David Hirschfelder, Philip Pickett - Elizabeth: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Australian pop musician and producer turned film composer David Hirschfelder garnered an Academy Award nomination for the impressive pop and classical musical alchemy he conjured up for Shine. For Elizabeth (director Shekhar Kapur's nouveau-feminist take on the political and religious barrier-breaking rise of Queen Elizabeth I), Hirschfelder has again imbued familiar period-music clichés with just enough pop rhythmic and melodic flourishes to create a score that's fresh yet deceptively familiar. To his credit, Hirschfelder wears his influences proudly, interpolating Mozart, Elgar, Byrd, and Susato into his own, modern, sensibilities with seamless aplomb (only Holst's "Mars, the Bringer of War" seems trotted out just once too often). The composer (who also orchestrated) walks a fine musical line on Elizabeth, ultimately creating a musical fusion of the best kind. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Elgar's. Nimrod~~~cut off abruptly!

I can't believe the producers of this CD saw fit to lop off the ends of some of the most beautiful music ever, esp. Elgar's "Nimrod" with the soprano background. I have looked it seems forever to find a copy with the soprano singer(s). Does anyone know where I can find one??? I have several CDs with "Nimrod", all orchestral. I want the singer!! I'm SO disappointed. June 7, 2007

Musical score falls short

I enjoyed the film "Elizabeth" very much. I thought the music in the film was excellent; particularly at the conclusion of the movie and credits. I found the DVD musical scores were cut short. I think they should have compiled the musical score that was on the conclusion of the film, to the DVD. All the musical numbers were compiled into one piece. This, at least, should have been added to the DVD. Play the movie and listen to the conclusion and credits, and you'll know what I mean. March 14, 2006

Nimrod-Elgar where to find the exact music?

I just bought the Elgar CD in the hopes of finding the music from the movie. I was disappointed, however, because this CD only contains an instrumental version, and I am fairly sure that in the movie there was a beautiful opera voice intermixed with this piece. Is this available on the soundtrack or was I hearing things? October 24, 2004

An admirable work of art

This soundtrack includes two works by famous composers(Mozart and Byrd) but the score is a seamless blend. Listening to the wonder that is the very first track, I could hardly believe it was the product of a movie composer. It seemed too good to be true. It had a classical era feel to it, but was full of engaging elements of dissonance that reflected an intriguing influence of modern sensibilities.
All the music sounded as though it could have been composed in the 17th century and it was so excellently moody. How well it emphasized those dark, draughty hallways with only sputtering, smoky torches to light them! How dark and sinister was the royal court as everyone conspired against each other in the shadows. And then for occasions of levity were excellent dances. I couldn't help but think it appropriate as a sad voice spirals up and up as Lord Robert Dudley sits with tears running down his face. This is easily one of the best soundtracks I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. Not only is it perfect for the movie, but it is by itself an admirable work of art. May 30, 2004

Long may "Elizabeth" reign (in my CD player)!

One of the most stunning historical dramas ever filmed is "Elizabeth," directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Cate Blanchett as England's Queen Elizabeth I. A crucial element of the film's overall effect is David Hirschfelder's superb musical score. The CD of "Elizabeth" is one of those great scores which succeeds as compelling music on its own, apart from the film.

"Elizabeth" starts off strong with the amazing "Elizabeth: Overture." This composition features an eery blend of male and female choirs. The ominous overture builds to a strikingly frenzied crescendo.

The rest of the music is equally masterful, and features a good blend of choir and orchestra on certain tracks. The music captures the many moods and flavors of Elizabeth's world: martial, majestic, frightening, elegant, haunting, joyful. I especially liked the tender love theme.

The music of "Elizabeth" successfully evokes both the violence and beauty of this memorable film. I highly recommend this CD, especially to fans of outstanding film scores. October 17, 2001

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