Under the Tuscan Sun
Christophe Beck
" this film would have been prime Portman territory, but Beck pulls it off without a hitch "Written by Justin Boggan - Review of the regular release
One could say Christophe Beck's score for Under the Tuscan Sun is like a three-way cross between light Rachel Portman efforts, Thomas Newman plucky-ness, and Thomas Newman inspired commercial music. A light hearted, upbeat score that threads somewhere in the middle ground of small to average sized orchestra sound, the score is laced with guitar, clarinet, maracca, violins, piano, harp, various percussion, and other stuff. Indeed, this film would have been prime Portman territory, but Beck pulls it off without a hitch (having seen the film in the theater, I can vouch for that).
The score is in a modern traditional style in that it's got melodic ideas, modern orchestration stylings, smooth compositions, and an over "tone" or "feel". The score isn't all over the place and certainly doesn't mickey mouse about. There's an occasional use of synth, but it's always in conjunction and never overt or distracting.
One could say no new ground was broke with this score, and one would be right, though it did show a new side of Beck and that he's certainly worthy of film projects when he relies on traditional orchestra (his more experimental work has left a lot to be desired in films, post "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). For folks who enjoy scores like this, at a nice used price it's certainly worth it. For folks looking to experiment and take a chance, buying new at full price is not recommended.
Stand out tracks include "Un Segno Di Dio", with it's catchy upbeatness; "Buyer's Remose", with it's folksy like fast-paced waltz; "Olive Harves" (one of three cues that bleed together, plus it's just over all nice); "Springtime", with it's ethereal sound of beauty in the opening, then fun little romp in the middle, then ending where it started; "Gaudeamus", with it's organ and female vocals, being more akin to something Libera would compose, and we could go on. Not being a Hollywood blockbuster, "The Spigot" and "End Titles" close out the CD nicely, giving it the proper feel of closure on the score. And both cues are enjoyable at that.
Those looking for action cues, quirky messes, or a theme that grabs you by the throat, will find themselves disappointed. Others who can find beauty in small ensembles and fluffy stuff, will be in for a treat.
Tracklisting
1. Follow the Flower (3.40)
2. I Broke My Heart in San Francisco (0.57)
3. Wish You Were Here (1.00)
4. Bramasole (1.35)
5. Un Segno di Dio (0.42)
6. Buyer's Remorse (1.30)
7. Three Stooges (1.29)
8. A Team of Experts (1.27)
9. Ice Cream (1.38)
10. Believers (1.01)
11. Kurwa Mac (0.51)
12. The Old Man with the Flowers (0.46)
13. Olive Harvest (1.42)
14. Ode to San Lorenzo (1.34)
15. Roma (1.15)
16. Marcello, Of Course (1.03)
17. Blue Umbrellas (1.01)
18. What American Women Say (1.32)
19. Patti Arrives (1.06)
20. Mud Slide (0.51)
21. Springtime (1.32)
22. Baby Alessandra (1.26)
23. Polonia (2.25)
24. White Dress (2.03)
25. Katherine's Fountain (2.31)
26. The Most Important Thing (2.47)
27. Gaudeamus (1.25)
28. My Wish (2.28)
29. The Spigot (2.47)
30. End Titles (2.09)
Total Length: 47.32
The score is in a modern traditional style in that it's got melodic ideas, modern orchestration stylings, smooth compositions, and an over "tone" or "feel". The score isn't all over the place and certainly doesn't mickey mouse about. There's an occasional use of synth, but it's always in conjunction and never overt or distracting.
One could say no new ground was broke with this score, and one would be right, though it did show a new side of Beck and that he's certainly worthy of film projects when he relies on traditional orchestra (his more experimental work has left a lot to be desired in films, post "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). For folks who enjoy scores like this, at a nice used price it's certainly worth it. For folks looking to experiment and take a chance, buying new at full price is not recommended.
Stand out tracks include "Un Segno Di Dio", with it's catchy upbeatness; "Buyer's Remose", with it's folksy like fast-paced waltz; "Olive Harves" (one of three cues that bleed together, plus it's just over all nice); "Springtime", with it's ethereal sound of beauty in the opening, then fun little romp in the middle, then ending where it started; "Gaudeamus", with it's organ and female vocals, being more akin to something Libera would compose, and we could go on. Not being a Hollywood blockbuster, "The Spigot" and "End Titles" close out the CD nicely, giving it the proper feel of closure on the score. And both cues are enjoyable at that.
Those looking for action cues, quirky messes, or a theme that grabs you by the throat, will find themselves disappointed. Others who can find beauty in small ensembles and fluffy stuff, will be in for a treat.
Tracklisting
1. Follow the Flower (3.40)
2. I Broke My Heart in San Francisco (0.57)
3. Wish You Were Here (1.00)
4. Bramasole (1.35)
5. Un Segno di Dio (0.42)
6. Buyer's Remorse (1.30)
7. Three Stooges (1.29)
8. A Team of Experts (1.27)
9. Ice Cream (1.38)
10. Believers (1.01)
11. Kurwa Mac (0.51)
12. The Old Man with the Flowers (0.46)
13. Olive Harvest (1.42)
14. Ode to San Lorenzo (1.34)
15. Roma (1.15)
16. Marcello, Of Course (1.03)
17. Blue Umbrellas (1.01)
18. What American Women Say (1.32)
19. Patti Arrives (1.06)
20. Mud Slide (0.51)
21. Springtime (1.32)
22. Baby Alessandra (1.26)
23. Polonia (2.25)
24. White Dress (2.03)
25. Katherine's Fountain (2.31)
26. The Most Important Thing (2.47)
27. Gaudeamus (1.25)
28. My Wish (2.28)
29. The Spigot (2.47)
30. End Titles (2.09)
Total Length: 47.32