Amazon.com essential recording: Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score captures the conflict between 18th-century Jesuit missionaries trying to convert the native Indians, and the slavers who want to destroy them. In keeping with the serious subject matter and epic scope of Roland Joffé's film, the score is by turns grave, lyrical, and tense. Ever inventive, Morricone mixes liturgical chorales, native drumming, and Spanish-influenced guitars, often in the very same track, to capture the drama of the culture clash. His trademark lyricism also comes through, notably in the beautiful themes for "Gabriel's Oboe" and "The Mission." Not as over-the-top as his well-known spaghetti Western scores, The Mission shows Morricone at his dramatic best. --Heidi MacDonald
Incredibly moving soundtrack - haunting, energetic, unique I agree that this is probably the very best movie soundtrack ever. Twenty years after I first heard it, I still love it. An amazing achievement that stands alone, but is even more moving after watching the movie.
Soundtrack I love this soundtrack but it came with a broken case even though I purchased it new.
Top 5 Movie Score Ever Easily one of the top 5 movie scores of all time. The music haunts you - in a good way. If you do not have this score then this is a must. Being a huge fan of Ennio Morricone and his westerns, this easily is his crowning achievement.
Musical Majesty I should say that I am partial to opera, which is essentially musical theatre. In my view it represents the pinnacle of the Western musical experience; easily the most demanding of musical forms. I suppose that's why I am also fond of scores written for movies and stage theatre and count Warren, Porter, Rodgers, Mancini, Williams, and Morricone as the supreme masters of the genre in the 20th century. "The Mission" score demonstrates Ennio's mastery of dramatic music, characterized by texture, depth, emotion, turmoil, innovative orchestration (even counterpoint), layered with beautiful and original melodies that would make Puccini proud. On the other hand, there was room in the movie for 1 or 2 more original pieces to go with Gabriel's Oboe, Ave Maria Guarani, Brothers, and the River. Nevertheless, the guy's a genius.
Profound classical soundtrack. A classic This soundtrack has a profound soundtrack. It has become a classic and has a cult-like following among intellectuals. Oboeist enjoy the one track with a unique oboe lead and solo.
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