SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 48 Min.
Released by Decca Record Company in 1998, this instrumental album by Kamen and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra offers a playlist collecting some of Kamen’s best-known hits with some of his more obscure works. Partial proceeds of this project is distributed to ‘The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.’
Michael Kamen’s Opus consists of these twelve tracks:
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): Overture 2:45
Horn: John Cerminaro.
2. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991):
Maid Marian at the Waterfall (Everything I Do, I Do It for You) 4:30
Flute: Scott Goff
3. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995): Rowena 4:58
Harp: Gillian Tingay & John Marson; Harpsichord: Maggie Cole; and English horn solo: Michael Kamen.
4. Don Juan DeMarco (1995):
Dona Ana (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?) 6:01
Cello solo: Caroline Dale & Violin solos: Ilka Tavi and Christopher Warren.
5. Circle of Friends (1995): You’re the One 3:50
Piano: Michael Kamen
6. Crusoe (1988): Marooned 6:04
Cello solo: Caroline Dale.
7. Highlander (1986): There Can Be Only One 3:31
Trumpet: Charles Butler.
8. The Next Man (1976): Magic City 2:58
Harp: Gillian Tingay.
9. The Winter Guest (1997): Stromness 4:07
Horn solo: Hugh Seenan.
10. Die Hard (1988): Tagaki Dies 1:57
11. Edge of Darkness (BBC – 1985): Nuclear Train 6:02
Co-Composer: Eric Clapton; Unspecified Performance Contribution from: Tomoyasu Hotei; and Guitar Solos: Scott Rockenfeld, Eddie Jackson, & Chris DeGarmo of Queensryche.
12. Brazil (1985): Brazil 2:02
Co-Composer: Ary Baroso; and Vocals: Kate Bush.
REVIEW:
Its intelligent sound so elegantly blends together that one might construe Opus as a single film soundtrack vs. a sampler. Courtesy of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the underrated Kamen (who passed away in 2003) hits upon many essential moods of classical-style movie magic.
The epic Tracks 1 and 7 confirm how he made vital contributions to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the original Highlander. Track 8 is far more obscure, but it, too, is intriguing in its own subdued way. The track becomes much easier to visualize once Kamen notes that the music echoes Sean Connery’s character on a nighttime New York City helicopter ride. Then again, it could just as easily apply to some medieval adventure.
If one wants romantic charm, the low-key Tracks 2-5 will most definitely fit the bill. Far more unique is the eerie Track 12 from Brazil, which offers the album’s sole vocals. British songstress Kate Bush imbues this brief title tune with a haunting aura that will likely arouse curiosity re: this particular film. Kamen also handles ominously suspenseful works (Tracks 10-11) with aplomb. The subdued nature of Tracks 6 and 9 helps anchors this album’s effort to satisfy listeners through sheer eloquence. Clearly, Kamen’s Opus combines his originality with a classical sound, making it a tough combination to beat.
Considering his lengthy resume, it would have been a blast, had this album been a double-disc compilation instead of one. This first-rate highlight album makes a tantalizing case to seek out more of Kamen’s work, including his acclaimed effort for Mr. Holland’s Opus.
PACKAGING:
The tracks are listed on the case’s back cover. The classy fold-out booklet includes a track listing; running times; musician credits; technical credits; film stills, and Kamen’s brief commentary re: each track.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
