Introduction
With "Alexander" Vangelis finally returns to the silver screen, after a
break of almost eight years composing music for films. In contrast with his
previous scored movie "Kavafis" (1996) "Alexander" is
a high-budgeted international movie, made for a global audience. Directed by the
always controversial Oliver Stone and with Hollywood-stars such as Colin Farrell
(Alexander), Angelina Jolie (Alexander's mother Olympias), Val Kilmer
(Alexander's father Philip), Anthony Hopkins (Alexander's trusted general
Ptolemy), Jared Leto (Alexander's lifelong friend Hephaistion) and Rosario
Dawson (his Persian wife Roxane) the film is an epic movie about the life of the
legendary Greek conqueror-hero Alexander the Great.
In a press-release Vangelis states:
"I've always admired Oliver's films, and, of course, Alexander
the Great is a story that's a natural part of my heritage. So, to be composing
for this film, with Oliver Stone directing, makes it an especially exciting
experience for me."
The official soundtrack album with Vangelis' score is released
on the Sony Classical label. Release dates are November 8th (Europe)
and November 9th (USA) 2004. The album is presented on an
official website which features
a 4,5 minute interview video with Vangelis, as well as a 4-minute clip from the
score named "Titans".
The track "Roxane's Veil" performed together with violinist Vanessa-Mae appears
also her album "Choreography".
Tracklist
The international album release contains a total of 18 tracks,
summing up to 56:23 in length. Note that both the US Borders exclusive and
German Limited edition contain the same bonus track (3:52), titled "Bizarre
Bazaar" on the first and "Bizarre Bazar" on the second.
Credits
as printed in the cd-booklet
All music composed, arranged, produced and performed by Vangelis.
Assistant producer: Frederick Rousseau.
Music production consultant: Chantal Feghali. Orchestrations by Nic Raine.
Mixed by Philippe Colonna. Electronic instruments programmer: Vangelis Saitis.
"Roxane's Veil" featuring Vanessa-Mae, violin. Vocals by Konstantinos
Paliatsaras, Irina Valentinova-Karpouchina and the Epirus Polyphonic Ensemble.
Harp by Maria Bildea. Duduk by Vahan Galstian.
Discography
CD
2004 Sony Classical SK 92942 International
release / Taiwan / South Korea
2004 Sony Classical SK 92942 France (different
front sleeve artwork)
2005 Sony Classical SK 92942 Japan(different front sleeve artwork)
2004 Sony Classical SK 93610 USA (Borders exclusive release)
2004 Sony Classical SK 93610 Germany (Limited edition release)
2004 Warner Bros "For your consideration"
promotional cd (alternate tracklist)
Note that in the US several promotional cdr's have appareared with the
regular tracklist.
Recording Studios
The orchestral score and choir are recorded at the Studio Guillaume Tell in
Paris, France. Vangelis' music undoubtedly is recorded somewhere in Athens.
Reviews
Around the release of the album numerous reviews have been published
online, most positive about Vangelis' first filmscore in eight years! Read on...
