The Gospel of John [Soundtrack]

the gospel of john [soundtrack]

On this CD:

The Gospel of John, film score
Composed by Jeff Danna
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra
with Allan Wilson, Praecones Britanniae, Robin Jeffrey, Jon Banks, Esther Lamandier, Paul Clarvis, Hossam Ramzy, Jan Hendrickse

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Taking its name and inspiration from one of the New Testament's most complete and compelling accounts of the life, death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ, director Phillip Saville's film isn't so much adaptation as a literal cinematic translation that includes (via dialog and/or narration) every sword of John's gospel. The film's virtual-Bible spirit has inspired composer Jeff Danna towards a similarly ambitious fusion score, if one that's ultimately largely a shrewdly crafted illusion. While performing actual music from the period was virtually impossible (written records of the era's musical oeuvre are non-existent), utilizing period instrument recreations was not. Thus Danna's orchestral score eschews much of the romantic pomp of typical Hollywood biblical soundtracks for a more intimate, mystery-suffused approach that incorporates a variety of ancient and indigenous instruments to good effect. The result is music that seems rooted in the East, yet projected through Western traditions, an apt musical metaphor for the journey of Christianity itself. --Jerry McCulley

The Gospel of John,Jeff Danna,Varese Sarabande,Film,Film Music,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

The Gospel of John [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

So close to what it should've been and yet so far
inspired
An Orchestral Masterpiece

The Gospel of John
Jeff Danna
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Gospel of John
The Passion of the Christ (Score)
The Nativity Story: Original Motion Picture Score
Angels in America
Kingdom of Heaven

ASIN: B0000UJM3G
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

For God So Loved The World
I Am The Bread Of Life
The Road Through Samaria
Mary Washes Jesus' Feet
Here Comes Your King
Pilate's Dilemma
The Lamb Of God
Jesus And Nicodemus
You Will Not Find Me
The Prayer
Solomon's Porch
One Of You Is A Devil
The Betrayal
What Is Truth?
The Ruler Of This World
Jesus At The Temple
Cast Your Nets
Follow Me

Amazon.com

Taking its name and inspiration from one of the New Testament's most complete and compelling accounts of the life, death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ, director Phillip Saville's film isn't so much adaptation as a literal cinematic translation that includes (via dialog and/or narration) every sword of John's gospel. The film's virtual-Bible spirit has inspired composer Jeff Danna towards a similarly ambitious fusion score, if one that's ultimately largely a shrewdly crafted illusion. While performing actual music from the period was virtually impossible (written records of the era's musical oeuvre are non-existent), utilizing period instrument recreations was not. Thus Danna's orchestral score eschews much of the romantic pomp of typical Hollywood biblical soundtracks for a more intimate, mystery-suffused approach that incorporates a variety of ancient and indigenous instruments to good effect. The result is music that seems rooted in the East, yet projected through Western traditions, an apt musical metaphor for the journey of Christianity itself. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

So close to what it should've been and yet so far.......2004-10-18

Mostly because of the music featured on the Web site's original previews, I've seen THE GOSPEL OF JOHN -- both the movie (in theatres) and the DVD. Also, I'm very familiar with the recordings published by Esther Lamandier that were cited in the movie. I was pleased with the richness and diversity of Jeff Danna's film score, and so naturally I wanted to hear this soundtrack.

Regrettably, that rich diversity is largely missing on this album. Where is the marvelous, ethnic-sounding music of the wedding at Cana, for example? While the music chosen for the soundtrack is excellent, it focuses mostly on a very few orchestral themes arranged in ways that differ not all that much from track to track. But the addition of ancient and early instruments and the use of ancient modes is certainly very well done, as is the sampling and interweaving of vocal tracks performed by Mme. Lamandier.

One nit I especially want to pick is the way Mme. Lamandier's contributions are described. The liner notes (and the Web site) cite her as being "renowned for her soulful realizations of ancient Hebrew music. Integral to the score are the Aramaic chants sung by Ms. Lamandier." Well, "The Prayer" seems to be sung in Aramaic (even if the beautiful melody seems to be Mr. Danna's composition -- we aren't told), but only one other fragment in the film seems to be taken from Mme. Lamandier's recordings of Aramaic Christian chants. All her other, all-too-brief contributions are performances of biblical Hebrew texts: Psalm 93, the Song of Songs, and the Priestly Blessing. (This last text is used twice, in the tracks "Mary Washes Jesus' Feet" and "Follow Me"; the others do not appear in the soundtrack.) The Hebrew melodies themselves were restituted from the Masoretic accentuation by Suzanne Haik-Vantoura, who is nowhere mentioned in the liner notes or on the Web site, but who thankfully is mentioned properly in the film credits. Her choral arrangement of Psalm 121, likewise cited in the film, does not appear in this album either. (See the book and the recording called THE MUSIC OF THE BIBLE REVEALED, sold elsewhere on Amazon.com.)

Overall, this is a very good album, but it could've been better still. If memory serves, surely the original film score was not so surprisingly repetitive as this soundtrack!

inspired.......2004-03-22

jeff has a gift that few film score composers have these days: the ability to find the great melody. This score has one of his best, and it is breathtaking... you'll want to hear it again and again.

An Orchestral Masterpiece.......2004-02-19

This soundtrack from the movie is excellent. If you haven't seen the movie, then you should. Jeff Danna's orchestral score is powerful and moving.

In relation to the DVD:

My wife told me about the film, and then I did my research. After reading the reviews on this film I felt compelled to purchase it. Now that I viewed the film, I agree with all the reviews I had read.

I did my research on www.gospelofjohnthefilm.com and found it very helpful.

Throughout the film, there are narrative parts by Mr. Plummer that are on par with the bible. Make no mistake though; this is a real film; great acting and great story.

If people you know don't want to pick up the bible and read JOHN, then tell them to see this movie- because it is true to the gospel of John.

Oh, and don't forget to get it for yourself.

Tracks:

Meeting Tonight
Soon
Something To Live For
Bread Of Heaven
Something Inside Of Me
I'm Going Home
Won't Give Up
Surrender
Nothing Too Hard
Close To Thee

Customer Reviews:

Lovely songs.......2003-08-28

This album was my first contact with any of John P Kee's works..way back in '92. I searched for it ever since before finally finding it on Amazon.com. The songs are not your average catchy gospel vibes for today but 12 years ago they were. Songs like bread of heaven, meeting tonight, soon, surrender, close to thee etc. touched me right from the first day I heard them leading to my endless search until I recently bought the CD. Great production if you ask me, though typical of the time. For me it's a great mellow album that touches me deep down inside and the voice of Shelia Lakin was probably what did it for me and still does!! John P kee fan always!!!!!!!

Flo'

GREAT!.......1999-11-07

I LOVE THIS ALBUM! SHELIA LAKIN IS MY FAVORITE SINGER IN THE WORLD. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THERE NEXT RELEASE.

Oh No!!.......1999-03-04

I was totally disappointed by this album. It lacked quality and vocal variety. The music was predictable and there wasn't a "voice blend". I was shocked because John usually does such fine work. God Speed anyway.

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