As did the Lewis Carroll/Alice in Wonderland-rooted Dreamchild before it, Finding Neverlandexplores the all-too-human roots of an English children' s literature classic, in this case author James Mathew Barrie's (Johnny De... more »pp) enduring fable, Peter Pan. Polish stage composer cum film scorer Jan A. P. Kaczmarek takes the film's fantasy-leavened, yet ultimately bittersweet tale of Barrie, his losing battle with adulthood and the magic world of prose it inspired and invests it with an exuberant score that positively pulses with youthful abandon. Dominated by joyous writing for strings, winds and children's chorus and punctuated by the effervescent solo piano flourishes of Leszek Mozdzer (and a few other inviting ethnic conceits), the composer's music not only playfully vamps the tale's Edwardian era, but does it with an ear towards optimistic, youthful energy that's irresistible. Mozdzer also contributes several masterful solo piano interpretations of Kaczmarek's themes that, while not strictly a part of the film's score, contribute greatly to making this album a compelling whole unto itself. --Jerry McCulley« less
All Artists:Jan A.P. Kaczmarek Title:Finding Neverland Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label:Decca Original Release Date: 11/24/2004 Re-Release Date: 11/2/2004 Album Type: Soundtrack Genres:Pop, Soundtracks Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:602498637579
Synopsis
Amazon.com
As did the Lewis Carroll/Alice in Wonderland-rooted Dreamchild before it, Finding Neverlandexplores the all-too-human roots of an English children' s literature classic, in this case author James Mathew Barrie's (Johnny Depp) enduring fable, Peter Pan. Polish stage composer cum film scorer Jan A. P. Kaczmarek takes the film's fantasy-leavened, yet ultimately bittersweet tale of Barrie, his losing battle with adulthood and the magic world of prose it inspired and invests it with an exuberant score that positively pulses with youthful abandon. Dominated by joyous writing for strings, winds and children's chorus and punctuated by the effervescent solo piano flourishes of Leszek Mozdzer (and a few other inviting ethnic conceits), the composer's music not only playfully vamps the tale's Edwardian era, but does it with an ear towards optimistic, youthful energy that's irresistible. Mozdzer also contributes several masterful solo piano interpretations of Kaczmarek's themes that, while not strictly a part of the film's score, contribute greatly to making this album a compelling whole unto itself. --Jerry McCulley
"When I saw "Finding Neverland" in the theater, I didn't notice too much of the music, but very much liked what I did hear. A short while later, I was lucky enough to receive the soundtrack as a gift, and on the first listening I was simply blown away. Actually "blown away" is the wrong phrase - that sounds too violent. I was carried away, back to the movie and beyond. This has quickly become not only one of my favorite soundtracks, but one of my favorite CDs of any type.
All originally composed for the film by Jan Kaczmarek, the music is beautiful beyond description. And each time I listen to it, which I can't seem to stop doing, I fall even more in love with it. The music is powerful, emotional, and at the same time magical and relaxing. Some pieces are calm, some are merry, and some are a little wistful, but the overall effect of the CD is soothing and uplifting. Subtle vocals on a few tracks add a nice touch, though most of the pieces are purely instrumental. I really couldn't pick any one favorite track. I am somewhat partial to the piano variations of "Neverland" (tracks 6 and 18) and "The Pirates" (track 8 - my god, it's just so joyous I want to dance!), but really, they're all equally good and the CD feels balanced and complete. I recommend this most highly to anyone who enjoyed the movie, whether you took note of the music while watching it or not. You won't be disappointed."
Neverland FOUND
Liam F. | Melbourne, VIC Australia | 01/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"UPDATE: 77th Academy Award Best Original Score WINNER
*Pops in Finding Neverland CD into player, blasts volume, sits back, closes eyes and travels to Neverland*
The plucking of strings greets you on "Where is Mr Barrie", then the triangle, followed by louder string sections, the volume builds up, it gets more dramatic, a choir lend their angelic voices, cadences rush forward one after another - all these on the very first track. The music here is happy and uplifting. Even on more melancholy songs, there is always a tinge of optimism. Overall, the theme to Finding Neverland is uplifting, catchy and extremely pleasing to the ears.
If I may say so, this score is symphony magic. The orchestra is so well conducted; and most of all, the composition by Kaczmarek is flawless. The music is mystical, it gives you the feeling fairy tales do - and captures the spirit of the movie. Finding Neverland the score stands perfectly on its own when taken away from the movie.
My personal favourites are "The Kite" and "The Play and the Flight". These convey emotions that completely overwhelm you. [I have felt this twice with music and movie: 1) At the end of Return of the King when Aragorn bows to Frodo and the hobbits and everyone else follows; and 2) At the end of A Beautiful Mind when John Nash makes his speech, and the audience give a standing ovation and Jennifer Connely gets all teary eyed]. If you want that feeling, Finding Neverland gives you it. It's hard to describe; but try it for yourself.
The Neverland Piano Variations are good, giving a different twist to the score. Anyway, the score itself is great from start to finish. The competition for the 77th Academy Awards Best Original Score is stiff, but Finding Neverland, in my opinion, should be the front runner. Buy the CD - you won't regret it. And when you do listen to it, you might want to try putting on headphones and turning the volume way up. YOU WILL FIND NEVERLAND."
Delightfully Childlike, and Enchantingly Emotional...
Christie | Omaha, NE USA | 11/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This soundtrack is simply brilliant! I'm a big fan of soundtracks in general, but this is one that I can just pop into the CD player and listen to the whole thing all the way through. The themes are just wrought with emotion-every single one of them. I can't pick a favorite... too many of them are astounding, but I am very fond of "Peter," "The Kite," "This is Neverland," as well as all of the piano variations included. I must confess that while listening to it in the car right after purchasing it on my drive home, not really knowing anything about what the music would sound like, I began tearing up, the music touched me so deeply. It's just a wonder... and now forever one of my favorites."
Straight from the Realm of Enchantment
boldsworthington | Washington, DC, United States | 07/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It has been a very long time since any soundtrack album has so stubbornly refused to come out of my CD player. I can't bear to leave the magical world this music conjures up, so the disc plays on for hours on end. This music possesses healing, lyrical depth and breadth that one rarely finds in this medium.
Kaczmarek skillfully uses several basic themes in many guises to give the score wonderful cohesion (a favorite motif is the dazzling, quicksilver string figuration that seems to capture the very soul of a butterfly darting through the brilliant summer sunlight; it surprises and delights time and time again). Indeed, the booklet indicates that rather than literally transferring the film score to CD, Kaczmarek believes in trying to create a freestanding work that uses the soundtrack elements in a new creative synthesis. He has succeeded here magnificently, producing an organically flowing composition that belies its inevitably fragmented origins and results in an aural journey both irresistible and deeply satisfying.
No small part of the power and poignancy of this album comes from the superb pianism of Leszek Mozdzer, whose exquisite improvisations are matched by the perfectly gauged acoustic in which the engineers have preserved them. Prepare to be spirited away to the realm of your innermost dreams!
If you have *not* seen the movie that inspired the score, you will still love this album -- and want to see the film. If you *have* seen the film, you will only love it and the music all the more. In short, don't pass up this surpassingly lovely magic-carpet ride!"
A taste of Neverland
J. Caroline | St. Paul, MN USA | 01/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you ever wish to go to Neverland, put this cd in on repeat, put out the lights and wait for it to come to you through the fantastic music of this soundtrack. This is one I rushed to get right after I saw the film. As a piano player, I haven't heard better in years. Thanks for the trip to Neverland each time I push play."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1
