Lover's Prayer
Joel McNeely
" Classical elegance and grace "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
For those that find it hard to track down Lover's Prayer, perhaps look it up under All Forgotten, as it appears to be classified under that general European name. Nonetheless, Lover's Prayer is the name us soundtrack fans know it under, as it was released in 2000 by Varèse Sarabande. The movie (starring Kirsten Dunst, Julie Walters and Nick Stahl) is a period drama in 1800 Russia, and while the music doesn't have the Russian exoticness, it feels and breaths classicism and elegance. It is the work of composer Joel McNeely, a composer who made a big impression on most people during the 1990's.
And Lover's Prayer might deserve some attention as well, as it wasn't that common for McNeely to work on dramatic movies back then. In fact it's one of the few ones if I remember correctly, but that doesn't mean it's the least bit forgettable. On the contrary, the London Chamber Orchestra is quite adept to pour out the piano / string emotions that McNeely continuously unleashes upon us. Starting with the lovely classical sounding "Main Title" and a playful moment in "We Shall be Friends". But the first kick comes for me through the short lived but utterly infectious waltz that flourishes out of "Suitor's Dance", a first moment of true inspiration.
And there's a couple more of that divine inspiration. What about the wonderful combination of strings and piano in the begin of "Death and the Maiden" or the simply full on John Williams class that's pouring out of "Jealousy", a piece the master would be jealous of indeed. Lovely cues like "The Pond" and "Goodbye", somewhat somber moments like "Zanaida Again" and "Redemption, Retribution" and a full on send off of wonderful strings in the delightful "End Credits" close the score in good style. Not before a solo piano "Nocture" performed by Clifford Benson gives us a wonderful combination of the themes McNeely composed for this film.
All in all Joel McNeely's Lover's Prayer is a work I thoroughly admire. I admire the passion, the craftsmanship and the elegance that went in it, transporting us to the era without resorting to the Russian history and music. Perhaps that could have given it a different sound, but the fact of the matter is that this classical beauty surely graces the movie well. However, on a personal note I find it harder to connect to every single track, no matter the quality that each track definitely possesses. This is a personal taste and the music doesn't always speak to me, not like the utterly brilliant "Jealousy" cue. So it might bother you or not, but the truth nonetheless proves once again that it's these sort of composers that keep bringing a smile on our face, because it's real passion we're hearing inside their music.
Favorite Moment - Jealousy (1.13 - 3.00)
Fans of John Williams (that means everyone on the planet) will get a kick out of this beauty
Track Listing
1. Main Title (4.15)
2. Reunion (3.21)
3. We Shall be Friends (4.04)
4. The Pheasant (1.27)
5. Suitor's Dance (1.53)
6. Denis and Mashenka (2.04)
7. Death and the Maiden (3.27) Excellent track
8. Jealousy (3.08) Excellent track
9. The Pond (3.12)
10. Goodbye (2.59)
11. Zanaida Again (2.40)
12. Redemption, Retribution (2.58)
13. End Credits (2.59) Excellent track
14. Nocturne * (4.48)
* Piano performed by Clifford Benson
Total Length: 43.15
And Lover's Prayer might deserve some attention as well, as it wasn't that common for McNeely to work on dramatic movies back then. In fact it's one of the few ones if I remember correctly, but that doesn't mean it's the least bit forgettable. On the contrary, the London Chamber Orchestra is quite adept to pour out the piano / string emotions that McNeely continuously unleashes upon us. Starting with the lovely classical sounding "Main Title" and a playful moment in "We Shall be Friends". But the first kick comes for me through the short lived but utterly infectious waltz that flourishes out of "Suitor's Dance", a first moment of true inspiration.
And there's a couple more of that divine inspiration. What about the wonderful combination of strings and piano in the begin of "Death and the Maiden" or the simply full on John Williams class that's pouring out of "Jealousy", a piece the master would be jealous of indeed. Lovely cues like "The Pond" and "Goodbye", somewhat somber moments like "Zanaida Again" and "Redemption, Retribution" and a full on send off of wonderful strings in the delightful "End Credits" close the score in good style. Not before a solo piano "Nocture" performed by Clifford Benson gives us a wonderful combination of the themes McNeely composed for this film.
All in all Joel McNeely's Lover's Prayer is a work I thoroughly admire. I admire the passion, the craftsmanship and the elegance that went in it, transporting us to the era without resorting to the Russian history and music. Perhaps that could have given it a different sound, but the fact of the matter is that this classical beauty surely graces the movie well. However, on a personal note I find it harder to connect to every single track, no matter the quality that each track definitely possesses. This is a personal taste and the music doesn't always speak to me, not like the utterly brilliant "Jealousy" cue. So it might bother you or not, but the truth nonetheless proves once again that it's these sort of composers that keep bringing a smile on our face, because it's real passion we're hearing inside their music.
Favorite Moment - Jealousy (1.13 - 3.00)
Fans of John Williams (that means everyone on the planet) will get a kick out of this beauty
Track Listing
1. Main Title (4.15)
2. Reunion (3.21)
3. We Shall be Friends (4.04)
4. The Pheasant (1.27)
5. Suitor's Dance (1.53)
6. Denis and Mashenka (2.04)
7. Death and the Maiden (3.27) Excellent track
8. Jealousy (3.08) Excellent track
9. The Pond (3.12)
10. Goodbye (2.59)
11. Zanaida Again (2.40)
12. Redemption, Retribution (2.58)
13. End Credits (2.59) Excellent track
14. Nocturne * (4.48)
* Piano performed by Clifford Benson
Total Length: 43.15