Articles written by David Abraham Dueck
All 70 articles written by David Abraham Dueck
District 9 Soundtrack Review: Strong But Functional Score by Clinton Shorter
Category: Instrumental Music (general)
New to the Hollywood scoring scene, Clinton Shorter's heavy-handed score for District 9 is a solid, though in no way splashy, debut effort. more...
Spore Hero Videogame Soundtrack Review: Eccentric, Joyously Active Game Score from Winifred Phillips
Category: Classical Music (general)
Utilizing a bewildering array of instrumental colors and musical genres, Winifred Phillips' score is an adept and dexterous musical romp through the world of Spore. more...
Trick 'r Treat Soundtrack Review: Large-Scale Gothic Score by Douglas Pipes
Category: Classical Music (general)
In only his second mainstream film score, newcomer film composer Douglas Pipes has firmly reestablished the beloved sound of giant orchestral suspense and horror. more...
Taking Woodstock Soundtrack Review: Groovy, Authentic Retro Folk-Rock Score by Danny Elfman
Category: Rock Music (general)
After his bombastic score for "Terminator Salvation" and his majestic themes for "9", Elfman delivers a completely unexpected score for Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock." more...
The Informant! Soundtrack Review: Irresistible Retro Score from Marvin Hamlisch
Category: Big Band Jazz
Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch has returned from a 13-year hiatus to bring his sparklingly lighthearted touch to Stephen Soderberg's acclaimed comedy. more...
Drag Me to Hell Soundtrack Review: Powerful, Gothic Masterpiece by Christopher Young
Category: Classical Music (general)
Chris Young's massive score to Sam Raimi's latest horror comedy is slathered in huge choral chants, dreadfully beautiful violin solos and terrifying crescendos. more...
Mutant Chronicles Soundtrack Review: Cliché but Solid Thriller Score by Richard Wells
Category: Classical Music (general)
Richard Wells delivers a surprisingly engaging score for a less-than-original science fiction/horror film. more...
The Young Victoria Soundtrack Review: Classical Crossover Score by Ilan Eshkeri
Category: Classical Music (general)
After his first large-scale score for Stardust, Ilan Eshkeri presents an elegant score for The Young Victoria which is largely influenced by existing classical pieces. more...
Land of the Lost Soundtrack Review: Conflicted, Hyper Comedy Score by Michael Giacchino
Category: Pop Music (general)
After his much-loved scores for "Star Trek" and "Up" in 2009, Michael Giacchino follows up with a zany, hyperactive comedy score to "Land of the Lost." more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
After years of being absent from the mainstream film-scoring scene, master composer Elliot Goldenthal has returned to score Michael Mann's crime epic, Public Enemies. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
Continuing in the richly melodic, profoundly emotional style of his flawless score to "Angel," Philippe Rombi's latest score is utterly enchanting in every way. more...
Terminator Salvation Soundtrack Review: Gigantic, Brazen Action Score by Danny Elfman
Category: Classical Music (general)
Elfman has written a muscular score which merely flirts with the sound of the original Terminator scores, while maintaining a powerful, original identity. more...
Departures Soundtrack Review: String-Based Hidden Gem from Joe Hisaishi
Category: Classical Music (general)
Full of Hisaishi's trademark charm, the restrained score is one of 2008's hidden film score gems, and an easy recommendation for any admirer of Joe Hisaishi. more...
Fast & Furious Soundtrack Review: Yet Another Fantastic Action Score from Brian Tyler
Category: Pop Music (general)
Brian Tyler continues to dominate the orchestral action music scene with his ultra-cool, thrill-ride score to Fast & Furious. more...
Star Trek Soundtrack Review: Intense and Memorable Score by Giacchino
Category: Classical Music (general)
For the newest film in the illustrious 'Star Trek' franchise, Giacchino has composed a thrilling and noble score whose only disappointing quality is its length on album. more...
Category: Pop Music (general)
Trevor Rabin, although a composer who has often proved himself to be talented, has delivered a functional score which severely underachieves and greatly disappoints. more...
Dragonball: Evolution Soundtrack Review: Another Thrilling Action Score from Brian Tyler
Category: Pop Music (general)
The industry's most capable young action composer has delivered yet another thrilling score, which only suffers from a style firmly in his comfort zone of composition. more...
Boy in the Striped Pajamas Soundtrack Review: Heart-Wrenching, Powerful Score from James Horner
Category: Classical Music (general)
James Horner's latest score follows many of his established tendencies, but with remarkable grace and emotional power. more...
Marley & Me Soundtrack Review: Irrepressibly Cheerful and Optimistic Score from Teddy Shapiro
Category: Pop Music (general)
Theodore Shapiro, gaining fame for his solid comedy scores, has written a largely predictable but entirely enjoyable score for David Frankel's recent comedy. more...
Coraline Soundtrack Review: Dark, Offbeat, Novel Score from Bruno Coulais
Category: Classical Music (general)
Henry Selick's marvelously dark and novel stop-motion film has received an appropriately bizarre but incredibly enticing score from veteran composer Bruno Coulais. more...
Milk Soundtrack Review: Elfman’s Final 2008 Score is Warm and Delicate, but Abbreviated
Category: Pop Music (general)
Danny Elfman finishes an astonishing year with a tender, superior drama score whose only real detriment is its length. more...
Benjamin Button Soundtrack Review: Typically Lush, Laid-back Score from Alexandre Desplat
Category: Classical Music (general)
In what would seem to be a perfect vehicle for his unique compositional voice, Desplat provides a pleasant but strangely uninspiring score. more...
Bolt Soundtrack Review: Powell’s New Animation Score is Inconsistent but Lighthearted Fun
Category: Pop Music (general)
John Powell has been hired to score many animated films, but his latest project, "Bolt," is his first assignment for Walt Disney Pictures. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
Maestro Joe Hisaishi's latest score for Hayao Miyazaki, "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," reinforces his standing as one of the finest musical artists at work today. more...
Frost/Nixon Soundtrack Review: Zimmer’s Score is Introspective and Surprisingly Innovative
Category: Classical Music (general)
Hans Zimmer, too often associated with blockbuster action movies, has delivered a compelling and intelligent score to Ron Howard's gripping drama. more...
The Matrix Deluxe Edition Soundtrack: Thrilling Postmodern Science Fiction Score by Don Davis
Category: Classical Music (general)
Don Davis' groundbreaking, atonal action score has finally received a full-length CD release, and it proves a thrilling listen indeed. more...
Indiana Jones: The Music - Box Set Review: Definitive John Williams Scores Available At Last
Category: Classical Music (general)
John Williams wrote some of his best scores for the Indiana Jones franchise, but they've been largely unavailable - until now. more...
City of Ember Soundtrack Review: Another Stirring Sonic Adventure from Andrew Lockington
Category: Classical Music (general)
Andrew Lockington's urgent, expansive score is another winning entry in his career, and in film score collections. more...
Essential Soundtrack Music for Autumn: Beautiful Orchestral Works from the Movies
Category: Classical Music (general)
In Autumn, a piece of lovely orchestral music is like a mug of hot cider: sweet, warm, and delicious. Here are ten such lovely & essential cues from famous film scores. more...
Basil Poledouris: Film Composer: His Life and Music
Category: Classical Composers
In 2006, collectors of film music lost one of the finest composers of film scores who ever lived: Basil Poledouris, composer of scores for Conan, Robocop, and more. more...
Superman: The Music - Box Set Review: The Definitive Presentation of Classic Superhero Music
Category: Classical Music (general)
After a frustrating history of neglect on album, the music for all four original Superman films is now available in a definitive collector's box set! more...
Category: Pop Music (general)
The music of Batman has gone through many changes over the years, but none as controversial as the new music for Nolan's interpretation of the Caped Crusader. more...
'Wanted' Soundtrack Review: Infectiously Catchy Score by Danny Elfman
Category: Pop Music (general)
Like 'Standard Operating Procedure', 'Wanted' takes Elfman in a very new direction, and it proves both fruitful and entertaining: 'Wanted' is a must-own for Elfman fans. more...
Michael Giacchino: His Music: From 'Medal of Honor' to 'Lost' to 'Ratatouille': Star Composer
Category: Classical Composers
In an age of cheap synth samples and electronic push-button composing, Michael Giacchino continues to showcase his immense talents with his full-blooded music. more...
Composers of Star Trek Music: James Horner and Alexander Courage Compose Music for Sci-Fi Series
Category: Classical Composers
From Alexander Courage's famous TV fanfare to James Horner's stirring themes, these are the men who created Star Trek's dynamic, diverse canon of timeless music. more...
Agora Soundtrack Review: Surprising, Robust Epic by Dario Marianelli
Category: Classical Music (general)
Resoundingly deep orchestrations, impressive choral work and raw ethnic beauty define this unexpected film score pleasure. more...
The Final Destination Soundtrack Review: Whirlwind Action-Suspense Score by Brian Tyler
Category: Rock Music (general)
Using Shirley Walker's beloved themes from the original Final Destination films, Tyler's score is both a fitting musical tribute and a nail-biting orchestral powerhouse. more...
Le Petit Nicolas Soundtrack Review: Quirky, Delightful Score by Klaus Badelt
Category: Classical Music (general)
Proving his talent for unique composition in yet another foreign film, Klaus Badelt's score is a colorful, joyous romp. more...
The Time Traveler's Wife Soundtrack Review: Understated, Soothing Romance Score by Mychael Danna
Category: Classical Music (general)
Although subtle and introverted almost to the point of being unmemorable, Danna's score is a lovely, intriguing work. more...
9 Soundtrack Review: Striking Action Score by Danny Elfman & Deborah Lurie
Category: Classical Music (general)
Some of the most stirring action music this year has been composed by a talented young woman, working with themes composed by an established master. more...
Category: Pop Music (general)
Alan Silvestri's latest soundtrack for director Stephen Sommers is filled with thrills and adrenaline, but lacks the structure and focus to make it fully satisfying. more...
Harry Potter 6 Soundtrack Review: Lightweight, Anonymous Fantasy Score by Nicholas Hooper
Category: Classical Music (general)
In a franchise with a traditionally rich musical history, Nicholas Hooper's music serves its purpose but fails to draw much attention to itself even on album. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
Another animated film has been graced with a worthy John Powell score, and once again he delivers the goods with trademark warmth and high style. more...
Transformers 2 Soundtrack Review: Distressingly Generic Action Score by Steve Jablonsky
Category: Pop Music (general)
Yet another overwhelmingly loud and violent Michael Bay movie receives yet another formulaic, uninvolving score by Steve Jablonsky. more...
Coco Avant Chanel Soundtrack Review: Delicate, Winning Drama Score from Alexandre Desplat
Category: Classical Music (general)
Desplat's musical score to Anne Fontaine's new biopic about Coco Chanel is a quiet masterpiece that shimmers with gentle beauty and elegant drama. more...
Cheri Soundtrack Review: Breezy, Lilting Romance Score by Alexandre Desplat
Category: Classical Music (general)
Desplat's career continues to shine with this sparkling, romantic period score. more...
Up Soundtrack Review: Superlative Throwback Animation Score by Michael Giacchino
Category: New Instrumental Music
Giacchino's latest score for Pixar Animation Studios displays his talent for charming melodies, high adventure and enchanting nostalgia once again. more...
The Home of Dark Butterflies Soundtrack Review: Lovely, Melodic Minimalist Score from Panu Aaltio
Category: Classical Music (general)
Aaltio's gorgeously restrained score bucks the trend for most minimalism-influenced film soundtracks and proves both thematically and melodically enchanting. more...
Angels & Demons Soundtrack Review: Exhilarating New Score from Zimmer is Definitive of His Career
Category: Classical Music (general)
Zimmer delivers his most definitive score yet with "Angels & Demons," which incorporates nearly all of his trademark styles into one massively engrossing score. more...
Knowing Soundtrack Review: Grand but Inconsistent Apocalyptic Score by Marco Beltrami
Category: Classical Music (general)
Marco Beltrami's latest score has a bit of an identity crisis, but remains a superior suspense and disaster score. more...
Duplicity Soundtrack Review: Jazzy, Catchy Score from one of Hollywood's Most Versatile Composers
Category: Pop Music (general)
James Newton Howard is known for his solid orchestral scores for fantasy and psychological thrillers, but in "Duplicity" he branches out in a stylish new direction. more...
Doubt Soundtrack Review: Somber, Subtly Celtic Rhythms by Howard Shore
Category: Classical Music (general)
Howard Shore's recent score to Doubt shows him at his most subdued and intimate, at the expense of any flashy or even memorable development. more...
I Want To Be A Shellfish Soundtrack Review: Beautifully Restrained and Heartfelt Hisaishi Score
Category: Classical Music (general)
Joe Hisaishi has woven another masterful musical tapestry for a live-action period drama. more...
Australia Soundtrack Review: Big, Broad, Bland Score from David Hirschfelder
Category: Classical Music (general)
Baz Luhrmann's sprawling epic "Australia" is just the sort of film to inspire greatness from any composer, yet Hirschfelder's score feels regretfully uninspired. more...
Largo Winch Soundtrack Review: Engaging, Stylish Action Score from Desplat
Category: Classical Music (general)
Alexandre Desplat's thrilling new score to Jerome Salle's Largo Winch is refreshing, catchy, and very nearly singular in his career. more...
The Spirit Soundtrack Review: David Newman’s Score is Old-Fashioned with a Handful of Highlights
Category: Classical Music (general)
David Newman has written an entertaining but underwhelming genre-bending superhero score for Frank Miller's latest film. more...
Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack Review: Bizarre, Hip-Hop Crossover Soundtrack from A.R. Rahman
Category: Pop Music (general)
Blending Indian ethnic elements with intense hip-hop dance rhythms, A.R. Rahman's Oscar-nominated score is definitely a unique (if messy) mixture. more...
Defiance Soundtrack Review: James Newton Howard Exercises Elegance and Restraint
Category: Classical Music (general)
James Newton Howard has crafted a subdued score which, combined with Joshua Bell's exquisite solos, displays a quiet, refined beauty. more...
SimAnimals Videogame Soundtrack Review: Lightweight, Charming Composition from Game Scoring Veteran
Category: Classical Music (general)
Winifred Phillips, award-winning videogame composer, has written an undemanding but utterly delightful score to the latest game in the Sim franchise, SimAnimals. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
Thanks to La-La Land Records, Shirley Walker's stirring and coveted music for Batman: The Animated Series, has finally seen the light of day. more...
The Incredible Hulk Soundtrack Review: Craig Armstrong Provides "Strong" Score for Comic Book Film
Category: Classical Music (general)
The new film version of the well-known Hulk story largely ignores Ang Lee's 2003 adaptation, and this applies to the music as well. more...
Quantum of Solace Soundtrack Review: David Arnold's Fifth James Bond Score
Category: Pop Music (general)
James Bond, created by Ian Fleming, has a rich history in books, films, and, perhaps most importantly, music. "Quantum of Solace" continues the tradition. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
In Autumn, a piece of lovely orchestral music is like a mug of hot cider: sweet, warm, and delicious. Here are eleven more such lovely cues from famous film scores. more...
Eagle Eye Soundtrack Review: Brian Tyler’s smart, thrilling score shows him at his best.
Category: Pop Music (general)
After becoming a notable figure in the industry for his thrilling action scores, Brian Tyler has solidified his role as one of Hollywood's best action composers. more...
Journey to the Center of the Earth Soundtrack: Review for Andrew Lockington's Delightful Score
Category: Pop Music (general)
Andrew Lockington is the new name to remember: 'Journey' is a thrilling orchestral ride from a talented up-and-coming composer. more...
Hellboy 2 Soundtrack Review: Classic Danny Elfman Fantasy Score
Category: Classical Music (general)
Despite its comparative lack of thematic consistency and accessibility, Hellboy II's score witnesses a return by Elfman to his classic days of Gothic grandeur. more...
'Kung Fu Panda' Soundtrack Review: Fun Ethnic Score from Zimmer and Powell
Category: Pop Music (general)
Hans Zimmer and John Powell have teamed up for the first time since 2000 ('The Road to El Dorado') and the result is an authentically ethnic and enjoyable score. more...
WALL-E Soundrack Review: Examining Thomas Newman's Latest Pixar Score
Category: Classical Music (general)
Thomas Newman's 'WALL-E,' is a mishmash of short cues, catchy rhythms, exotic instrumentation, and unrelated melodic ideas, but it's undeniably a lot of fun. more...
Category: Classical Music (general)
Danny Elfman has taken the film score world by surprise with his innovative soundtrack to Errol Morris' new documentary about the Abu Graihb atrocities. more...
Indiana Jones 4 Soundtrack: A Brief Look at the Newest John Williams Film Score
Category: Classical Music (general)
An analysis of John Williams' latest 'Indiana Jones' score, which features lots of old favorite themes and introduces a few new ones. more...
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