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Kingdom of Heaven.jpg (14931 bytes)

Kingdom of Heaven – Music by Harry Gregson-Williams

Sony Classical / Sony Music Soundtrax - 2005

From the onset of "Burning The Past," Harry Gregson-Williams establishes a biblical feel for KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Voices sing out "Crusaders" like they are coming down from heaven. The instrumentation of "Swordplay" made me think of the geographic climate of the Middle East. The music of "To Jerusalem" literally takes you there without needing to see an image.

"Ibelin" is a celebration of life with ethnic instruments and voices dancing with warmth and happiness. I really like the volley & serve like play of choir and orchestra during "The Battle of Kerak." The voices, drums and orchestra play off each other building the track up to its final moments.

Gregson-Williams turns up the heat and action with "Better Man." But the cue isn’t all straight standard action scoring. The exotic female voice and ethnic instrumentation gives it real identity.

The gentleness of orchestra gave me "An Understanding" of this Ridley Scott directed film. There is a real sense of loss within this militaristic cue. The sound of the drums starting "Wall Breached" is startling. Gregson-Williams has the choir and orchestra create tension and excitement.

I enjoyed riding down "The Pilgrim Road" with the cascading voices and tribal drums. The last half of this track is melodic and action driven. "Saladin" is a whispery sort of cue that eventually swells to a huge emotional crest.

"Path To Heaven" is made up with heavenly voices. Natacha Atlas sings the lead vocals of "Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise)" bringing a true ethnicity voice to Harry Gregson-Williams score.

Running just over 1 hour, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is a substantial soundtrack worth hearing.

www.sonyclassical.com

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