Hart's War (Score) [Soundtrack]

hart's war (score) [soundtrack]

On this CD:

Hart's War, film score
Composed by Rachel Portman
Performed by George Hamer
with Simon Haram, Andrew Crowley
Conducted by David Snell

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Though it's set in a World War II German POW camp, Gregory Hoblit's adaptation of John Katzenbach's 1999 novel, Hart's War, shares little in common with previous genre staples like Stalag 17 and The Great Escape. As its battlegrounds are often internalized, its heroic concerns more personal and moral, Rachel Portman was called upon to impart a sense of darkly dramatic weight that also stands in stark contrast to the heroic martial music that characterized Elmer Bernstein's classic Great Escape score. And while her mournful solo trumpet theme fits the film's dramatic motifs perfectly, much of the remainder can seem like repetitive exercises in minor-key tension-building. As is sometimes the case, music that's evocative set against a film's images can be problematic when forced to stand on its own. Those captivated by the gentle, sprightly pastoralism of Portman's music for The Cider House Rules and Chocolat may find this one a bit too somber and limited in scope for their tastes. --Jerry McCulley

Hart's War (Score),Rachel Portman,Decca U.S.,Electronic/Avant-Garde/Minimalist Music,Film,Original Score,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Hart's War (Score) [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

Mrs Henderson Presents
Absolutely infectious!!!
A Creation and Recreation of Nostalgia
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Upbeat and Fun!

Mrs. Henderson Presents

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000CC3SDC
Release Date: 2006-01-03

Tracks:

Overture
Bored with Widowhood
Letting in the Sunshine
Revuedeville
Persuading Tommy
Sweet Inspiration
Vivian Van Damm
Goody Goody
After the Ball
Shilling for the Hour
Joyride
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Customer Reviews:

Mrs Henderson Presents.......2007-05-16

A very enjoyable and at times funny movie. Judi Dench gives one of her best perfomances with excellent support from the other cast members. This is a movie one could watch several times and never tire of it. AAA+++

Absolutely infectious!!!.......2007-03-28

From start to finish, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS is the finest collection of solid standards and George Fenton's own recreated time-period evocations,fully fleshed and skillfully performed and recorded.The talents of singer Will Young will not go unnoticed, especially in his heartbreaking rendition of ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE.Your toes will be tapping,your lips will be smiling and you will be glad that this soundtrack and wonderful film are yours!You will be transported to WW2 England and you will be humming these tunes day and night.

A Creation and Recreation of Nostalgia.......2006-04-23

George Fenton has put together a musical score for the completely delightful MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS that is a combination of original music deeply influenced by the time of the film (London during WW II) and some of the best 'old favorite songs' from that time. In the film the music is always present, whether in the performances on the Windmill Theater stage or in the lyricism of the acting by Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and crew.

Fenton includes such terrific oldies as Johnny Mercer's 'Goody Goody', Charles Harris' 'After the Ball', Noel Gay's 'Letting in the Sunshine', Frank Loesser's 'Blue Nightfall', and Jerome Kern's 'All the things you are'. He segues these pieces with his own fine orchestrations and the result is a score that not only enhances the mood of the film, but one that stands alone as a recording. The various performers include Camille O'Sullivan, Charlene Ford, Ciaran Connolly, Elise Audeyev, Frances Garvey, Frank Lawson, Joseph McMurray, Kate Power, Matthew Hart, Melody Squire, Rachel Lawrence, Sir Thomas Allen!, Sophie Brown, The O'Brien Sisters, Vanessa Barmby, Vicki Davids, and Victoria Hay.

This is a recording to conjure up memories not only of a successful film but also of a time when music conveyed a lot of emotion during times of stress. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

Mrs. Henderson Presents.......2006-03-24

Met ALL my expectations, having seen/loved the film - especially the orchestration, arrangements, and vocals. Sound quality superb.
I've played this CD for others - of all age groups - all agree it's a defininte winner.

Upbeat and Fun!.......2006-03-22

Love this CD for the nostalgia! My favorite track is "All the Things You Are" by J.Kern and O.Hammerstein. This year's Oscar telecast produced a montage of film clips to this track including the last scene from "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and it was so emotion granting as is the song. Many of the other songs are from a time period right before WWII, but they are just fun and upbeat -- it was the depression, people needed to be uplifted with such such songs as "Letting in the Sunshine" and "Goody Goody." Judi Dench was asked by someone in the bleachers at the Oscars how it felt to be nominated this year for Mrs. Henderson, and she answered back, "just listen to the soundtrack darling!" How great is that???!!!!

Average customer rating:

Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Average customer rating:

thanks again, naxos!
Stephen Foster Played by a Saxhorn (not saxophone) Quintet

Foster for Brass

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00007FPFS
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

Ellen Bayne Quick Step
Bronze Bob Tail Horse Quick Step
Why, No One To Love
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Beautiful Dreamer
Dolly Day Quick Step
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We Are Coming Father Abraam, 300,000 More
Colonel Meeker's Quick Step
March. My Old Kentucky Home
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman
Maggie By My Side Grand March
Santa Anna's Retreat From Buena Vista
Willie Schottisch
George Hart's Quick Step
Some Folks
Open Thy Lattice Love
Old Dog Tray March
Camptown Quick Step
Massa's In The Cold Ground
When This Dreadful War Is Over
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming Quick Step
Gentle Annie
Lulu Is Gone
Where Has Lula Gone
Farewell My Lily Dear Quick Step

Customer Reviews:

thanks again, naxos!.......2007-04-04

naxos is the greatest budget label of all-time. i've gotten so many great discs from them, and never a bummer. as for this disc, it's a great idea(arrangements of the songs of stephen foster for 19th century brass band, performed on period instruments), wonderfully executed. i have many recordings of stephen foster material, and this is one of the best. this brass band sounds fantastic and the audio quality is very very fine. i highly recommend that you make this a part of your household.

Stephen Foster Played by a Saxhorn (not saxophone) Quintet.......2004-06-20

Imagine a post-Civil War family trooping to the town square on a fine summer evening to hear the town band play a concert of arrangements of popular tunes, that gentler period's equivalent of a rock concert of today. That's essentially what we have here. The Chestnut Brass Company, a Philadelphia brass quintet which on occasion plays on everything from Baroque sackbuts to the most modern trumpets and trombones, here plays on instuments of the saxhorn family. Saxhorns, invented by Adolphe Sax, the fellow who also invented the better-known saxophone, are brass instruments perfected in the 1840s. Their conical bore projects a uniquely sweet and mellow sound. They were exceedingly popular for town bands during the latter half of the century, but their use had waned by the turn of the 20th century. This quintet consists of an E flat soprano, a B flat soprano, an E flat alto, a B flat baritone, and a E flat contrabass saxhorn. The dulcet tones and sonic blend are a marvel to behold. Partly, of course, this is due to the expert playing by Bruce Barrie, Susan Sexton (or is it SAXton?), Marian Hesse, Larry Zimmerman, and Jay Krush.

Stephen Foster wrote very little purely instrumental music, but his songs fostered (pun unavoidable) innumerable instrumental arrangements. Those heard here are taken (and sometimes re-arranged) from the playbooks of such 19th-century bands as the Manchester, New Hampshire town band, the Boston Brass Band and the brass band of the 26th Regiment of North Carolina, not to forget the U.S. Marine Band. The tunes are arranged into quicksteps, waltzes, marches, schottisches and potpourris. Most of the familiar tunes are here: 'Beautiful Dreamer,' 'I Dream of Jeannie,' 'My Old Kentucky Home,' 'Camptown Races,' 'Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming,' and 'Some Folks Do' as well as plenty of relatively unfamiliar songs. And because these arrangements come from all over some of the tunes appear several times like old friends. Some of my own favorites are 'Some Folks' arranged by W. L. Baccus, 'Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming' arranged by Bruce Barrie, 'Camptown Quick Step' arranged by Jay Krush, and 'Gentle Annie' from the U.S. Marine Corps Band archives.

As an unabashed fan of the music of Charles Ives, I can't hear these arrangements without wondering which of these tunes Charlie heard (and played) when his own father, a former Civil War bandmaster, led his town band in Danbury, Connecticut.

Recommended for brass band lovers, Stephen Foster fans, and folks who like, say, the sound track to Ken Burns's 'Civil War' PBS documentary.

TT=68:49

Scott Morrison

Tearz of War
Average customer rating:
Tearz of War

Manufacturer: War Cry Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAAARQ
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

Mr. Nobody
Greedy
7x70
War Cry
Real Man
Assembly Required
New Jerusalem
Listen Up
Oh No!
Tha Only Law
One Heart
Ain't Knowin'
Tearz of Ink
Mama Why?
She Carries Tha Sun
Interlude
Don't Stop Tha Ride
Reason 4 Breathin'

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Music
Hart's War The Soundtrack
Nothing new
Hart's War Soundtrack
Hart's War Soundtrack is Special

Hart's War (Score)
Rachel Portman
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005UWLV
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

Final Salute
Hart Captured And interrogated
Scott's Macon, Georgia Story/Train Yard Strafing And Bombing
Visser Testifies
Visser Finds Tunnel
Forest March To Stalag 3A
Archer Shot Dead
Scott Railroaded
"Everything Is OK, Tommy"
Blackened Face Testimony
Hart Finds Bedford's Stash
Hart Discovers Tunnel
McNamara Trades His Life
End Credits

Amazon.com

Though it's set in a World War II German POW camp, Gregory Hoblit's adaptation of John Katzenbach's 1999 novel, Hart's War, shares little in common with previous genre staples like Stalag 17 and The Great Escape. As its battlegrounds are often internalized, its heroic concerns more personal and moral, Rachel Portman was called upon to impart a sense of darkly dramatic weight that also stands in stark contrast to the heroic martial music that characterized Elmer Bernstein's classic Great Escape score. And while her mournful solo trumpet theme fits the film's dramatic motifs perfectly, much of the remainder can seem like repetitive exercises in minor-key tension-building. As is sometimes the case, music that's evocative set against a film's images can be problematic when forced to stand on its own. Those captivated by the gentle, sprightly pastoralism of Portman's music for The Cider House Rules and Chocolat may find this one a bit too somber and limited in scope for their tastes. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music.......2002-07-21

When I rented the DVD of this movie the music that played on the menu was just so beautiful and moving. The score by Rachel Portman really helped the movie to deliver its message. This is a good soundtrack. It does not have "greatness" stamped across it, but it contains some of the most beautiful passages out of all the films that I have seen as of late. The music does grow on you, like most good soundtracks do. I can really recommend this one.

Hart's War The Soundtrack.......2002-05-11

A must get for all the music score fans who love majestic and powerful music expressing great emotions of pain and hardship.

Nothing new.......2002-03-25

I am a great fan of Rachel Portman, I do like almost everything she composes, but Hart's War is a very insipid soundtrack if you already know other works as "Marvin's Room", "Emma", "Only You", "Cider House Rules" or "The Legend of Bagger Vance".

Anyway, this is an unmistakable Portman's Soundtrack.

Hart's War Soundtrack.......2002-03-18

If you like instrumental music, this is a great CD. The music went along with movie wonderfully, it was very moving. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a CD that is semi-classical with a lot of emotion to it.

Hart's War Soundtrack is Special.......2002-03-13

While I awaited the release of Hart's War, I went to the movie website, to see what the movie was about. The site had a wealth of background info on the movie, but more interesting was the movie score playing in the background. Interesting....maybe addicting is the word... we all know good music when we hear it, but rarely does the first hearing hook us. Rachel Portman's haunting instrumental theme does that. While some may say the variations in the music are limited, I feel the score does what it should, complement the action on screen. Portman's music does that in mirroring the emotions, albeit somber, of most of the movie. Give the clips a listen if you haven't seen the movie (most people haven't), they will hook you too!

Permit Me Voyage: Songs by American Composers

Average customer rating:

A real find

Permit Me Voyage: Songs by American Composers

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000049NO
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Customer Reviews:

A real find.......2001-04-26

This is a terrific recording of some familar and some little-known American composers. The most substantial work in this varied collection is certainly the Argento setting of selections from the diary of Virginia Woolf. Mary Ann Hart must be just about the ideal interpretter of these powerful songs. Great vocalism, great musicianship, and a special ability to do what the music demands without short-changing the words - which is essential to the success of this cycle. The entire CD - while varied both stylistically an in terms of the quality of compositions - is consistent in the brilliance of the performances and in the appeal of these songs. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in contemporary American art songs, or who just loves great singing.

Bach: Book of Chorale-Settings for Passion

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Bach: Book of Chorale-Settings for Passion

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

O Mensch, Bewein Dein Sunde Gross
O Du Liebe Meiner Liebe
O Welt, Sieh Hier Dein Leben
O Jesu, Wie Ist Dein Gestalt
O Mensch Schau Jesum Christum An
O Herzensangst
O Wir Armen Sunder
O Lamm Gottes, Unschuldig
Die Bittre Leidenszeit Beginnt
Herr Jesu Christ, Wahr' Mensch Und Gott
Herzliebster Jesu
So Gehst Du Nun, Mein Jesu, Hin
Du Grosser Schmerzensmann
Als Jesus Christus In Der Nacht
Da Der Herr Christ Zu Tische Sass
Jesu, Deine Liebeswunden
Herr Jesu Christ, Du Hast Bereit'
Christus Der Uns Selig Macht
Mein Jesu! Was Vor Seelenweh
Heut Ist, O Mensch, Ein Grosser Trauertag
Schaut, Ihr Sunder
Es Ist Vollbracht! Vergiss Ja Nicht Dies Wort
Brich Etzwei, Mein Armes Herze
So Gibst Du Nun, Mein Jesu, Gute Nacht
Sei Gegrusset, Jesu Gutig
Selig! Wer An Jesum Denkt
O Hilf Christe, Gottes Sohn
Lasset Uns Mit Jesu Ziehen
Ehre Sei Dir Christe, Der Du Leidest Not
Ach Lieben Christen Seid Getrost
Da Jesus An Dem Kreuze Stund (In Dich Hab Ich Gehoffet, Herr)
O Welt, Sieh Hier Dein Leben
O Ewigkeit, Du Donnerwort
Wenn Mein Stundlein Vorhanden Ist
Machs Mit Mir, Gott, Nach Deiner Gut
Befiehl Du Deine Wege (O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wunden)
War Gott Nicht Mit Uns Diese Zeit
Befiehl Du Deine Wege (O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wunden)
Befiehl Du Deine Wege
Herr, Ich Habe Missgehandelt
Jesu, Meines Lebens Leben
Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott
Keinen Hat Gott Verlassen
O Traurigkeit, O Herzeleid

Julia Culp: The Complete Victor and Electrola Recordings, 1914-26

Average customer rating:

A lovely introduction to a lovely lady
A lovely introduction to a lovely lady

Julia Culp: The Complete Victor and Electrola Recordings, 1914-26

Manufacturer: Romophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Nonets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004SDCS
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Customer Reviews:

A lovely introduction to a lovely lady.......2000-04-13

Dutch born, Julia Culp was a noted Lieder singer who died in 1970 at age 90. Like so many of her time, she left a good deal of her legacy on the acoustic and the later electric 78s that were state of the art then. Romophone has gathered 41 of her Victor recordings made between 1914 and 1924 and 6 of her Berlin Electrola offerings into a 2-CD set titled simply (81035-2) and added it to their fine collection of similar sets such as the ones by Nellie Melba, Lotte Lehmann, and Leonard Warren which I have reviewed in my columns.

Here we have 20 selections in German, 2 in Dutch, 4 in French and the rest in English--ranging from Brahms Lieder to a Romberg show song and some French opera. Seldom have I heard a more relaxing program; but alas I do not use that adjective in an altogether complimentary sense. Her contralto (some claim it to be mezzo) is lovely but seldom exciting. (The press release calls her style "intimate.") For example, her seduction song "Mon coeur" from the Saint-Saens opera is so lovingly and seamlessly sung that it is devoid of all drama. Now I know that many singers treat concert numbers in that way, but their doing so does not make it an acceptable practice.

It is good to hear such old time favorites as "Silver threads among the gold" and even "All through the night," but one could wish for a little more emotional involvement. All right, so Culp is not Callas or Bartoli! And others may very well not find her as dramatically wanting as I do. On the whole, I will indeed play selections from this set many times in the future; but I will go to other singers for more excitement.

A lovely introduction to a lovely lady.......2000-04-13

Music:

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