CHILDREN OF MEN

Label: Varese Sarabande 302 066 769 2
Date: 2006
Tracks: 9
Time = 70:32

Original music from Alfonso Cuaron sci-fi thriller set in 2027, starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine. Director takes unusual step of asking famed 20th-Century composer John Tavener to write original music for picture not in traditional manner as "narrative support" but as "spiritual comment" instead. Composer responds with emotionally draining "Fragments of a Prayer" for orchestra with mezzo soprano, featuring Sanskrit text. Piece reflects both isolation of advanced society in decay, hope to come with new birth. Director then selects portions of piece to work into film as needed. CD supplements with additional Tavener works plus selections by Handel, Mahler, Penderecki. Intense, involved album! John Tavener conducts his original contributions for movie, various conductors handle additional material.

1. Fragments Of A Prayer (15:23) 2. Eternity’s Sunrise (10:54) 3. “War, He Sung, Is Toil And Trouble” from Alexander’s Feast (G.F. Handel - 4:43) 4. Nun Will Die Sonn’ So Hell Aufgeh’n [Kindertotenlieder] (Gustav Mahler - 5:32) 5. Threnody For The Victims Of Hiroshima 1959-61 (Krzysztof Penderecki - 9:57) 6. Song Of The Angel (4:37) 7. The Lamb - For String Orchestra) (3:20) 8. Mother And Child (12:39) 9. Mother Of God, Here I Stand - For String Orchestra (3:32)