Balto
James Horner
" The animation king known as James Horner brings a truly original feast "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
When it comes down to animation, James Horner was one of the best composers to provide that special musical link. There are too many good examples by now, and one of those to remember is Balto. While Horner has proven that he can handle whatever genre, Balto is perhaps one of the most serious and yet of the easiest to enjoy scores as well. While not everything is mesmerizing (due to the light comical approach at times), Horner still does one thing very well. The experience he provides is a worthwhile one.
Despite the score material, Balto also delivers you the song that belongs with the movie's heart. As always with Horner, it was his music that made the song a winner. And so it is easy to find something inspiring in it. It appears at the beginning and end, and while the children's choir might overdo it, it adds nonetheless a playful family feeling to the entire sound.
Luckily the score by Horner is equally rewarding. Whether it is the theme or the fanfares that drive the album's pace, Balto is James Horner in a very good original day. How he does it I don't know, but the massive sound that's coming of the orchestra is once more the driving force behind the music. And one of the best things that Balto possesses is its main theme. It receives various performances throughout the score. The first score track (the second number of the album) has already a good strong performance of it, but the best possible use is still discovered in "The Dogsled Race", this when it explodes onto the screen in a fast and delightful manner.
Some lighter material is discovered in "Rosy Goes to the Doctor" or in the bouncy "Boris & Balto". But when Horner starts unraveling his adventures, Balto sounds the most interesting of all. The good track "The Journey Begins" has a couple of really lovely moments, "Grizzly Bear" contains a threatening feel (without the evil four note motif for a change) and the most inventive cue of all is "Jenna / Telegraphing the News", inserting a sort of Morse code rhythm through the addition of flutes. By the end "Heritage of the Wolf" will immediately pick up your attention with Enemy at the Gates influences (from 1.25), alongside some really mighty fanfares while "Balto Brings the Medicine!" is your typical powerhouse finale, bringing forth music that's rousing and delightful.
Balto is one of Horner's most enjoyable animation scores of his entire career. If you enjoy the better voice of Horner and want rousing material mixed with lighter stuff, Balto will not disappoint you. There is no comedy stuff on board that distracts your attention and the music is entertaining from start to finish. Recommended little gem.
Tracklisting
1. Reach for the Light (Theme From Balto): Steve Winwood (4.24)
2. Main Title / Balto's Story Unfolds (4.40) Excellent track
3. The Dogsled Race (1.41) Excellent track
4. Rosy Goes to the Doctor (4.05)
5. Boris & Balto (1.29)
6. The Journey Begins (5.06)
7. Grizzly Bear (5.23)
8. Jenna / Telegraphing the News (2.22)
9. Steele's Treachery (4.38)
10. The Epidemic's Toll (3.29)
11. Heritage of the Wolf (5.54) Excellent track
12. Balto Brings the Medicine! (4.53) Excellent track
13. Reach for the Light (Long Version): Steve Winwood (5.26) Excellent track
Total Length: 53.40
Despite the score material, Balto also delivers you the song that belongs with the movie's heart. As always with Horner, it was his music that made the song a winner. And so it is easy to find something inspiring in it. It appears at the beginning and end, and while the children's choir might overdo it, it adds nonetheless a playful family feeling to the entire sound.
Luckily the score by Horner is equally rewarding. Whether it is the theme or the fanfares that drive the album's pace, Balto is James Horner in a very good original day. How he does it I don't know, but the massive sound that's coming of the orchestra is once more the driving force behind the music. And one of the best things that Balto possesses is its main theme. It receives various performances throughout the score. The first score track (the second number of the album) has already a good strong performance of it, but the best possible use is still discovered in "The Dogsled Race", this when it explodes onto the screen in a fast and delightful manner.
Some lighter material is discovered in "Rosy Goes to the Doctor" or in the bouncy "Boris & Balto". But when Horner starts unraveling his adventures, Balto sounds the most interesting of all. The good track "The Journey Begins" has a couple of really lovely moments, "Grizzly Bear" contains a threatening feel (without the evil four note motif for a change) and the most inventive cue of all is "Jenna / Telegraphing the News", inserting a sort of Morse code rhythm through the addition of flutes. By the end "Heritage of the Wolf" will immediately pick up your attention with Enemy at the Gates influences (from 1.25), alongside some really mighty fanfares while "Balto Brings the Medicine!" is your typical powerhouse finale, bringing forth music that's rousing and delightful.
Balto is one of Horner's most enjoyable animation scores of his entire career. If you enjoy the better voice of Horner and want rousing material mixed with lighter stuff, Balto will not disappoint you. There is no comedy stuff on board that distracts your attention and the music is entertaining from start to finish. Recommended little gem.
Tracklisting
1. Reach for the Light (Theme From Balto): Steve Winwood (4.24)
2. Main Title / Balto's Story Unfolds (4.40) Excellent track
3. The Dogsled Race (1.41) Excellent track
4. Rosy Goes to the Doctor (4.05)
5. Boris & Balto (1.29)
6. The Journey Begins (5.06)
7. Grizzly Bear (5.23)
8. Jenna / Telegraphing the News (2.22)
9. Steele's Treachery (4.38)
10. The Epidemic's Toll (3.29)
11. Heritage of the Wolf (5.54) Excellent track
12. Balto Brings the Medicine! (4.53) Excellent track
13. Reach for the Light (Long Version): Steve Winwood (5.26) Excellent track
Total Length: 53.40