This is an exquisite, string-dominated, varied score full of Italian warmth
and nostalgia. The opening track sets the mood with a surging melody that
passionately sings of caring and compassion (in Mussolini’s
Fascist-dominated Italy). Soon the piano enters to add a theme very reminiscent
of the popular style of previous successful Italian films like Cinema
Paradiso and Il Postino.
This is a film about civilised disobedience and stars Cher, Judi Dench, Joan
Plowright, Maggie Smith and Lily Tomlin a formidable barrage of feminine
acting talent. Therefore, the screenplay is seen through their eyes and the
harsher aspects, the military threat, is consequently more muted than would
be the case if this were an action film. The composers use just cold staccato
timpani beats and strings to achieve a necessary atmosphere of threat –
and very successfully too (composers who go over the top in their efforts
to achieve similar results might take note).
In addition to music of intrigue and suspense, which is minimal, the score
includes many forms. Associated with tea rooms we have elegant Viennese waltzes,
romantic tangos, and upbeat jazz and blues. We even have folk-song in the
shape of No John (No John, No) There is Italian-style pastoral music. Although
the album occasionally has its longeurs, they are outnumbered by many entrancing
tracks. I will mention just three. (But first, I must report that the majority
of tracks are given titles in Italian. Although the album lists 22 tracks,
when you come to play the CD you will notice there are in fact 23 - all very
confusing.) What I think is ‘Camicie nere agli Uffizi’ begins with
beautiful piano ripples and arpeggios as the music meanders serenely before
it modulates to allow the main theme to be stated very pensively. This
introspection is, in turn brushed aside by the inhumanity of the military
style material.
‘Tea Trolley’ begins dolefully with some interesting string writing,
violins and cellos in disconsolate opposition before a bluesy jazz influence
manifests itself. The music is still dragging its feet until a clarinet lets
light into the texture and the music takes flight. Then there is the breezy
spree of the ‘Autobus’ ride with muted trumpet standing in for
the motor horn. This is one of the very few cues allowing coloration from
the brass. It also includes saxophone, clearly this is a jolly ride.
Tea With Mussolini is the first release from First Night Soundtracks. We
wish them well and look forward to more releases of the same high quality
Reviewer
Ian Lace
OST
