Back catalogue: Soundtracks

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Venice: Infinitely Avant-Garde is a documentary which celebrates the unique history, culture and qualities of one of the most iconic cities in the world. To match the high art which spills out of the subject matter, the film's producers turned to Polish pianist, composer and singer Hania Rani. Her playing style is minimal and delicate, and she drew upon extended visits and explorations of Venice and its museums to create a fitting accompaniment to the film. Whether you have seen the film or not, this is a compelling collection of piano pieces with subtle modern touches which speak to Rani's accomplished career to date.

Review: Within a few moments of a famous film score - or at least one that made an impact on you - scenes and even lines not heard in years come flooding back. And the recollections of the atmosphere in the cinema as the opening credits began. When James Cameron's blockbuster Titanic first hit big screens it was a very different time for movies, and theatres, one that seems remarkably simple compared with today's multi-platform, pre-release buy-in chaos. Simply put, the flick was seen by pretty much everyone, which is rarely the case now, and as such the typically emotive soundtrack, particularly the orchestral sections, will have made an impact on everyone of and over a certain age. First returning us to the glamour and wonder of that ill-fated ship, then the drama and desperation that defined its demise, and the death of an all-too-short love, listening now makes it clear how crucial the tunes and songs were. From the unbridled joy of 'An Irish Party in Third Class', to the somber reflection of 'Nearer My God To Thee', it's the stuff of epics.

Review: Several of Whitney Houston's albums are being reissued right now including this soundtrack to The Preacher's Wife, which is now making its first ever appearance on vinyl. The album is the best-selling gospel record of all time and was released in November 1996. It features songs both performed and produced by Houston herself and she also, of course starred in the film. Her heart-swelling vocals make this an emotional record with the hauntingly beautiful likes of 'I Believe In You and Me,' spiritual sounds of 'Joy To The World,' and fine guest artists including Shirley Caesar, the Georgia Mass Choir, and Houston's mother and singing legend in her own right, Cissy Houston.

Review: Several of Whitney Houston's albums are being reissued right now including this soundtrack to The Preacher's Wife, making its first ever appearance on vinyl. The album is the best-selling gospel record of all time and was released in November 1996, featuring songs both performed and produced by Houston herself and she also, of course starred in the film. Her heart-swelling vocals make this an emotional record with the hauntingly beautiful likes of 'I Believe In You and Me,' spiritual sounds of 'Joy To The World,' and fine guest artists including Shirley Caesar, the Georgia Mass Choir and Houston's mother and singing legend in her own right, Cissy Houston.

Review: .Hollywood heavyweight James Newton Howard has turned his hand to a wide variety of movie soundtrack styles in his tenure as one of the go-to names for Hollywood scores. Allow us a moment to reel off the names, or a few of them at least: Pretty Woman, The Fugitive, Space Jam, The Sixth Sense - a list that could go on, and on, but you get the point. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sits at the more pomp and ceremony-filled end of things, epic classical overtures that invoke a sense of adventure, overcoming adversity, mild peril and inner strength. Even when heard without the visual accompaniment of the film itself you can't get away from those feelings, making for a rousing and compelling listening experience.

Review: In the John Williams & Hans Zimmer Odyssey, the Orchestre Curieux embarks on a sonic journey through the iconic film scores of two legendary composers. John Williams, known for his sweeping orchestral arrangements in classics like Star Wars and Jurassic Park, contrasts with Hans Zimmer's modern, dynamic and more minimal soundscapes from films like Inception and Gladiator. This orchestral fusion bridges generations of cinema lovers and seamlessly blends Williams' timeless melodies with Zimmer's contemporary flair. The performance promises a cinematic experience, transporting audiences through the rich tapestry of emotions evoked by these masterpieces, all interpreted through the Orchestre Curieux's unique artistic lens.