Since obtained his last Academy Award, in 1990 for Dancing with Wolves, John Barry seems to want to bet sure and all his subsequent works, from Chaplin (1992) to Swept from the Sea (1997) going through The Scarlet Letter (1995) continues through an only sound path, absolutely unmistakable and which has granted to the British composer the deserved post and respect that occupies. But, at the same time, it results perilously monochord, and arrives a point in which results difficult to distinguish a score from another, such is the degree of similarity in many of its themes. Mercury Rising is not an exception, and even though there is a slight distancing with respect to previous works, using a sound with more edges of what is customary, there are space for the accustomed musical self-references. The quality of this music can not be denied, and its exquisite dramatic sense continues to be unique, but Barry should have to attempt new ways that, without let of being himself, permit him to reach new levels; though perhaps all is had to due the directors for which he works, that count on his so special sound. By the way, none of the themes that his very different colleague Carter Burwell composed in the last moment, at the requirements of the director and producer, have been included. A.L.

/ VARESE SARABANDE VSD-5925 / 34'