Abel Korzeniowski's music from Copernicus' Star is one for the ages. The soundtrack, which was recently released by La-La Land Records, immediately vaulted to the top of my all-time favorites list after listening to it just a couple of times. Yes, it's that good, and no, I am not just saying this arbitrarily. This score is one of the reasons why film music continues to inspire and dazzle me.

The film itself, an animated feature from Poland that is based on the life of 16th century Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, wasn't a project that was exactly affixed on my radar (I hadn't heard of it until just recently). Thankfully, La-La Land came through in a big way by producing a soundtrack release of this breathtaking, colorful score, and thus, gave us all a chance to enjoy the splendor that Copernicus' Star has to offer.

At the outset, it was clear from just a few scant seconds that this album was going to take me someplace magical, ultimately providing the type of captivating journey that seems to be far removed from the Hollywood system but one that is gaining momentum in film scores across the globe. But no matter where you place this album, it's a pure joy to listen to; immaculate, stirring, and unblemished. Abel himself stated that he wanted to call upon his eastern-European inspirations to create an exquisite piece of work with this score. Well Abel, mission accomplished my friend. And then some.

The soundtrack draws upon a strong choral influence to tell its tale but this is no by no means a singular attribute. The themes that Abel delivered for this score are a work of art, pure and simple, and it connects on an emotional level that is not soon forgotten. There is a lot of heart and charm behind this music and its easy to get swept up in it. All that said, the complexity of the writing is also something to behold. With its masterful development of themes, its rich choral passages, and all the subtle heartfelt touches heard along the way, this score is executed in a manner that would make a classical master envious. The maturity in Abel's composing voice, as previously heard in the Golden Globe nominated, A Single Man, is readily evident and is absolutely cemented here. He is wise beyond his years and the proof is there for all of us to listen to.

Above all else, a score like this just makes you feel good listening to it. I look at it as if it were some sort of tonic to cure the blues. Indeed, tracks like "Aquarius", "The Hunting Dogs", and "Anna and Volder," make for a superb bit of daydreaming. With track 8 in particular (Anna and Volder), there is a sweet, heartwarming theme on display that is downright infectious and is certainly one of my favorite highlights. Then there is also a great set up with the final set of cues, beginning with track 17 onward. It's here that the Polish influences really sparkled and further assured the listener that a memorable send off was to be had. In some ways, these latter cues were reminiscent to the celebratory segments from Sergei Prokofiev's epic score, Alexander Nevsky. I'd say that is pretty good company for any composer.

While I try to summarize a listening experience like this, it is hard not to remain jubilant. I listen to countless scores hoping that just a few of them can ascend to something other than merely "serviceable" and here we have one that is off the charts. Indeed, this kind of soundtrack is what it is all about for music lovers as it's an an album that hits all the right marks through its entire duration, which is a feat that is quite special and rather uncommon. Definitely not to be missed!