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| Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World | 
 enlarge | Artists: Christopher Gordon, Richard Tognetti
Creators: Iva Davies, Paul Bettany, James D'arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin, Max Pirkis, Jack Randall (ii), Max Benitz, Lee Ingleby, Richard Pates, Robert Pugh, Richard Mccabe, Ian Mercer, Tony Dolan, David Threlfall, Billy Boyd, Bryan Dick, Joseph Morgan, George Innes, William Mannering
Label: Decca
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $9.85
You Save: $9.13 (48%)
Buy New/Used from $6.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  (48 reviews)
Sales Rank: 2257
Format: Soundtrack
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 000157402
UPC: 028947539827
EAN: 0028947539827
ASIN: B0000DG07D
Release Date: November 11, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces November 8, 2006
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
The soundtrack for Master and Commander contains two distinct types of music. First there is the incidental music for the film. These pieces are heavy on the bass side of the orchestra and are often emphasized with bass drums and tympani. This music is very effective and appropriate for the scenes in the film, and I commend the composers for making a soundtrack that so seemlessly and effortlessly invokes the moods and excitement of the visuals. Unfortunately, these pieces are quite moody and slow moving - great as incidental music but not so interesting to listen to as straight orchestral music.
The second type of music is much more enjoyable to listen to. Those that have seen the film know there are several scenes in which people are playing music - for example, Aubrey and Maturin in the captain's cabin performing a cello-violin duet, or the sailors on deck playing sea shanties on tin whistles. The pieces chosen for the film range from Bach to traditional folk music, and are a welcome addition to the soundtrack. The performances are very good (including a cello solo by Yo Yo Ma), and the recording quality is excellent. Deserving special mention is the Boccherini piece (La Musica Notturna Delle Strada di Madrid), which serves as a second unofficial theme song for the movie. The piece itself is presented in its entirety, and there is a callback to the piece in the incidental music as well, which is a welcome ray of levity in an otherwise oppressive piece.
People purchasing this disc run the real risk of being disappointed - the incidental music works so well in the context of the film that you are likely to think (as I did) that the music is itself worth listening to alone. Unfortunately, I don't find this is the case, but the classical music that is included makes this a soundtrack worth having, especially for the Boccherini piece.
Great classical music accompanies bland original score September 27, 2006
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
The original music to this film is dull, repetitive, and only offers the hint of good music at certain points during it's lengthy tracks. But what about all the good music you heard in the film? That was all classical music, which was used in the film incredibly well. There are three tracks in particular that save this album. The piece by Corelli is used as something the captain and doctor play together. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of baroque music of which I am aware. A second piece, Vaughn Williams "Fantasia" is the piece heard when the crewmen have to cut the line that might save their friend who fell overboard. It's a tragic scene and accompanied perfectly by the heart-breakingly glorious piece. The original piece of music is quite a bit longer than the version on the CD, but the original version also tends to drag a little in places. All the best parts are on the version of the piece in the film. The third classical piece from the album that saves it is the cello solo by Bach that plays as a theme for the galapagos islands. This solo is performed perfectly by Yo Yo Ma. These tracks make the album worth purchasing. If you already have them, avoid the album because the rest is not very enjoyable. If you wonder about this one, watch the film and listen for the music. It speaks well for itself in the film.
 Can't help it, disappointed September 6, 2006
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
I fell in love with the Boccherini piece when I heard it in the movie, and bought the soundtrack mainly for it, but what you get on the CD is a very short arrangement and not very satisfying. It was also a disappointment to find that the soundtrack doesn't include the end titles music from the movie, which I enjoyed. It's still a good CD for listening, just not what I hoped for.
 CD takes you back to the movie! August 18, 2006
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Thoroughly enjoyed the music while watching this terrific movie, and of course Russell Crowe, listening to the CD provides the same thrills.
Excellent blend of classical and modern flair. July 13, 2006
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This music is brilliant. No matter what mood you're in when you start listening, by the end you'll be tapping your toes! I've listened to this CD so much, I've started whistling various tunes while at work. I highly recommend this CD, not just for the beautiful string pieces, but also for the excellent use of percussion in the original score. Perfect for anyone!
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