by pianoman on 7/3/2006
favorite track: 6
 
Jerry Goldsmith's only Oscar-winning score in his long, expansive career. Most people would consider this a tragedy, but that is only for people who consider the Oscars to be of any value to film music appreciation whatsoever. This is a groundbreaking and highly effective horror score for a very brassy orchestra, with disturbingly effective vocals singing "Ave Satani."

I have a very hard time watching the film because I saw this film once when I was... too young!!!! The choral chants and the visuals almost traumatised me!!! Many years later, I still refuse to watch that bloody film! I have however bought this score because I am a collector of Goldsmith's work, and, I have to admit, as excellent as the music is, I find it unlistenable on its own. The action cues are full of furious brass and overblown vocalists, and it just scares the hell out of me. In order to enjoy this score on its own merits, you need to be in a very very bad mood, or watching a lightning storm.