Monsignor - John Williams

Advantages: It's the best Harry Potter score yet - deeper, darker and inspired!
Disadvantages: Where have the old themes gone??

...When Warner Bros announced that John Williams was to take on the composition of the score for “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (“Sorcerer’s Stone” for any Americans reading) I knew they had made the right decision. I was studying Music at the time and, I will admit without shame, had discussed this at great length with a few other students beforehand. We agreed that it would ‘have’ to be John Williams – the King of Memorable/Cheesy/Inspirational film scores that most have ingrained in the back of their minds. Who could forget the menacing Imperial March as Darth Vader marched into the corridor in “A New Hope”? I think I spent half my childhood running around pretending to be Indiana Jones (accompanied by the famous theme, of course). I heard the score to the Philosopher’s Stone in fragments on the radio and in... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Modern folk with profound lyrics and beautiful melodies.
Disadvantages: Not widely available

...I first became aware of Dar Williams when I bought the Joan Baez CD, Gone from Danger. Dar Williams had written a number of tracks on the CD and also provided backing vocals on some. I was very impressed by this singer / songwriter and promised myself I would seek out more of her work. It took me some time but I finally came across this CD, "The Green World". The CD is the fourth of Dar Williams solo albums released in 2002 by Razor & Tie and I was not disappointed. The CD is enjoyable for many reasons. Each of the songs is a delight to listen to instilled with the folk-song storytelling quality. Dar's voice is pleasing and clear; at times wistful, at others mournful, sometimes childlike and sometimes whimsical. The lyrics are amazing and original; they are catchy yet the underlying sentiment is often profound; somewhat ambiguous... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: 4 CDs of potter Pleasure
Disadvantages: Maybe difficult to listen if you dont like this type of music

...When someone says to you 'harry Potter' What do you think of? after Daniel Radcliffe, emma watson and Rupert Grint, Chances are that you think of the signature soundtrack that this movie holds. 'Hedwigs tune' has become the very foundation of the soundtrack, the memorable melody on the glockenspeil really does strike memories of wizardry, friendship and honour. john williams, the composer of the soundtrack, is known for many things other than harry potter. His remarkable ability and talent to compose memorable melodies and powerful harmonies has catapulted him into the realms of Hollywood and blockbuster films. Jurassic park, Schindler's List, Star wars and, of course Harry Potter, are just a few of his compositions. His uncanny ability to create feelings of hope, despair, triumph and evil are not to be matched and his works will be... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful