Windtalkers (Score) [Soundtrack]

windtalkers (score) [soundtrack]

On this CD:

Windtalkers, film score
Composed by James Horner
with Tommy Morgan
Conducted by James Horner

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
During World War II, American forces needed a foolproof way to keep their radio communications secure from enemy code breakers. The elegantly simple solution is the subject of this unusual John Woo film: Navajo Americans were recruited and utilized their native language as a code that was never broken. Veteran James Horner turns in a score that interweaves the Navajo's ancient mysticism amid more somber and brooding orchestral writing that occasionally evokes Copland during his introspective, American pastoral prime. Horner has oft been knocked for repeating himself, and the occasional nod to Enemy at the Gates is both obvious and dramatically pragmatic. The brass, strings, and driving percussion that power much of "Marine Assault" and the final, musically jagged third of the score draw on some welcome postmodernism, helping to reinvent and bolster what could have been standard action cues. Though the score lacks the strong central melodic themes to make it a war-film classic, the power of Horner's moody music to evoke the sheer physical terror and mental anguish of battle is undeniable. --Jerry McCulley

Windtalkers (Score),James Horner,James Horner,Tommy Morgan,Various Artists,RCA,Film,Film Music,Original Score,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Windtalkers (Score) [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

Not one of Horner's best and of course not ORIGINAL
A good American Indian based score
Music better than movie
A Good Soundtrack
An Unsung Important Score

Windtalkers (Score)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005Q4JE

Tracks:

Navajo Dawn
A New Assignment
An Act of Heroism
Taking the Beachhead
''First Blood'' Ceremony
The Night Before
Marine Assault
Losses Mounting
Friends In War
A Sacrifice Never Forgotten
Calling to the Wind

Amazon.com

During World War II, American forces needed a foolproof way to keep their radio communications secure from enemy code breakers. The elegantly simple solution is the subject of this unusual John Woo film: Navajo Americans were recruited and utilized their native language as a code that was never broken. Veteran James Horner turns in a score that interweaves the Navajo's ancient mysticism amid more somber and brooding orchestral writing that occasionally evokes Copland during his introspective, American pastoral prime. Horner has oft been knocked for repeating himself, and the occasional nod to Enemy at the Gates is both obvious and dramatically pragmatic. The brass, strings, and driving percussion that power much of "Marine Assault" and the final, musically jagged third of the score draw on some welcome postmodernism, helping to reinvent and bolster what could have been standard action cues. Though the score lacks the strong central melodic themes to make it a war-film classic, the power of Horner's moody music to evoke the sheer physical terror and mental anguish of battle is undeniable. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Not one of Horner's best and of course not ORIGINAL.......2005-03-05

Windtalkers had a chance to be such a good score. But thanks to James Horner's penchant for repeating himself, it's not. His Marine theme is enjoyable and the use of Native American chants is ok, but overall he simply redoes previous music. There's a bit of Enemy at the Gates and Mask of Zorro in this score. And he's not done reusing it, in Troy he uses some od the same music. If you are a hardcore Horner fan, buy this cd. If you don't mind the fact that it is repetative music, buy this score. Otherwise, stay away.

A good American Indian based score.......2003-01-11

This is another good James Horner score. Yes, it does use some of his self-quotations from his other scores, but the overall result is a good one. The music mainly contains string passages, horns, and percussion. There is an American Indian like feel to this score that makes it sound great within the context of the film. The main theme is a 9 note string and sometimes indian flute motif that is found somewhere in almost every track, especially in "Taking the Beachhead" and "Calling to the Wind". When it is heard, the result is always a good one. Instead of utilizing all of the action, Horner instead focuses on the tension and drama of the film and this is shown much more in the music. This is not to say that there is no action music. Action music can be found in "Taking the Beachhead", "Marine Assault", "Friends in War", and "A Sacrifice Never Forgotten". These tracks consist of Horner's trademark action music with driving string and brass rhythms along with snare drum licks. The Navajo inspired music can be found in "Navajo Dawn", "First Blood Ceremony", "Losses Mounting", and "Calling to the Wind". If you are familiar with James Horner's style of music, then this will come as no surprise to you. Still, it is good and worthy of a 4 star rating.

Music better than movie.......2002-11-19

The music is very soothing. I really like the Indian flute playing on many of the songs. The movie was a real disappointment. Nicholas Cage taking on the enire Japanes Imperial Army with a little help from a Navajo! Bad script. Good music.

A Good Soundtrack.......2002-10-26

I think it really captures the men in their life on and off the field of battle. I really enjoy this CD. One of Horner's best!

An Unsung Important Score.......2002-10-22

If you were expecting a melodic or rousing score akin to James Horner's LEGENDS OF THE FALL, GLORY or TITANIC look elsewhere. This is an impressive almost ethereal score. It actually impressed me more on this CD than it did in the actual film. It has elements of cultural American Indian idioms, a sense of Americana depicting the land and the people and typical military cues appealing to the intellect of the listener. However, the greatest strength of this score is the feeling of camaraderie that comes out of the chaos and carnage of war. Horner depicts the intimacy of being part of that ode to death and demonstrates that there really is no glory in it. How you react during that experience and what you take away with you is really what is important. I bought this CD and took a long ride along a highway during a bright sunny day and just listened to it. I was moved by it and equally surprised at the depth of emotion that Horner had put into it. This is one of his great scores but will probably go unsung for some time. I am sure this score will be discovered in time for what it has accomplished.

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