CD REVIEW - Partition + bits & bobs

The Last Run update

Before I go anywhere, I must start by saying that I wrongly called the third score on the Last Run CD The scorpion Letters. It should have read The Scorpio Letters. Apologies to all for this. In my haste, I also forgot to include a link to the Screen Archives page, where you can find more details, clips and ultimately order the disc. It is www.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm?ID=6618. Visit now - you know it makes sense!

Thanks also to Screen Archives for the following link to their latest release Laurel and Hardy Laughtoons Volume 1 - http://www.screenarchives.com/email.cfm?eid=1. Check it out!

Partition
Music by Brian Tyler
Varese Sarabande VSD 6786 (EU)
26 Tracks 78:290 mins

I know very little about this film as yet, as it hasn't made our shores here in the UK, but I know it stars Jimi Mistry and Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) in a love story set at the time of the political upheaval in India following World War II.
As for the music, well, you certainly get value for money with the disc running more than 78 minutes. As one would expect there is a certain amount of Indian-styled music, utilising wordless male and female vocals, together with native instruments, most probably performed by the composer himself in most cases; but he invests some of these cues with something of a western sensibility, making them a little more accessible to western ears. Indeed, there are some lively drum-dominated pieces that are quite catchy.
But Tyler's main themes are traditional western orchestral pieces, albeit sometimes given an eastern touch in the quieter, more intimate, variations. His main theme is introduced in the title track and could be described as a cross between Out of Africa and Lawrence of Arabia - a sweeping, glorious theme. His secondary theme follows in the very next track "The crossing." It's another fine effort, with a genuinely epic feel to it. Both themes return from time to time throughout the score, sometimes in combination like the passionate "Naseem and Gian" and the excellent "End Title."
Other tracks of note are the powerful action of "Attack at the Crossing," and the celebratory music of "Naseem's Journey." This music is reprised in the warm "Tears of Joy." "Rain Dance" is another uplifting cue, quite bouncy but gradually more and more drum dominated.
Brian Tyler is fast becoming a force to be recognised.