Sergio Moure de Oteyza has been writing music for TV and film since the mid-1990, s. During this time the composer has built up a reputation for creating melodic and haunting scores that support and enhance the images on screen. Recently the composer has compiled a double compact disc of his Film Music Works-2005-2017, this is in my opinion a highly entertaining and rewarding listen, it is not only filled to overflowing with some of the most luscious and mesmerising themes, but it also contains some beautifully dark and dramatic musical moments, which although at times are foreboding and slightly sinister still hold the listeners attention via the vibrant thematic qualities that they possess. The compilation comprises of selections from ten scores all of which are varied and attractive. The collection opens with four selections from LOBOS SUCUIOS (THE DIRTY WOLVES).
This gripping drama was released in 2015, directed by Simon Cassal, the story is set in Spain in 1944, Nazi military who are working closely with Franco’s forces have taken control of a wolfram mine, their aim is to manufacture weapons. The mine is worked by political captives and labourers from the are in which the mine is located. The prisoners hatch a plan to seize the wolfram and send it to the allied forces so that they can use it on the Nazi’s. However, they know that they cannot do this alone, so they enlist the aid of a local miner and a single Mother, Manuela. She is given the job of getting information from the German Commander, who has become fond of her. The composers score underlines and punctuates the tense and apprehensive atmosphere of the storyline, heightening the uncertainty of what the prisoners intend to do, but it also works well as an enhancement to the beautiful forest scenery in which the movie is set, and also the theme for MANUELA, which is a delicate and tender piano solo. The music for the movies more quieter moments is poignant and emotive, at times becoming lush sounding with strings accompanying solo piano that purveys a fragile but at the same time dark aura. There are also some interesting percussive moments within the score, these can be heard in track number three on the compilation, THE PLOT, with the composer combining both percussion with sinister strings that are embellished by a rather threatening sounding guitar.
The next selection of themes are taken from the 2015, horror/Sc-fi movie EXTINCTION, the music here is for the most part of a dark and virulent sounding variety, but the composer again still infuses touches of melodious passages, adding little nuances that are attractively inviting and a welcome respite within a score that is predominately action orientated, the orchestration on this work is interesting, the composer utilizing the string section to great effect on occasion. THE SEIGE is a fast-paced piece from the offset with swirling strings driving forward aided by percussion and timpani, with underlying brass making its presence felt via its ominous sounding support. I think the highlight cue from this score must be track number eight on the compilation, A NEW HOME is an almost celestial sounding piece with voices and strings, setting the scene for a highly emotional composition, which can be likened to an adagio that has operatic leanings. The next two tracks are taken from the 2013 movie SOMOS GENTA HONRADA (HERES THE DEAL), a comedy starring Miguel Angel Blanca and Juan Cruz, it was directed by filmmaker, Alejandro Marzoa, being a comedy the music here is more light and of an easy going nature, at times the lilting guitar, and the use of female solo voice evoked memories of the music of composers such as De Angelis and Morricone, except it has a more contemporary style within it.
TESIS SOBRE UN HOMICIDIO (2013) is represented next with three cues, the composer fusing both symphonic with synthetic sounds and colours to achieve a knife edge atmospheric score, which compliments and supports the movies plot throughout, it is a richly dark and somewhat disturbing sound that we experience with this score, Directed by Herman Goldfrid, it focuses upon Roberto Bermudez who is a specialist in criminal law, he is convinced that one of his students is responsible for a brutal homicide, which he thinks warrants an investigation, but it is an investigation that Bermudez becomes obsessed with. The composer creates a musical accompaniment for the central character and underpins the action with a soundtrack that is for the most downbeat and understated a style that works wonderfully.
Music from the 2012 mystery/thriller EL CUERPO (THE BODY) is next and in my humble opinion I think that this is one of the composers finest scores, its mysterious musical elements mix with a style that is romantic and darkly vibrant, this for me just says masterful scoring, it is up there with scores such as BASIC INSTINCT and BODYHEAT, it oozes charism and class and has a mesmeric quality. FINAL is a cue that brings together many of the thematic parts of the score, an overture of sorts I suppose, it is just gloriously sophisticated and attractive. THE GAZE OF THE STONES is the final selection from EL CUERPO, a vocal which too is filled with sophistication and refinement, the female vocalist Paula Sendim Santiro, being superbly supported by a down beat accompaniment which comprises of strings and laid-back percussion. One word to describe this, SUPERB.
The remainder of the first disc comprises of selections from the 2012 Spanish drama, TODO ES SILENCIO and the 2012 thriller RETORNOS, both scores are filled to overflowing with shadowy musical passages, that are affective as well as being affecting, but again the composer creates some beautiful moments along the way, in TODO ES SILENCIO particularly, there is a Barry-esque style present at times. But both works include nice piano work and utilization of the string and wood sections.
The second disc opens with LOBOS DE ARGA (GAME OF WEREWOLVES). This is my absolute favourite score by Sergio Moure, it is just crammed full of everything a good horror/comedy/thriller score should have. Dark pounding piano, horns that rasp and growl, choir, female wordless voice, percussion that booms out and strings that are sinewy and strident, driving timpani and just about everything else. So, it’s good, well I certainly think so. One thing wrong with the selections from this movie, there are not enough of them on the compilation, so that’s why I brought the whole soundtrack, which is also available. The remainder of this compilation is excellent, it is a film music fans dream come true, each section from the respective movies are outstanding, it is a compilation that I know once purchased will be returned to so many times, I urge you to buy this because your collection will poorer without it. The other movies represented are SECUESTRADOS, UN BUEN HOMBRE, INCONSCIENTES, MAYON VOLCANO, TIME ROJAK, RAILWAY TO HEAVEN, LA BATALLA DESCONOCIDA, IGUANA HUNTER and ABSENT. Just go buy it, A.S.A.P.
MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL. (MMI) . 