My favorite Christmas Present

I Loved this movie. I saw it with my fiance and his parents, and of course, everyone made fun of me 'cause I cried. So as soon as the CD came out, I wanted it. Unfortunately, I had to wait 'til Christmas, but I got the movie too, so it was okay. Now I can cry on my own whenever I want.

My favorite part about this soundtrack is that the music is almost entirely instrumental, which is so atypical with movies these days. Being a music student, I am naturally a fan of instrumental and classical music. And although this isn't technically classical, most people know what I mean when I say it has that "classical sound."

The best part about instrumental music is that it can really touch you in a way that modern "pop" styles can't... it is that wordless expression of the soul that speaks directly to us and can convey an event, an emotion, the thoughts and feelings of hundreds of people, as if you were really there... in a way that no other language can. I guess that it is the reason why James Horner (the composer/conductor) was reluctant to include any vocal music at all. The instrumental music really conveys the time and the situation in a profound and refreshing manner.

The music itself is absolutely spectacular... the kind of music you can sit down on a soft couch with the lights down low, and completely immerse yourself in. The composer, Mr. Horner, wrote the music for each situation in the movie with the painting of the scenes in mind. He rewrote the story in music, and you can relive the movie again and again through the music.

In short, this CD is wonderful, and I encourage classical and non-classical music lovers alike to get your hands on this CD, and listen to how it can change your perspective on history.