Although his fame and popular renown are held on his scores for more or less spectacular films -Krull (1983), Willow (1988) or Braveheart (1995)-, is on the movies with small budget and intimate ambient where James Horner show his real talent as film composer. It happens previously on The Man Without A Face or in Searching for Bobby Fischer, both from 1993, and now happens again with two of his latest scores: To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday and The Spitfire Grill. Horner's music for the latest is infused with a prominently pastoral and melancholic tone, with some country elements on his sound and aesthetics, winds of mahlerian aftertaste, and some very personal touches which melt on a very beautiful, elegant and well structured work. Horner's involvement and dedication to this score, on which he does not use his usual long-duration cues, is clear by the fact that not only he has compose the music, but also orchestrated, conducted and produced. The result is well worthy. For exquisite tasters, including all the usual detractors of the music of this american composer. M.A.F.

/ SONY SK62776 / 50'