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First off, Jones summons up a dark introduction with tribal-like drums in "Gulliver Returns Home." An appropriately dark theme for Gulliver moans its way to the forefront here. Keeping in step that Gulliver's just a regular guy with sort of a dark future ahead of him, Jones makes this theme simple in structure but grand in impact. It arises on darn near every track and it is a welcome treat during each appearance. The theme is surprisingly energetic and versatile as it comes in many speeds and variations. Moving on, a more regal tune plays toward then end of "Finding a Giant." Both are complete polar opposites of each other and the contrast really works to the score's advantage. This gloriously "pompous" theme gets the red carpet treatment in "The Emperor's Palace." Jones's orchestrations are fresh and a joy to hear. It is one of the best pieces of music on the album.
A few action sequences dominate tracks 13, 14, and 15. Those listeners familiar with the thrilling action music Jones created for MERLIN will be pleased to hear a similar approach in "Battle of the Wasps." He has a great approach on scoring action and an immensely effective one due to the presence of his themes amongst the musical combat. Backtracking just a bit, I must mention the music encompassing the Lilliputian scenes (the little people). It is appropriately spritely and upbeat. Jones adds just a touch of the grandiose to illustrate Gulliver's noticeable size difference.
Gulliver's stay in the land of Laputa sparked Jones's imagination to create some ethnic sounding Asian music. This is a huge change from the surrounding material but it only furthers the diversity of the score. The most enjoyable use of this is in "The Empress Munodi." "Reverse the Lodestone!" bursts with personality and is a riveting listen. The next 5 or 6 tracks that follow are often brooding and, at times, unsettling. The last segment is my personal favorite; all in terms of the score, movie, and book. The segment of which I speak is when Gulliver happens upon the land run by the Houyhnhnms, who are an intelligent race of horses. The Gulliver theme gets more of an drawn-out, epic run during these parts. Perhaps the most distinctive element of this segment deals with the barbaric, human-like Yahoos. Tribal drums are mixed with a primitive note structure to convey the uncivilized nature of "The Yahoos."
"Everything Is True," to me is the best track on the entire release. Up until this point, we
have heard the Gulliver theme being played in the low minor range. However, Jones
arranges it into an uplifting version which really affects me. It was stupendous in its
original form, but the later revision jumps out and has remained indelible in my mind.
When a score can accomplish this the composer has been successful in his/her task to
entertain the listener. Trevor Jones does just this with GULLIVER'S TRAVELS. Like
Gulliver, we are led into unknown and challenging territory along our journey, but the
results at the end are worth the effort. YAHOO!!!
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