THE BFG - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2016)




If you don’t already know by now, some of the world’s most notable movie theme music was composed by 84 year old John Williams. Jaws, Superman, JurassicPark, as well as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series – yup, melodies that you’ll find yourself humming to came from the bright mind of this New Yorkborn musician.

After a scheduling conflict with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (which is another great score, by the way) did not allow maestro to work on Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies (2015), fans would be glad to see two of the movie industry’s most celebrated talents come together for the 27th time to work on the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic.

The first soundtracks which come to mind after a preview of Williams’ latest work are the scores he composed for the first three Harry Potter films. There is a sense of wonderment and magic throughout the album’s generous 65 minute runtime. It also reminds fans of his score for 2011’s The Adventure of Tintin, bringing listeners on a thrilling ride full of adventure and action.

There are many beautiful woodwind performances in this album, with the flute symbolising anything related to dreams throughout the story (Dream Country, Dream Jars, Blowing Dreams). Brass instruments, on the other hand, take on the role of representing the frightening elements of nightmares and giants (Sophie’s Nightmare, Fleshlumpeater, Frolic). The loveliest and most delicate bits belong to Sophie, the film’s protagonist who strikes a friendship with the titular Big Friendly Giant. The piano, together with lush woodwind orchestrations, bring out the heartfelt moments, with emotionally engaging effect (Sophie’s Future, Finale, Sophie And The BFG).

This is a must own for any fan of Williams’ music. With a career spanning over sixty years and countless accolades, including 50 Academy Award nominations (he won five), you know things won’t go wrong with him on board. We are already looking forward to his next project – Star Wars: Episode VIII by Rian Johnson. Those who want to experience Spielberg Williams collaborations would have to wait till 2018’s Ready Player One and 2019’s Indiana Jones 5. 

ALBUM RATING:



Recommended Track:
(19) Sophie And The BFG

Review by John Li

Back

TRACK LISTING
1
Overture
2
The Witching Hour
3
To Giant Country
4
Dream Country
5
Sophie's Nightmare
6
Building Trust
7
Fleshlumpeater
8
Dream Jars
9
Frolic
10
Blowing Dreams
11
Snorting And Sniffing
12
Sophie's Future
13
There Was A Boy
14
The Queen's Dream
15
The Boy's Drawings
16
Meeting The Queen
17 Giants Netted
18 Finale
19 Sophie And The BFG

 

 ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK

Composer: John Williams
Label: Walt Disney Records
Release Date: July 1, 2016