Morricone's score didn't completely register with me during the film, but I remember liking the "walking/learing/hypocrite" cut during Malena's treks through town, and a theme played when our sympathies are intended to lean towards the two principal characters played by Monica Belluci and Giuseppe Sulfaro.

So I decided to pick it up based on those pieces, and I'm glad I did. It's really a wonderful score, cohesive yet full of diverse turns.

I've not seen VATEL by Roland Joffe, which I'd like to before I consider getting Morricone's score, but from the clips I listened to at Tower, it sounds like another gem.

The first track contains a gorgeous small choral theme and has a beautiful solo violin. It's trademark Morricone.

The second track doesn't have a strong theme but is a lengthy beautiful piece which flies by quickly.

The rest of the CD is mostly upbeat, except for a short reprise of the violin solo from the first track.

Some of the tracks contain Italian opera chorals written by Morricone and others are older pieces by other composers which he has redone.

There is an odd track called "Kaleidoscope" which is... well... Morricone being quirky. It's another upbeat instrumental piece. Only it has people singing "dubba dubba duh" very quickly. As odd as it sounds, it is Morricone. So somehow, it works.

Much of the music can be very much like classical music. Two of these Morricone compositions are among the score's best. They are also upbeat and contain a 'sophisticated' romantic comedy sound.

What else can I say?

Check it out.

You should also take advantage of the fact that Valentine's Day is very near and that Maestro Morricone has written some of the most romantic music ever.

In other words, be like me, and make a compilation album of Morricone love music for the ladies.

Just a bit of advice, ol' chaps.