The Russia House
Jerry Goldsmith
" The jazz house "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
It didn't fully work, the romantic spy thriller The Russia House. For Jerry Goldsmith it was however a begin for a partnership between him and director Fred Schepisi (which lasted for 5 films). It's safe to say The Russia House is his strongest of those 5, his most celebrated. A jazzy affair, but not in the vein it takes over the "filmmusic" vibe. It still sounds like a score, not a jazz affair. The electronics and Gremlins 2 vibe will probably be responsible for that. The score centers around the love theme, and the more sinister beat of the spy theme, but both are brought forward through the saxophone, and it gives off a unique scent (especially during the spy theme performances). In the begin and end these performances are the best ("Crossing Over"). The Russia House however rarely raises bridges. Everything is rather soft, there's not an explosion or a rise in temperature coming from an action moment or rhythmic thrill. So the romantic vibes overall dominate the experience, especially in the end "The Family Arrives" (even though this is probably the jazziest cue of them all). The Russia House is a fine score to listen to, even perfect as a background affair. Unfortunately it lacks a powerful moment here or there to awaken you from the soft love story. And let us be honest about it as well, it could have been told in 20 minutes less.
Overall smooth and easy affair. Perfect for background listening.
The jazzy main theme is light and very accessible.
I like the "Marla Gremlins 2" sound in various cues, it breaks the jazz feeling.
Lacks a bombatic cue to spice things up.
It repeats things too easily, therefore it's a bit too long.
Track Listing
1. Katya (4.00)
2. Introductions (3.15)
3. The Conversation (4.16)
4. Training (2.04)
5. Katya and Barley (2.35)
6. First Name, Yakov (2.56)
7. Bon Voyage (2.16)
8. The Meeting (4.00)
9. I'm With You (2.42)
10. Alone in the World: Patti Austin (4.12)
11. The Gift (2.37)
12. Full Marks (2.31)
13. Barley's Love (3.27)
14. My Only Country (4.37)
15. Crossing Over (4.16)
16. The Deal (4.12)
17. The Family Arrives (7.39) Excellent track
Total Length: 61.14
Overall smooth and easy affair. Perfect for background listening.
The jazzy main theme is light and very accessible.
I like the "Marla Gremlins 2" sound in various cues, it breaks the jazz feeling.
Lacks a bombatic cue to spice things up.
It repeats things too easily, therefore it's a bit too long.
Track Listing
1. Katya (4.00)
2. Introductions (3.15)
3. The Conversation (4.16)
4. Training (2.04)
5. Katya and Barley (2.35)
6. First Name, Yakov (2.56)
7. Bon Voyage (2.16)
8. The Meeting (4.00)
9. I'm With You (2.42)
10. Alone in the World: Patti Austin (4.12)
11. The Gift (2.37)
12. Full Marks (2.31)
13. Barley's Love (3.27)
14. My Only Country (4.37)
15. Crossing Over (4.16)
16. The Deal (4.12)
17. The Family Arrives (7.39) Excellent track
Total Length: 61.14