Track Listing

1. The Patriot - Mark O'Connor/John Williams
2. The Family Farm
3. To Charleston
4. The Colonial Cause
5. Redcoats At The Farm And The Death Of Thomas
6. Ann Recruits The Parishoners
7. Preparing For Battle
8. Ann And Gabriel
9. The First Ambush And Remembering The Wilderness
10. Tavington's Trap
11. The Burning Of The Plantation
12. Facing The British Lines
13. The Parish Church Aflame
14. Susan Speaks
15. Martin Vs. Tavington
16. Yorktown And The Return Home
17. The Patriot (Reprise)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9233 in Music
• Released on: 2000-06-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack

Amazon.com
Though Hollywood has long had a love affair with historical epics, it has sorely shortchanged America's own most compelling chapter, the War of Independence. And if this tale of a retiring Colonial hero whose family gets drawn into the war against the British has no shortage of production ironies--being helmed by a German director and starring Australian-raised Mel Gibson--its score is a solid, stirring effort by American John Williams. Largely eschewing typical bombastic epic fodder for a mostly understated score rich in his distinctive writing for brass and strings, Williams's music seeks out the story's emotional underpinnings as much as its battle-scarred action sequences. The haunting main theme here begins as a Celtic-flavored reel for guitar and violin, then wells into strings, martial drumbeats, and full-bodied brass. Much as he did for the Oscar-nominated Saving Private Ryan, Williams paints a mature, alternately abstract and pastoral portrait of armed conflict, often as not reinventing the genre's heroic traditions as he goes. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Wow!
The first track of this CD is absolutely amazing. Mark O'Connor's violin playing is sublime. I'm only sorry that it took me so long to come across this masterpiece by John Williams. Yes, people know about Star Wars and Jurassic Park, but this score is equally moving and triumphant. One of my new favorites!

John Williams at his best yet again...
John Williams, known for so many soundtracks of great, block-buster movies, never seems to lose his stride for writing powerful compostitions. The music to The Patriot is emotionally moving to one's spirit within as well as moving to the spirit of patriotism for our country. Highly recommended listening!

Great Soundtrack...just try not to love it...
As usual, John Williams has created a very special soundtrack. It's so patriotic sounding that you can't help but love it. Especially Track number 4 (The Colonial Cause). That is w/o a doubt one of the most impactful orchestral pieces that I have ever heard. Great job Mr. Williams....great job.