As always, I send my thanks to both “Steves” for their annual lists.
In a year of many mediocre new soundtrack releases, there are two CDs which I give my highest rating (****):
This wonderful soundtrack by Mark McKenzie is a joy to listen to even without viewing the film, though I would also recommend seeing the film as well, especially to hear how effectively the composer enhances the action of the charming story. One of the best soundtracks from recent years. To read the review by Steve Vertlieb of this marvelous score — go here
The soundtrack for this autobiographical film about Steven Spielberg’s family when he was growing up to adulthood is not very extensive but, as usual, with such as a master composer as John Williams, it is always appropriate to the plot of the film. The subdued main theme reminds me of French classical composer, Erik Satie, especially his piano work from 1888,Trois Gymnopédies, The FABELMANS CD release also has some marvelous short classical piano pieces by Johann Sebastin Bach, Muzio Clementi, Friedrich Kuhlau, and Joseph Haydn, and also the John Williams themes are all performed beautifully by pianist, Joanne Pearce Martin. This subtle and serene music score by John Williams reminds me of one of his earlier scores, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, which I chose for the very first Sammy Film Music Award (SFMA) back in 1988. Over the years, John Williams has received more of these awards (total of 16 so far) than any other film composer over these many years. To see the list of his SFMA score recordings —go here
