Blue Planet

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0684911604320 Format: Soundtrack Label: BBC Manufacturer: BBC Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: BBC Release Date: 2001-09-24 Studio: BBC
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Editorial Reviews: The Blue Planet, a BBC natural history series presented by David Attenborough, is accompanied by an appropriately sweeping score by George Fenton. After a bombastic main theme that fuses orchestra, electronics and synthesised choir into a 21st-century anthem, the remaining 15 tracks present an orchestral portrait of the world's oceans. Though folk-ethnic elements are incorporated into cues such as "Spinning Dolphins", Fenton has essentially created a sequence of modern seascapes ranging from the domain of "Surfing Snails" to the "Frozen Oceans". The composer has a long association with not only David but also Richard Attenborough, receiving Oscar and BAFTA nominations for Richard's Gandhi and Cry Freedom, as well as BAFTA nominations for David's The Trials of Life and Life in the Freezer. His work on The Blue Planet has the rich melody and dramatic intensity of his Anna and the King, coupled with a greater diversity than the scope of the average film allows. Thus, title aside, "Sardine Run" surges with sea spray and the thrill of the chase and "Blue Whale" resounds with lyrical, implacable majesty. Television music on an epic scale which will reward fans of the composer and the series alike. --Gary S Dalkin
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: George Fenton more than meets the high standards of the BBC. Comment: The BBC's natural history unit always produces first class programmes with stunning pictures and music. The Blue Planet is no exception and George Fenton's music for this series is absolutely stunning. Fenton's music is full of energy, emotions, spine chilling harmonies and individual character - qualities that have been missing from the film scoring stage in 2001. Most of the tracks are different in character, owing to the footage that George Fenton music was designed to fit, but stand up as pieces in their own right without having to watch the TV series. My favorite tracks in particular are tracks 1, 2 and 4. Track 1 - The Blue Planet - is the opening sequence to the series and employs a full orchestra complemented by a small choir from Oxford University. The harmony and orchetrations are awesome and quite original. Track 2 - Sardine Run - has lots of energy. Track 4 - Blue Whale - is in my opinion, worth the cost of the CD only. Very music in the style of the first track, this piece starts slowly and takes on an energetic pace in the middle of the piece. George Fenton has created a fantastic ocean of sound and his music is played brilliantly by the BBC concert orchestra which is complemented with the choir from Oxford University in the track 1. If you are wanting a CD that contains variety, lush orchestral writing then this is a CD to buy. More Reviews