Nigel Hess, Joshua Bell - Ladies in Lavender

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice." --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

VERY SATISFACTORY

Item (a cd of a music sound track) came as promised, brand new, in original wrapping. August 27, 2008

To Die For!!

This music comes from heaven-"Fantasy for Violin" 4th cut must be one of he most heart-rendering pieces I have ever hard.
You are a genius Mr.Hesse! April 25, 2008

review

the cd was what i expected. no problems. very pleased with the service.
no complaints. April 21, 2008

Mesmerizing Music

This music enhances a delightful story, but also stands alone as a wonderful, entrancing CD. The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it - Joshua Bell brings out the best in Nigel Hess' compositions along with the classic pieces woven throughout the movie. It was wonderful to hear the complete arrangements. March 28, 2008

Soundtrack of exceptional beauty and sensitivity: "Lavender", Hess and Bell

Soundtracks that are exceptional are ones that set the mood of the film and stay as a supporting player to undergird the acting and cinematography.The truly exceptional soundtrack is one that when the film is stripped away, the music survives on its own AS pure music.Such is the case of Nigel Hess' romantic and endearing "Ladies in Lavender".The compositions are so intensely emotional and so beautifully interpreted by violinist Joshua Bell that when listening to it one can easily remember the film and the sisters played by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.The opening track entitled 'Ladies in Lavender' starts you right off into a musical language reminiscent of the great romantic composers.The fact that Jules Massenet's "Thais Meditation" is included on this cd along with Claude Debussy's "Afternoon of a Fawn" shows the influence these composers likely had on Nigel Hess.This is a CD of rare beauty that continually flows in lyrical magnificence.This is a highly recommended purchase.
RATING A+++
Price rating (just pay the money) October 17, 2007

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