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Caprica,
already available on DVD, is the pilot for a series that is a prequel for Sci Fi
Channel's (now only SyFy) prestigiated show
Battlestar Galactica
(2003/2008). Beginning 58 years before the events seen in Galactica,
Caprica tells the story of how
Colonial humanity first created the robotic Cybernetic Lifeform Nodes -
Cylons, who would later plot to destroy human civilization in retaliation
for their enslavement. The show differs significantly from its parent series
due to creative and commercial demands, and this fact is reflected into its
original soundtrack.
As the older
series Caprica features music composed
by Bear McCreary, an expanding
young talent in both television and movies
media. For those familiar with the composer's previous work for the
franchise, the score containing 18 tracks by McCreary
may
represent a genuine surprise. Galactica's
music had nothing in common with the original 1978 TV show's score by Stu
Phillips - a massive orchestral work that followed the steps of
John
William's Star Wars.
The music for the 2003 reboot was smaller, with ancient mid-western tones evoked by
ethnic instruments like the duduk and japanese
taiko drums.
Now for
Caprica McCreary departs from its own
previous work in a way that better fits with the prequel's tone. In fact
this music, played by a chamber orchestra, has a more distinctly classic and
film approach - it sounds like a real movie score, imbued with more
elaborated harmonies and beautifully inspired melodies.
The album
starts with "The Greystone Family", a taste for things to come. The track
introduces a sad theme that bring us a sense of melancholy, translated by a
fine work of strings and oboe. Maybe the feeling of the great and inevitable
human tragedy that Galactica
already showed to us.
"Terrorism
on The Ley" is orchestrated in a way to make a direct reference to
Galactica's music - the taiko drums are back,
accompanied by an electric violin emulating the sound of a duduk. By the way
there are two more cues that establish a very clear connection with
Galactica's music and
the upcoming Cylon threat, "Cybernetic Life Form Node" and "Zoe Awakens".
Though is the more sophisticated, classical style that McCreary employs that
construct the set of highlights of the album. The bulk
of the score is integrated by more mature, refined tracks like "Grieving", "Lacey
and Zoe-A" and the remarkable "Amanda Graystone". This last one
in particular
summarizes the lushier, refined style that McCrearys employs to translate
the more peaceful and civilized times of Caprica.
"Joseph and Daniel" carries a touching version of the main theme conducted
by a more subtle and delicate instrumentation, showcasing strings and flute.
"Children of Caprica" utilizes strings and flute to convey to the listener
an effective and even beautiful sense of threat. The album closes with the
movie-like "End Credits" where McCreary revisits his main theme and another
elements of the score, and demonstrates unquestionably that he is ready for
most ambitious challenges in his career.
Like
the previous Galactica's albums,
Caprica is another well crafted La-La
Land Records release. The
audio quality is great and the booklet
include notes from both director Jeffrey Reiner and McCreary. Another
recommended release that fans from McCreary and the Battlestar
Galactica's universe will enjoy very much. |
