Secret Weapons Over Normandy Original Soundtrack Recording

	Album Title: Secret Weapons Over Normandy Original Soundtrack Recording
	Record Label: La-La Land Records
	Catalog No.: LLLCD-1013
	Release Date: December 30, 2003
	Purchase: Buy at Amazon

Overview

Michael Giacchino is a name familiar to many video game fanatics. His scores for the Lost World video game and Medal of Honor series have been very successful. He subsequently entered the television world with Alias and the Hollywood scoring business with The Incredibles. Shortly prior to recording the latter, Giacchino returned to Seattle to record the war game Secret Weapons Over Normandy with the Northwest Sinfonia, a 25-piece choir, and a Taiko drum ensemble.

Body

The Secret Weapons Over Normandy Original Soundtrack Recording comprises two discs. The first disc consists of the 15 primary scenarios and the main overture. The second disc features abbreviated bits and pieces that appear throughout segments of the game, plus supplements including QuickTime composer interviews playable on your PC or Mac.

The opening “Main Title” is impressive and reminiscent of John Williams’ Americana scores (as featured in his recent American Journey). Giacchino’s score goes even further back, reaching for the kind of 1941 / Midway feel that makes it instantly accessible. Many of the orchestral gestures are out of that Copland / Harris / William Schumann school of Americana.

There is a lot of action music to keep your blood pumping during the score. These ideas are effectively offset by many longer, lyrical themes. Meanwhile gorgeous moments in “Zauara” and “The Rescue of Pauline” are reminiscent of some of the love music in the Indiana Jones series.

Summary

It’s hard to believe that this music was featured in a video game from 2003, given its production values are equivalent to many high budget films. This score is one of the highlights of Michael Giacchino’s career and is highly recommended for fans of his video game and film works alike.

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