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Typically, John Debney is not a composer who writes music that I feel an emotional connection with. To me, he is one of many stalwarts in the industry that develop very professional, suitable scores for the films they are asked to write music for, but rarely hits home with thematic material that sparks any emotion from me. He comes close with this one, at least in spurts.
Taking on the challenge of adding a musical accompaniment to the final hours of the life of Jesus Christ, Debney, admittedly, draws on his own faith in composing the music for 'Passion', and for the most part, does a very good job.
The score is ethnic, dramatic, and spiritual. Debney draws on the use of massive drum beats to propel the score throughout, and couples that with a very serious underscore. There are no moments of levity as captured in the music, and one would not be surprised. This is a movie that focuses on pure torture, and even when there are flashbacks to a lighter time, they are brief and do not permit a chance at themes that are memorable. The one theme that does stick out is very reminiscent of Zimmer's "Gladiator", but not developed fully.
The highlight cues are from both Track 2 (Bearing the Cross) and Track 15 (Resurrection) in this score. In it, Debney is able to engage in orchestral bombast and might, and the apexes reach an epic tone. With "Bearing the Cross", the track was shuffled in the score, apart from the movie's timeline, and that was a good move. It added energy at the top side of the album, and along with "Resurrection", make for a couple of nice bookends. The rest of the score, however, is not as engaging.
There is a significant amount of underscore, and while not necessarily bland, it just doesn't translate as a stand alone listening experience too well. In these idle moments, the tone is impressive, which explains why it works so well in the movie, but there is not a lot to draw on for repeat listening experiences.
I think Debney stepped up to the challenge and wrote one of his best scores. I am just not one of his biggest followers, but that doesn't take away from the skill level he brings to a movie. I respect his work, I just don't love the music.
Back to Soundtracks
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1.The Olive Garden (1:56)
2. Bearing the Cross (3:42)
3. Jesus Arrested (4:37)
4. Peter Denies Jesus (1:58)
5. The Stoning**** (2:25)
6. Song of Complaint** (1:33)
7. Simon is Dismissed (2:25)
8. Flagellation/Dark Choir/Disciples (5:54)
9. Mary Goes to Jesus (2:47)
10. Peaceful But Primitive/Procession (3:36)
11. Crucifixion (7:38)
12. Raising the Cross (2:13)
13. It is Done*(3:37)
14. Jesus is Carried Down (4:39)
15. Resurrection (5:04)
Audio Clips:
Bearing the Cross
Resurrection
Integrity Music
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