The Lost Child
Mark McKenzie
" Mckenzie's music melts the heart, whether for TV or film "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the download only release
A woman discovers that she is the child of a Native American family, and goes on a quest to find them and learn that love is universal and respect is everlasting. Mercedes Ruehl stars as Rebecca in this typical charming Hallmark production. The true charming story brought composer Mark McKenzie to the project and inspired him to write this small and charming but beautiful work. Long was this score unavailable after Intrada's copy sold out in 2000. But now Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions brings it back to the masses through a download only release. Needless to say, if Mark McKenzie gives you warm and happy memories, The Lost Child is definitely for you.
Even people who like something positive, lovely, relaxing and endearing will discover the warmth and beauty of Mark's ideas after one initial listen. The Lost Child may be smaller than most of his epic dramatic scores, it's the scale he can conjure up through a smaller orchestra. The opening tracks "The Lost Child Orchestral Suite", "Adopted into a new Family (Main Titles)" and "Kinaalda Celebration" are knockouts, and deliver us 3 beautiful themes. One theme is so lovely, it literally melts the heart in a true John Barry fashion. This happens in the first track after a couple of minutes. The theme that people will recognize the most is the one that closes the first track, because it is note for note the theme that Mark Isham used in Life as a House (the score of 2001).
And the theme performed by piano in "Kinaalda Celebration" is simply Mark McKenzie all the way, considering it brings us the beauty of Blizzard. These themes, these gentle compositions, these beautiful experiences run fluently throughout the remainder of the score, often highlighted by solo instruments as guitar, harp or solo violin. The flute (representing the native family) is present, but not overpowering the musical feelings of Rebecca, showing that she's accepted by her family despite her different beliefs. And McKenzie's finest moment comes perhaps through the use of a solo violin, highlighting a passionate beauty in tracks such as "A Hug and a New Home" or the downright wonderful "Beck's Finds Strength of Purpose".
In short, though the score never reaches the absolute beautiful magnificence of the first 3 tracks, everything on The Lost Child is endearing and delightful. A sole moment of some slight suspense is handled with the utmost care in "The Horse", showing that dark or threatening feelings aren't allowed whatsoever. And the added beauty of solo instruments such as the violin or the piano show McKenzie's ear for detail. You can't compare this with his bigger more epic dramatic work, but The Lost Child holds so much loveliness nonetheless, it makes it perfect for a relaxing background listen when you simply want to listen and feel. McKenzie fans, you will be in for a treat (AGAIN).
Track Listing
1. The Lost Child Orchestral Suite (4.27) Excellent track
2. Adopted into a new Family (Main Titles) (2.52) Excellent track
3. Kinaalda Celebration (2.08) Excellent track
4. A Lost Bird is Found (1.37)
5. Aunt Mary's Wisdom (3.48)
6. Rejection (3.24)
7. Weaving Vision (1.32)
8. Yazzi's Embrace (1.18)
9. The Land Reminds us to Praise our God (1.35)
10. A Hug and a New Home (1.11)
11. Please don't get a Divorce (3.13)
12. Mom's Funeral (3.33)
13. The Horse (2.09)
14. You're the Love of my Life (1.25)
15. Birthday Wish (1.11)
16. Beck's Finds Strength of Purpose (2.20) Excellent track
17. Dancing Transformation (2.34)
18. Early Morning Prayer / End Credits (1.31)
Total Length: 41.48
Even people who like something positive, lovely, relaxing and endearing will discover the warmth and beauty of Mark's ideas after one initial listen. The Lost Child may be smaller than most of his epic dramatic scores, it's the scale he can conjure up through a smaller orchestra. The opening tracks "The Lost Child Orchestral Suite", "Adopted into a new Family (Main Titles)" and "Kinaalda Celebration" are knockouts, and deliver us 3 beautiful themes. One theme is so lovely, it literally melts the heart in a true John Barry fashion. This happens in the first track after a couple of minutes. The theme that people will recognize the most is the one that closes the first track, because it is note for note the theme that Mark Isham used in Life as a House (the score of 2001).
And the theme performed by piano in "Kinaalda Celebration" is simply Mark McKenzie all the way, considering it brings us the beauty of Blizzard. These themes, these gentle compositions, these beautiful experiences run fluently throughout the remainder of the score, often highlighted by solo instruments as guitar, harp or solo violin. The flute (representing the native family) is present, but not overpowering the musical feelings of Rebecca, showing that she's accepted by her family despite her different beliefs. And McKenzie's finest moment comes perhaps through the use of a solo violin, highlighting a passionate beauty in tracks such as "A Hug and a New Home" or the downright wonderful "Beck's Finds Strength of Purpose".
In short, though the score never reaches the absolute beautiful magnificence of the first 3 tracks, everything on The Lost Child is endearing and delightful. A sole moment of some slight suspense is handled with the utmost care in "The Horse", showing that dark or threatening feelings aren't allowed whatsoever. And the added beauty of solo instruments such as the violin or the piano show McKenzie's ear for detail. You can't compare this with his bigger more epic dramatic work, but The Lost Child holds so much loveliness nonetheless, it makes it perfect for a relaxing background listen when you simply want to listen and feel. McKenzie fans, you will be in for a treat (AGAIN).
Track Listing
1. The Lost Child Orchestral Suite (4.27) Excellent track
2. Adopted into a new Family (Main Titles) (2.52) Excellent track
3. Kinaalda Celebration (2.08) Excellent track
4. A Lost Bird is Found (1.37)
5. Aunt Mary's Wisdom (3.48)
6. Rejection (3.24)
7. Weaving Vision (1.32)
8. Yazzi's Embrace (1.18)
9. The Land Reminds us to Praise our God (1.35)
10. A Hug and a New Home (1.11)
11. Please don't get a Divorce (3.13)
12. Mom's Funeral (3.33)
13. The Horse (2.09)
14. You're the Love of my Life (1.25)
15. Birthday Wish (1.11)
16. Beck's Finds Strength of Purpose (2.20) Excellent track
17. Dancing Transformation (2.34)
18. Early Morning Prayer / End Credits (1.31)
Total Length: 41.48