Soundtrack Review: Alexander

By Mark Sung Dec 20, 2004, 19:06 GMT

The score opens with a wonderful composition in which plays straight through the first three tracks. These tracks introduce the listener to the main theme which gradually builds up through the first two tracks before it is performed in all its glory in the third track 'Titans'. Vangelis manages create a very grand theme which is very pleasant to listen to. The use of male choral voices helps to give the theme a sense of pride whereas the synthesized elements give the theme some uplifting moments. Vangelis also sets a steady rhythm throughout the theme giving it a very dynamic feel. The chanting of choral voices may seem a little repetitive by the end of the track, but ultimately the theme works very well as a whole. Credit has to be given to Vangelis for not overusing his main theme throughout the score like most other soundtracks today do. By using it sparingly, when the main theme does appear in the score it has much more weight. Unlike so many other scores in which the appearance of the main theme becomes the highlight of the track, Vangelis allows the other tracks to be appreciated on their own merits without being dominated by main theme. After the track 'Titans' the main theme is not heard in full form until almost the end in the track 'Dream of Babylon'.

The next track 'The Drums of Gaugamela' is a good example of how Vangelis' use of setting up a rhythm can sometimes work against him. The track begins with a busy barrage of drums accompanied by some exotic sounding voices. Moments of brass and strings are used to convey the sense of danger whereas male choral voices help to give moments of suspense. Although the track starts off interestingly, it soon becomes rather repetitive. This is unfortunately enhanced by the monotonous rhythm which runs throughout. The track begins to drag about half way through.

The track 'One Morning at Pella' is one of the quieter songs in the score. It is in fact so quiet it could also be described as gentle and delicate. With only the light use of strings and some background ambience, the track is one of the more tender and mellow moments in the score.

 'Roxane's Dance' is another example of the repetitive tracks on the score. The track consists of an exotic drumbeat accompanied by some percussion, strings and the use of a wind instrument. Before long the track quickly seems like there is about four seconds of actual music playing on loop.

Contrastingly, the track 'Roxane's Veil' is one the more interesting highlights of the score. The track, which has a very pleasant melody performed by violin, sounds a bit modern with the drumbeat rhythm which is used throughout. The male choral voices also sound a little synthesized at times, but this all helps to give the track its character.

Some battle music is provided in tracks 'The Charge' and 'Preparation' in which Vangelis makes full use of the orchestra, synthetic instruments and choral voices to create some very dramatic moments.

Vangelis also creates a very proud and grand secondary theme which plays through the tracks 'Across the Mountains' and 'Eternal Alexander'.

Although there is a great deal of repetition in the score, it's not because the tracks sound similar to each other. Vangelis actually presents a score which has a good variety of themes which works well to mirror Alexander's travels in the movie. The tracks on the score in general do have a good level of complexity when compared to a lot of other soundtracks around. Unfortunately within some of the individual tracks themselves, the rhythms Vangelis sets up result in the tracks sounding like they're repeating themselves over and over again.

Overall this score is interesting and enjoyable to listen to and there are enough good themes and moments of grandeur to make you want to come back and have another listen.