Where Did Peter Pan Come From?
Closing our eyes, we see worlds new and old... worlds real and imagined... worlds of distant pasts, of bold and hopeful futures. This is inspiration. The story of Peter Pan and Neverland was, is and always will be the dream of one mind, although the tale will forever enrich the minds of countless dreamers. Exploring fictional possibilities of how J.M. Barrie may have dreamed up his faraway fantasy, the story of Finding Neverland (like Dreamer of Oz) seeks to discover the seed of such a beautiful creation. Music has always been a facilitator of inspiration and wonder; when lead actors can no longer act, when visual effects affect no more, our emotions are heavily influenced by music. The Finding Neverland soundtrack CD (Decca) delivers sentimentality with perfect resonance. Polish composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek tries not to imitate popular film composer sentimentality and wildly succeeds. His quiet music underscores many whispers in the movie, leaving a delicate sound that frequents minor tones as the story progresses... sadly magical. Listening to this music prepared especially for the "apart from the film" experience, we hear these whispers in the way the music moves... like quaking aspen leaves, or glinting fairy dust by way of a setting sun. The most fascinating highlights on the CD are Leszek Mozdzer's solo piano performances, some of which are not heard in the film, nor were intended for any scene in the film. True to subject, Mozdzer took advantage of leftover recording time and magically improvised variations on Kaczmarek's themes and, perhaps with closed eyes, brought a piano to life... leaving our imaginations afire.
PK (12/10/2004)see all reviews, or add a review
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