Unknown Soldier

Peter Calandra

 
" the result is a fine combination of jazzy motifs and rhythms, and atmospheric scoring "

Written by Bregt De Lange - Review of the regular release

It doesn't seem that long ago, but since its start in 2006, MovieScore Media has released over 30 scores. Among them some absolute terrific music of composers we never heard of. After one year, the label got from download-only releases to neat digi-case printed cd's. Some of the composers introduced to us, now have their names featured on some more widespread movies. The label definitely knows where to find the future of film music. One of my favourites is Dear Wendy, with a fantastic deeply sad and dark score by Benjamin Wallfisch. But it all started with Peter Calandra's excellent, jazz driven score for Unknown Soldier; a title that could be seen as an intended pun, or not? Since it was MovieScore Media's first release, the music was initially only available as a download, but now it has also been printed together with an other score by Calandra; Jellysmoke.

Unknown Soldier is a fairly successful movie from 2004, directed by Ferenc Toth. While it's a story about surviving and loneliness, Calandra had to approach it differently and scored a lot of scenes with positive and joyful ideas. Since Calandra is a well respected jazz and piano artist, the result is a fine combination of jazzy motifs and rhythms. Three upbeat cues open the album, with quirky piano play, drums, soft percussion and obviously, a saxophone. It's light jazz, creating an excellent atmosphere and a strong opening. Especially the catchy melody in "Teen Hijinks" is very enjoyable to hear, and brings up Christopher Youngs superb jazz score for Shade.

As for the more dramatic side of the story, having the most playtime, is scored with piano, added with a small role for atmospheric synthesizer. Always with a certain feeling of improvisation, does Calandra pass by many short piano motifs, which sometimes ends up in some kind of main theme. It's not a very recognizable or 'stable' one, but because of the slow tempo and limited instrumentation, it does describe the aforementioned storyline of loneliness.

In "Escape" the first and also only thriller element appears. Fast rhythms, partly performed live, drums and the programming of some soundscapes, get company of a simple drum loop, to eventually lead to a very uncomfortable moment of soundscaping. Not a very unique idea, but it at least creates a feeling of fear and even disgust. The album closes off with a happy note in "The End Credits", with a loungy piano piece.

A pity the score is a bit short. I'd like to have had more of the jazz and upbeat music, but if there isn't more, then that's a silly wish anyway. Also a bit sad is the fact that not all could be performed by real instruments, and therefore synths had to come in place. This is obviously because of budgetary reasons, and like so many other fine scores out there, that's a real pity. Important is to see how composers take their assignment with the available money. Being creative with less can be more interesting than becoming lazy with everything you want.

All in all, Unknown Soldier is a real fine score, perfect for background listening. Not a deep listening experience, but a cool and attractive release. As a debut, it's a great start for a label. Back at the release time of this score, I'd have said "œlets look forward to more of these interesting unknown scores". In the mean time we know MovieScore Media settled itself high up there with the other big players, still aiming at the unknown.

Tracklisting

1. Opening Party (2.37)
2. City Biking (1.22)
3. Teen Hijinks (3.01)
4. Fire Escape Meeting (0.55)
5. Ellison's Pain (3.08)
6. Searching (2.11)
7. Can't Sleep Here (1.11)
8. Ellison's Choice (2.27)
9. The Escape (5.12)
10. End Credits (3.24)

Bonus Tracks
11. Solemates (2.00)
12. Time Returns Once (2.45)
13. In the End (3.16)

Total Length: 33.29
(click to rate this score)  
 
  •  
(total of 2 votes - average 3/5)

Released by

MovieScore Media MMS06001 (regular release 2006)