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Editorial Reviews

It seems only fitting that Vangelis -- the preeminent Greek composer of film scores -- should write the music for Oliver Stone's Alexander -- the epic tale of the Greek conqueror-hero who led his armies to victory across the known world in the 4th century B.C. And equally fitting for a movie that features spectacular battle sequences, Vangelis's score draws heavily on martial brass chords and insistent marching rhythms, often pounded out on deep drums. Tracks such as "Titans," "The Charge," and "Preparation" (which recalls "Mars" from Holst's The Planets) powerfully bring home the film's guts-and-glory theme. But as the soundtrack progresses, other elements also emerge. Choral singing plays a central role, especially in the hymnlike "Across the Mountains" (suggestive of Holst's "Jupiter") and also in more ethereal tracks such as "Chant" and "Immortality." "Roxane's Veil" features edgy crossover violinist Vanessa-Mae in an unusually lyrical and sweet-toned mode, and the disc closes with the dulcet melody of "Tender Memories." But it's the penultimate track, "Eternal Alexander," a grandly expansive theme as majestic as anything from Mahler's pen, that provides the stirring and uplifting high point to this satisfying score. EJ Johnson, Barnes & Noble

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