by Lancelot on 10/12/2001
 
One of the most sucessful television miniseries, "Merlin" features a score worthy of the big screen. Trevor Jones is a underrated talent and the skill he brings to a score is always a rich treat. Jones returns once more to the Arthurian mythos (his previous effort in John Boorman's Excalibur was entwined with Richard Wagner and Carl Orff), though Jones seems to find a comfortable niche with sword-and/or-sorcery fantasy epics -- films emphasizing the magical aspect of the fantasy story (his work on The Mighty -- also recommended -- draws upon Arthurian/Crusader themes, as well).

"Merlin" features a grand archaic-and-wistful theme, not at all similar to a bold First Knight-like approach to a similar subject matter. The theme is distributed throughout the score like a great symphonic glue, which periodically returns to remind you that yes, you are watching (or, in this case, listening to) "Merlin." Softer themes highlighting the love aspects of the story appear, as well as harsh-though-brief "action" music, for those occasional moments that require it (such as Merlin battling a dragon, sans sword!). There is also lighter mediaeval music that is not blatantly "renaissance faire"-esque.

Jones' "Merlin" is an extremely generous release, featuring over an hour of music, so score fans should get the most out of this vast score - a worthy investment of time and money.