Transsiberian/
Princesas
Alfonso de Villalonga
Caldera Records is proud to present two original scores by Spanish composer Alfonso de Vilallonga for the first time on CD: Transsiberian is a tough, edgy thriller by acclaimed director Brad Anderson (The Machinist, The Call) which was well-received by both critics and audiences alike. The movie stars Emily Mortimer and Woody Harrelson as a couple who travels from China to Moscow only to get involved in a dangerous drug smuggling crime, making their holiday to a fight for survival. For Transsiberian, Vilallonga wrote a moody, dark and yet at times surprisingly tender and melodic score for orchestra and solo-musicians like the cello which is featured prominently with virtuous solos.
Coupled with Transsiberian is the music for the well-known Spanish production Princesas about the friendship of two prostitutes and their struggle in both their lives and their profession. Vilallonga provides them with a tender main theme which receives its variations throughout the whole score with solos by piano, violin, cello, clarinet and accordion. Vilallonga, whose most famous project is the silent black and white-movie Blancanieves, is at the top of his game with these two original works which deserve to be heard on CD. As with every release of Caldera Records, the album features an exclusive audio commentary by the composer who talks about his career and his musical approach. The seventh production of Caldera Records features a detailed booklet-text by Gergely Hubai and elegant artwork by Luis Miguel Rojas. The CD was produced by Stephan Eicke and John Elborg.
C6007
Music Composed by Alfonso de Vilallonga
Album Produced by Stephan Eicke
Executive Producers for Caldera Records: John Elborg, Stephan Eicke
Album Art Direction and Design: Luis Miguel Rojas
Transsiberian
1. Vladivostok (2:22)
2. All Aboard (1:22)
3. Walk and Talk (3:00)
4. Bad Girl Past (1:11)
5. Church Kiss (1:45)
6. Heroin (1:43)
7. I Will Keep an Eye (0:50)
8. You Can Never Go Back (1:12)
9. Problems With the Truth (1:54)
10. Irkutzk (0:58)
11. I Will Still Love You (0:50)
12. Let’s Go Chase (5:10)
13. I Need to See Her (1:21)
14. Abby’s Dream (1:48)
Princesas
15. Spilled Coffee (1:06)
16. Cuchillos (1:32)
17. Hotel (1:01)
18. Maltratada (2:37)
19. Cuento (Original) (2:30)
20. Voluntario (2:07)
21. Cuento (Mar) (1:46)
22. Analisis (Guitarra) (2:26)
23. Cuento (Aeropuerto) (2:31)
24. Cuento (Final) (2:00)
25. Cuento (Cuerda) (1:59)
26. Cuento (Piano) (1:54)
Bonus:
27. Audio Commentary by Alfonso de Vilallonga (6:51)
Reviews
“Both “Transsiberian” and “Princesas” are immersive score – the former more so. “Transsiberian” is a brooding work, dominated by strings and woodwinds, often performing in the lower registers. “Princesas” is more colourful, with a more prominent role for piano and guitars, but still takes an understated approach to the film. As such, it is an album that requires (and deserves) your time. It’s not one for instant musical gratification, but it is one that gets under your skin.”
Synchrotones.com
“For Transsiberian, Vilallonga wrote a moody, dark and yet at times surprisingly tender and melodic score for orchestra and solo-musicians like the cello which is featured prominently with virtuous solos. Coupled with Transsiberian is the music for the well-known Spanish production Princesas about the friendship of two prostitutes and their struggle in both their lives and their profession. Vilallonga provides them with a tender main theme which receives its variations throughout the whole score with solos by piano, violin, cello, clarinet and accordion. Vilallonga, whose most famous project is the silent black and white-movie Blancanieves, is at the top of his game with these two original works which deserve to be heard on CD.”
JMHDigital.com
“It is simple and beautiful. Vilallonga shows two sides with a dark orchestral score, enhanced by sumptous cello solos and presents a warm melody in the second score. The quality of the label remains high.”
Underscores.fr
“Alfonso de Vilallonga’s scores for Transsiberian and Princesas would probably have passed most English speaking score lover’s attention if it weren’t for the sterling work done here by Caldera Records. Coupling the two short score on one CD is one that works incredibly well, especially as they’re both beautiful soundtracks in their own right. The approach Vilallonga took for both films is very different, but both have heartbreakingly beautiful themes.”
ReviewGraveyard.com
“I will definitely mark this as one of the most honestly tender scores I have heard. The composer does a great job of setting this atmosphere and making us care.”
SoundtrackDreams.com
“‘Voluntario’ is a pure guitar theme and actually the best piece of music I’ve heard so far.”
SoundtrackGeek.com