piano performances, the gorgeous thick string writing, the occasional trumpet solos. Each sign it present to reach the fullest sound in general, making several tracks more then worthy of praise. 'Homer Leaves Orphanage' and 'Homer Returns to the Orphanage' being particularly striking in that. Also 'Homer & Candy on the Dock' is a treat with a second emotional love performance that will dominate the nerves of your heart. Rachel Portman's composition brings pure emotion to the fore and makes this a pleasant if not at times truly stunning listen.

The only negative point, which I would discover appearing too many in her scores is the overuse of some of the themes or phrases. Being not essentially a major flaw in my book, it might bother several listeners. But don't deny why se remains so good at her talents. When the theme begins to swell its magic that reaches your heart. Her detail for the orchestrations, her approach that meanders into gorgeous performances, the style overall that emotionally charges your soul. The Cider House Rules has everything a good dramatic composition should have. It also makes this soundtrack a darn fine listen and a good overall representation of Rachel Portman's skills. This score truly deservedly captured a nomination for best dramatic score and pinpoints that her work should not be overlooked in general. It was easy to say that from that day on a certain Rachel Portman received more attention from my side but I still hope that from now on her musical voice starts to expand in more directions. Her talent of composition is obvious, her skills should become wider and more diverse in general.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Titles (2.11) Excellent Track

2. Homer's Lessons (3.44)

3. Young Girl's Burial (0.44)

4. Homer Asks Wally For A Ride (1.27)

5. Homer Leaves Orphanage (4.37) Excellent Track

6. The Ocean (0.59)

7. The Cider House (4.13)

8. Wally Goes Off To War (1.47)

9. Lobster Dinner (0.53)

10. Burying Fuzzy (1.34)

11. Homer & Candy On The Dock (2.24) Excellent Track

12. Rose Rose Is Pregnant (1.16)

13. Abortion (1.53)

14. Pickers Leave (1.16)

15. Dr. Larch Dies (1.37)

16. Homer Returns To The Orphanage (3.41) Excellent Track

17. Good-Night, You Kings Of New England (1.08)

18. End Credits (4.35) Excellent Track

Total Length: 40.41

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Rachel Portman ===