A Journey Remembered
Nativity scenes around the world depict with simple beauty the greatest gift the world has ever received. History pivots around this moment in Bethlehem; while most of us know the story that happened after the birth of Jesus, many have paid little attention to the sacrifice Mary and Joseph willfully accepted to see God's plan through. This holy story is one of dedication and, should you look for it, deeply theological. As Mary says "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to Your word," she effectively opens the first door to redemption by accepting God's invitation to reverse the original sin of humanity. Not an easy task, as you can imagine. For The
Nativity Story soundtrack (New Line Records), composer Mychael Danna has wonderfully incorporated many centuries' worth of music and song with his own themes, depicting not only Mary's isolation and her relationship with Joseph as we see in the movie, but humanity's own blossoming artistic love for this story over time: included are the sacred choral pieces "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" from the Eighth Century, "Corde Natus Ex Parentis" and "Cantigas de Santa Maria" from the 12th and 15th Centuries, as well as the 16th Century "Coventry Carol" from England; all of this music is performed on ancient instruments accordingly: ney flutes from Turkey and Persia, Roman horns and drums, the viola da gamba, vielle and recorder from pre-Baroque times. All in all, this soundtrack (not to be confused with an "inspired by" album with the same title) is as much historical as it is emotional. A striking version of "Silens Nox" ("Silent Night" in Latin) is heard over the end credits, bringing a sense of great beauty and true peace, if only momentarily (in a few seconds it's "Where are my keys? Where did we park the car??"). Own the CD and make some peaceful moments of your own at home. Noel.
PK (12/19/2006)see all reviews, or add a review
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