MERLIN (TV SERIES)

Label: MMS08022
Date: 2008
Tracks: 21

CD from Sweden.

Original soundtrack from BBC fantasy adventure TV series about young magician, his friendship with Prince Arthur. CD features music from first three episodes: The Dragon’s Call, Valiant, The Mark of Nimueh. Rob Lane scores for orchestra with abundance of bright melodies, mysticism, modest action. Lane balances warmth with humor as well. Scoring is colorful but avoids heavy drama, albeit last few bars of "Plague In the Water" are vividly intense. Lengthy "Arthur's Final Battle" adds snare, bass drums to chorus-led action, balances hints of magic with brassy action. Even here, composer keeps material melodic, accessible. Rob Lane conducts Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

1. Merlin’s Arrival at Camelot (3:08) 2. The Tournament Begins (2:25) 3. The Witch’s Threat (2:01) 4. Hunith’s Letter to Gaius (1:41) 5. Meeting Arthur / Lady Helen Possessed (4:14) 6. Fighting in the Market (1:45) 7. The Magic Shield (1:03) 8. Arthur and Knight Valiant (3:26) 9. Merlin Lost (1:41) 10. To Morgana (2:31) 11. The Burdens of Duty (2:11) 12. Breaking the Spell (2:14) 13. Plague in the Water (1:33) 14. Arthur’s Final Battle (7:34) 15. Guinevere (1:31) 16. Defeating the Afanc (3:05) 17. The Witch’s Aria (3:08) 18. The Call of Destiny / Titles (1:56)