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this medieval sounding piece is a bonus to the CD and never featured in the film but in the way that exceptions often prove a rule it in neatly encapsulates what the score is all about. The Gregorian chants that appear from time to time may seem the obvious way to go with such a creation and are used sparingly and never feel contrived or false.

The music in many ways goes beyond just colouring the film but underscores the meanings contained with in it, a transfer of emotion from screen to viewer by use of the score. What Zimmer does so well here is use restraint, instead of resolving the emotions that are invoked by the music, he keeps pulling the listener in and like the film you always think that you are on the edge of an important revelation, waiting for the music to suddenly burst open in glory and light. But it is not until the end of the film that this is delivered where it acts as a sort of conclusion to the work, here " Chevaliers De Sangreal" has a lightness and warmth that most of the previous numbers don't contain and parallels the resolutions of the films subject matter.

This is a highly atmospheric tapestry of elegantly woven themes, but will the music stand the test of time and rank along side such soundtrack legends as 'The Lion in Winter' and 'The Omen', with which it has to compete? Well, no although that's not to say that it's not a great piece of work. The nature of the film almost dictates that the music would never get the chance to be as ear catching and memorable as some of Zimmer's other work. But it does the job well both as part of the film and as something to relax to in the home. Even if you are not a fan of the book or the film, this is one part of the ongoing saga that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Learn more about this author, Dave Franklin.
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