Happy Holidays!

Christmas is just around the corner! Now where on earth did this year go? Wait, a little bit of Déjà vu here. Don't we all think this every year? This has been an excellent year, and I want to mention a few things about what is coming up in the world of scores.

To begin, I want to finally present to you some of my favorite works from Alexandre Desplat. Though it may be a little dated, it is open for the picking until February 28 (nope, not a leap year). Click on sir Desplat's name for details.

Finally! With all the amazing releases that Two Steps From Hell gave us all in 2015, they just spoiled us again in another epic album: Vanquish. If you haven't been following Thomas Bergersen on Facebook, you might want to check out his most recent post. Apparently we are expecting "A LOT" of music from Two Steps From Hell in 2017. Who's excited! Don't forget to check out the recording sessions video of what is probably the best track in the album Vanquish: High C's.

Now, the scores that I am personally excited for this December are Rogue One, Assassin's Creed, and Hidden Figures. I also was able to discover that Silva Screen Records has put up a Christmas album for pre-order. It is a nice white vinyl edition featuring music from the film Elf. Unfortunately it does not include any music from the score, but it sure to give you some Christmas spirit, in case you have doubts you may not be gifted this year. You can pre-order it on Amazon. If you are one of those Limited Edition fanatics, you may also want to know that only 500 of these exist. 

On December 12, Varese Sarabande will reissue Agnes of God. This is also limited to 500 copies to don't be slow to grab it if you are a fan of Georges Delerue. On the same day Star Trek Beyond is going deluxe (limited to 5,000 copies) through Varese as well. 

Ah, and that just about summarizes things, briefly. What are some of your most anticipated releases?

Love & Loss

   The brilliant minds behind Two Steps From Hell have defined the meaning of epic music. There is just no going back, and although it may not initially suit the taste of some listeners, There is some amazing music that is better than some film music. Their vast catalog of compositions has so much uniqueness. First you find a rough, loud piece that has some rock components, but another is light, orchestral, and beautiful.

   Love & Loss is one that I will be focusing on. It is composed by none other than Thomas Bergersen. Being the end of the work week, this will wrap things up perfectly. Its victorious tune gives us the feeling of accomplishment, the climax is over and the resolving sequence has arrived. A modern sound is derived from the synth which produces some interesting sounds. Still, the strings are the center focus on this, giving the brass the role of quiet introduction and blending throughout. A choir comes in about halfway when the buildup begins. 

   Every time I hear this I keep thinking of how perfectly this would end a film with a modern take on storytelling. The victory and resolve is clear and precise, and so is the joy from the end of the tiresome adventure. It also leaves us with one small bit that something isn't over. There is something else wrong that is soon to come up. A perfect place to leave off where a sequel would pick up.