To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what this 2003 film by Marco Cercaci is about (the reason being that the liner notes are in Italian, which I don't understand). It's obviously the story about a priest of some sort, and his relationship to a young boy. As such, the music reflects a certain dignity and humility.

It is basically a mono-thematic score. The main "Giovanni Race" theme pops up in various guises throughout the album, performed by solo instruments such as piano, strings and woodwinds. The latter version ("Titoli de Tista") is probably the most effective, as the instrument already has "ecclesiastical" connotations tied to it. It is certainly a very haunting theme and may very well be Werba's most memorable melody to date. A bit sad, yet dignified and reflective.

The theme gets a full orchestral statement in the last track ("Titoli di Coda"), where all solo instruments get together for the first and last time. It's a nice way to wrap up the album.

In addition to Werba's score, there are also several tracks by Johann Sebastian Bach, mainly excerpts from his sonatas. This is of course very appriopriate for a "church-based" film, and they make for pleasant breaks from the various versions of the same theme. The organ performance by Adrian Vasilache is also good, but the sound quality of these tracks is a bit distant and muffled, as if they had limited recording equipment in the church.

The album only lasts about 28 minutes, but it's the perfect length for a mono-thematic score like this, and it's arguably Werba's most rewarding album experience to date. On the downside is a certain skimpiness in the artwork department. There are several typos, some inconsequential text layout and generally a bit "messy". It makes it look a little more home-made than it should, but this is a common feature in low-budget, "independent" fare like this.

BUYING OPTIONS:

Go to www.hexacord.com

CD INFO:

Prod. nr.: Hexacord SP-02

Music composed, orchestrated and conducted by:

Marco Werba

* performed by Adrian Vasilache and the Roma Chamber Orchestra

Recorded and mixed at:

Film Music Art Studio (Preto)

Solo Performers:

Violincello: Sonia Romano

Violin: Antonio Pellegrino

Piano: Marco Werba

 Licensed by:

 SINFONICA Edizioni Musicali