CD REVIEW - HALO 3 + NEWS FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS


Halo 3
Music by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori
Sumthing Else SE 20372 (US)
Disc 1 - 15 Tracks 61:46 mins Disc 2 - 16 Tracks 57:09 mins

One of the most eagerly anticipated games of 2007 was the third in the Halo trilogy and, from most accounts, it didn't disappoint. Much interest was also in the music, which would again be provided by series composers Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, and this game would not feature the rock songs that plagued that Halo 2. On top of this a 2-disc set was promised on the Sumthing Else label.
Well, some months after the game's release, the recordings have been released, and I'm sure fans of the games and its music will not be disappointed, as the composers have not only written plenty of new music for Halo 3, but have taken the opportunity to reprise themes from the first two games, utilising the services of the Northwest Sinfonia and a large choir to make new and more impressive versions to boot.
Stylistically, the music is a mix of orchestral/choral and electronic/percussive. It's not the greatest game music I've heard this past year by any stretch of the imagination, but it does have its moments, particularly when orchestra, choir and solo piano are given their head. Otherwise, it's a series of electronic/percussive rhythms that often don't go anywhere, and dissonance, but choir features strongly throughout and there are some good awe-filled moments to be found, as well as some proud and heroic motifs, and the bouncy, Celtic-flavoured action theme is always welcome, making more frequent appearances on the second disc.
Incidentally, although only 16 tracks are listed on disc 2, there is a hidden 17th, but this is only a disappointing rock song, and not worth film and game score collectors' time and attention.

From Costa Communications

COMPOSER CHRISTOPHER YOUNG

SCORES

“SLEEPWALKING”

“Sleepwalking” Premieres @ Sundance January 22

Overture Films release March 14

(Los Angeles, CA) Award-winning composer Christopher Young adds to an impressive list of nearly 100 feature films in virtually every genre with the score to “Sleepwalking,” the new drama stars Charlize Theron, Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Hopper and Woody Harrelson. Film debuts at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, January 22. Overture Films will have a limited release March 14.

Tues., Jan. 22, 3:15 p.m., Eccles Theatre, Park City (Premiere)

Wed, Jan. 23, 11:30 p.m., Prospector Square Theatre, Park City

Fri., Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m., Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden

Sat., Jan. 27, 10:00 p.m., Screening Room, Sundance Resort

“Sleepwalking” is the story of James Reedy (Stahl), a simple man who leads a less than ordinary existence. When his sister Joleen (Theron) seemingly abandons her daughter Tara (Robb) with him, Reedy steals away with the girl and takes to the road.

Young's distinctive and imaginative approaches to several unusual projects have made him a highly sought-after commodity on films with unusual subject matter. He wrote an ingenious score incorporating breathing effects for the offbeat film "The Vagrant"; provided a darkly dramatic score to the Christian Slater/Kevin Bacon prison drama "Murder in the First"; and tuned in perfectly to the offbeat sensibility of the Bill Murray comedy "The Man Who Knew Too Little." His long list of works include the scores for "Hellraiser" and its sequel "Hellbound: Hellraiser II"; plus such hits as "Runaway Jury," "The Shipping News," "The Core" and "The Grudge."

Recently honored at the 13th Annual Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival with the award for Outstanding Career Achievement in Film Composing, Young has received numerous awards and nominations throughout a celebrated career. He has won three BMI Film & TV Awards (“The Grudge,” “Swordfish” and “Entrapment”) and a Saturn Award (“Hellbound: Hellraiser II.”) He has been nominated for two Emmys (“Norma Jean & Marilyn,” “Last Flight Out”) and received both Golden Globe and Broadcast Film Critics Association Award nominations for the Miramax film “The Shipping News.”

In addition to his busy film-composing schedule, Young is imparting his experience and knowledge to a new generation of film composers. He has been teaching at USC since the early Nineties. His most recent score is for “Untraceable,” the latest thriller by director Gregory Hoblit starring Best Actress Oscar nominee Diane Lane.