"Rome" is a show unlike any I have ever seen before. Coming from HBO, it's no surprise to see such quality since the network is widely hailed for offering quality programming that is far above the norm, with "The Sopranos" being the most popular of their ilk. However, the "Rome" series in particular can stand alone with any big screen component that you would find in theaters, let alone on the small screen -- including Tony Soprano's family. The series shows a side of Rome that is brutally engaging and doesn't shy away from the hard life that was present back then. The drama is also devilishly appealing and the 'cinematography' is quite vivid.
When dealing with such high a quality blend of storylines and visuals, it's imperative to have the music aligned as well. Jeff Beal, the composer of choice for recent HBO original series, comes through splendidly with music that is respectful of the time and place in which the story is set and also full of dramatic payoff that elevates the plot to higher levels.
In this soundtrack release, music from Season 1 is offered to the listener. The arrangement is nice as it offers a maximized listening experience without any detriment to the sequential order of the first season. For those who are familiar with the series, it's no surprise that the soundtrack opens with the opening titles from the show, which is catchy and subtle. Like much of the score, you won't find any unnecessary bombast nor will you find music that stretches over the top. Instead, you will find aptly placed themes like the 'sadness' motif (
Niobe's Fate) as well as regal melodies that are appropriately conceived, such as the
theme for Caesar. In every case, you cannot help but to notice the authenticity of the music. Similar to the show's concept, it comes across so honestly and that is something to appreciate.
On occasion, you'll find that dialogue has been mixed in during certain segments of the soundtrack. While normally I would scoff and voice my displeasure, I must also be flexible enough to give it a chance. Likewise, I have to be honest and say I rather enjoyed this element that was added to this score. The dialogue excerpts gave off what I felt was an epic vibe to the experience. That said, I am happy that the album producers didn't get carried away with this blend and burden an excellent score with tons of dialogue since the music is so rich that you'll want to hear it on its own.
I must also say that it wasn't until I heard Beal's score on its own that I fully realized how enjoyable the music truly is. Beal's work fits in so gracefully and naturally in the show that I didn't catch on to how exceptional it is until now. This is perhaps the best of both worlds as far as film and television music goes.
For all of you who have yet to experience the show itself, I would recommend that you find a way to do so. To soundtrack fans who are curious about this album, I can enthusiastically declare that this is a score that you will enjoy and appreciate. So as you can see, I am a big fan of the entire production of "Rome" and hope it lives on even after the series has concluded.
Final Score: Jeff Beal makes the streets of Rome come to life with music that is ripe with thematic content, dramatic value and authentic underscore. Definitely recommended.
