The Luzhin Defence [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The title of Marleen Gorris's film (based on Vladimir Nabokov's The Defense) refers to a chess strategy, and this tale of a socially challenged game master could be seen as a chess-world parallel to Shine. It's also a grand showcase for the budding talents of French composer Alexandre Desplat, whose sprightly, surprising score is one of the film's greatest revelations. Using spare piano melodies interwoven with a masterful use of the London Symphony Orchestra, Desplat's score is classically oriented (and is seamlessly augmented by portions of Shostakovich's Jazz Suite No. 2), yet evokes shifting colors of modernism, romance, and mystery that keep the listener intrigued. Using a light melodic touch that can turn darkly enigmatic in a heartbeat, Desplat's work here often recalls the music of Delerue and Morricone, and hints at great things to come. - Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

The Luzhin Defence
Love Theme
The Arrival
Memories Of Russia
Dancing On The Lake
Alexander And Natalia
The Dark Side Of Chess
The Red Dress
Waltz No.2 From Jazz Suite No.2 (Dimitri Shostakovich) - The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra/Paul Bateman
Leaving Childhood
Luzhin Dreams
I Need A Defence
Natalia's Eyes
Valentinov
The Glass King
Checkmate
Waltz No.2 From Jazz Suite No.2 (Dimitri Shostakovich) - The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra/Paul Bateman

Amazon.com

The title of Marleen Gorris's film (based on Vladimir Nabokov's The Defense) refers to a chess strategy, and this tale of a socially challenged game master could be seen as a chess-world parallel to Shine. It's also a grand showcase for the budding talents of French composer Alexandre Desplat, whose sprightly, surprising score is one of the film's greatest revelations. Using spare piano melodies interwoven with a masterful use of the London Symphony Orchestra, Desplat's score is classically oriented (and is seamlessly augmented by portions of Shostakovich's Jazz Suite No. 2), yet evokes shifting colors of modernism, romance, and mystery that keep the listener intrigued. Using a light melodic touch that can turn darkly enigmatic in a heartbeat, Desplat's work here often recalls the music of Delerue and Morricone, and hints at great things to come. - Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

absolutely breathtaking..........2005-11-10

i don't pretend to know much about the film score lexicon, nor how to *critique* a film score. however, i do know a good song or a good score when i hear it.

'the luzhin defence' strengths lie in what it is not. most of today's film scores drfit between the bombastic and melodramatic, often within the same score. even heavyweights like james horner and john williams occassionally drift into loud louds and soft softs. of course there are times and places for both, but sometimes such a score is difficult to sit down and listen to in one sitting.

alexander desplat's score, however, remains muted and restrained--and beautifully so. it's obvious desplats' in command of the music throughout, though it never sounds held back. the entire score evokes mood and tone, and commands the listener's attention throughout just to hear what comes next. i personally listen to this soundtrack often when I read. it's unintrusive, yet attention-grabbing at the same time because it's just such lovely music. the best music, in my opinion, is imagistic and 'the luzhin defence' is full of lush imagery. i've never seen the film, but it's not hard to imagine scenes and setting while listening to the score. and best of all--it's emotional and never sentimental.

alexander desplat, i assume, will be in high demand very shortly. let's hope so because this is one of the finest scores i've ever heard. buy this cd--it will not disappoint you.

Absolutely magnificent!!.......2004-01-26

I had not heard of composer Alexandre Desplat until this score, BUT I shall most certainly be looking for his future compositions.

If a masterpiece painting were to be put to music, this is what I could imagine it would sound like. The varying moods, the tenderness and the strength within are extremely evocative.

Monsieur Desplat is certainly to be admired.

"original score blends classical/crossover music ~ Superb!".......2001-04-13

Silva Screen's latest release ~ "THE LUZHIN DEFENCE", is a classical/crossover score of music ~ composed, orchestrated and conducted by Alexandre Desplat with The London Symphony Orchestra. An added plus is the ~ "WALTZ NO. 2 FROM SUITE NO. 2", composed by Dimitri Shostakovich.

The story-line and score are a perfect match ~ based on a story by Vladmire Nabokov ~ directed by Academy Award-winner Marleen Gorris, our story is set in the late 1920's. Strange events take place, when an unworldly chess grand master (John Turturro) comes to the Italian Lakes to play the game of his life ~ meeting a lady (Emily Watson), who is soon to be married to another (matched by her family). Thus the story begins, upon meeting the two fall hopelessly in love ~ the lady shows him a world outside of his chess playing ~ which makes the story even more interesting, as the two worlds collide.

Want to thank ~ Alexandre Desplat (producer) ~ Reynold da Silva & James Fitzpatrick (executive producers) ~ John Luard Timperley (recording engineer) ~ Tom Jenkins (asst. engineer) ~ David Stoner (coordinator) ~ Silva America ~ sharing this original score with classical arrangements and rare qualities which reach deep into our musical souls!

Total Time: 56:06 on 17 Tracks...Silva America SSD-1127...(2001)

The Luzhin Defence
Average customer rating:
The Luzhin Defence
Babies Three
Manufacturer: Engineer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0001Z64KY
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Guilt Free Youth
Attack of the Clones
I Think the Answer's Yes
Message
Heresy

Music:

Music

Music