The Illusionist [Soundtrack]

Minimalist composer Philip Glass created a dark and haunting score for the film "The Illusionist." This soundtrack is beautiful with a certain gloaming quality that accents the dark nature of the film. Glass's music is very full; he is usually noted to be a minimalist. However, there does not seem to be anything minimal about this soundtrack. Glass utilizes a full orchestra to achieve the full and rich sound of this soundtrack. The almost ever-present nature of the violin in this piece brings a dark and haunting quality to accent a plot of deceit and deception.

This album creates an ambiance that fits perfectly with the film and may set an interesting mood if played at a candle lit dinner party. "The Illusionist" soundtrack is quite an accomplishment for Glass and is already being praised as one of his finest pieces to date. This is not an orchestra piece that moves from one emotional ambiance to another. This is a soundtrack of dread. It creates a sort of wicked anticipation and is beautifully razor sharp in its focus.

The complexity of this score is rousingly beautiful and deeply moving. This is a dark piece for a dark film, yet it is genius in its intensity. The soundtrack does tend to brighten toward the end. There is still a foreboding tone to the brightness and it is this sort of complexity that makes this album so lovely. Philip Glass has really done something admirable in the creation of this stirring piece of music and he should certainly be a contender come Oscar season.