Simply Sensational, December 24, 2003

Thomas Newman is one of the best composers working in American film today, and this is probably his best score. Angels in America was going to be an achievement (as a film): The cast the director one of the greatest plays ever = masterpiece. That's due in large part to Newman's wonderful music.

I bought "Angels in America" not because I have seen the film, but simply because I love Thomas Newman's work. It absolutely gave me what I was hoping for.

It was the score for "Angels in America" that brought the HBO miniseries to my attention in the first place. I've been a stalwart fan of Thomas Newman's excellent film music for some time now, and when I first heard of the score for "Angels" I knew I'd have to hear it. I took a leap of faith and purchased the CD without having heard a note of it, and I have to say that the risk was well worth it.Newman's music for "Angels in America" is much like the miniseries itself -- at times whimsical, at times dramatic, at times serious but with a soft touch, it sets the tone perfectly. Newman's compostions here ride the fine line between hope and heartbreak, creating a memorable soundscape which can be listened to alone (as I first did), but also accompanies the action of the miniseries incredibly well. This is emotional, honest, and complex music for a complex story with powerful themes.While "Angels in America" is a unique score overall, it is also recognizably Thomas...