Wednesday 19 December 2012

Review: 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' CD by Michael J. Lewis

'The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe,' Music Composed, Orchestrated, & Conducted by Michael J. Lewis, 1979. Cover: Terrific font, highly reminiscent of the time in which the CD was made. 



One of our pleasures is the 1979 animated 'The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe.' This was the first movie we ever saw of our beloved book (C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe), & it came along just as we finished reading the book for the first time. 

It enthralled us. We wanted to watch it again & again, just as we wanted to read & re-read the book. Narnia enchanted us then, & still does. So it's only fitting that this is the first CD we review on this blog.  

Firstly, let us say that some of the tracks are a bit repetitive -- appropriately so. They continue a theme; & the cartoon was intended for children, & as such is likely to have some repetition.  

Track One, 'Opening Titles,' is the beginning of the adventure. It has a flute, drums, & strings, & is wonderfully evocative of the mysterious big house in the rain.

Track Two, 'First Entry into Narnia,' builds appropriate suspense. In Track Four,  'Return from Tumnus to the Wardrobe,' danger abounds. Many of the tracks have a feeling of suspense & danger, not the least of which being Tracks 12, 13, 15, 16, & 17, all of which have to do with the White Witch chasing her quarry.  

Track Twenty-three, 'To Crucifixion,' is sad, sweet, & surprisingly hopeful. A delightful contrast is 'Dawn' (Track Twenty-six), which reintroduces the main theme from Track Fourteen as a triumphant, rather than adventurous, piece. Another particularly noteworthy track is number Twenty-five, 'Dance Macabre,' which will have you picturing the many horrible creatures the White Witch employs. 

A thrilling audio ride. If you enjoy Narnia -- even if you've never watched the animated special -- this is a CD you will love. 

2 comments:

  1. Hi - I love this music, do you know where I can get a copy ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, no. We found it on Amazon -- the last one, apparently. You'll probably want to try used music shops or ebay.

      Delete