Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Patriot


The Patriot
(Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Music Composed and Conducted by
John Williams

Few scores capture the sweeping spirit of American history as powerfully as John Williams’ music for Roland Emmerich’s The Patriot (2000). Widely regarded as one of Williams’ most stirring works of the era, the score blends pastoral intimacy, rousing martial energy, and a distinctly American flavor to embody both the Revolutionary War’s personal stakes and its larger national ideals. Now, Renovatio Records proudly presents a newly expanded and remastered edition of this modern Williams classic, offering the most cohesive and narratively satisfying listening experience to date.

Released in 2000 by Columbia Pictures, The Patriot follows Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a widowed farmer and former soldier who reluctantly joins the fight for independence after the British army’s brutality devastates his family. Co-starring Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs, Joely Richardson, Tchéky Karyo, Chris Cooper, and Tom Wilkinson, the film was a box office success despite criticism over its historical liberties and perceived anti-British sentiment. Still, the movie was praised for its performances, cinematography, and, above all, John Williams’ commanding score, which earned him his 40th Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score—cementing its status as one of his defining works of the late 1990s.

Williams’ The Patriot stands as a masterclass in orchestral Americana. Drawing inspiration from Aaron Copland and William Billings, the composer interweaves two sweeping primary themes, a network of secondary motifs, and richly textured orchestrations to craft a score that is equal parts intimate and epic.

The album opens with the end credits concert suite “The Patriot,” introducing the score’s key ideas. Chief among them is the rousing central march, performed with strings, noble brass, martial snare drums, and delicate colors from fife. This Main Patriot Theme, a two-part construct with a soaring melody and a stately minor-line prelude, reflects both Benjamin Martin’s resolve and the revolutionary spirit of the colonials. Heard sparingly throughout the film, it achieves its full emotional power in the climactic stretch, driving sequences such as “Ann Recruits the Parishioners,” “Militia Warfare,” “Martin Rejoins the Troops,” and “Facing the British Lines,” before culminating triumphantly in “Yorktown and the Return Home.”

Complementing the march is the score’s emotional anchor: the Family/Love Theme, introduced in “The Patriot” by soloist Mark O’Connor’s expressive violin. A tender, folksy melody with subtle Celtic inflections, this theme finds its most poignant voice in “Ann and Gabriel,” underscoring the romance between Gabriel (Heath Ledger) and Ann (Lisa Brenner), though it also echoes moments of familial warmth. Williams gives this theme expressive variety throughout the score—from lush strings in “The Family Farm (Main Title)” to delicate intimacy in “Susan Speaks”—ensuring it remains a constant emotional throughline.

Counterbalancing these lyrical threads is the War Trauma Theme, a somber, chromatic trumpet elegy that underscores Martin’s haunted past and the devastating cost of war. First heard as Martin reflects on his sins in “The Family Farm (Main Title),” it resurfaces with tragic weight in “The Death of Thomas” and “The First Ambush,” as Martin’s bloodlust awakes to avenge his son, and takes center stage in the brooding “Remembering Fort Wilderness”, as Martin recounts the horrors he committed in the past. A desperate variation even punctuates the ferocious “Martin vs. Tavington,” underscoring the personal stakes of the climactic duel.

Adding further dimension is the American Cause Theme, a Copland-esque statement of hope and resilience, first emerging in the latter half of “The Patriot” and reprised throughout the score—sometimes as a clarinet solo, sometimes on noble French horns, as in “The Colonial Cause” and the soaring opening of “Yorktown and the Return Home.”

Williams’ action writing in The Patriot is among his most vigorous of the period, brimming with rhythmic propulsion, commanding brass, and inventive percussion. Tracks like “The First Ambush,” “Militia Warfare,” “Gabriel’s Last Fight,” and “Martin vs. Tavington” are driven by martial energy, with taut string ostinatos and timpani-and-snare-driven momentum, while cues like “The Parish Church Aflame” balance tension and somber gravity for some of the film’s darkest moments.

The score’s quieter passages are no less effective. The elegiac “The North Star,” the buoyant scherzo “To Charleston,” and reflective interludes such as “The Fall of Charleston” showcase Williams’ ability to balance grandeur with sensitivity, evoking both the scope of the conflict and the intimate human stories at its center.

Stylistically, The Patriot stands out as one of Williams’ most texturally rich works. Harpsichord and harp, tolling church bells, fife and fiddle lines, and his trademark brass chorales all evoke period authenticity while delivering cinematic sweep. Listeners may detect hints of Williams’ contemporaneous and earlier works—echoes of Amistad and Saving Private Ryan in the main theme’s intervals, the homespun string textures reminiscent of The Reivers, and the surging string lines and modernist touches that nod to Sleepers and The Lost World. Yet despite these familiar gestures, The Patriot feels strikingly fresh and distinct, a singular entry in Williams’ late-1990s body of work.

The original 2000 Hollywood Records album, running 72 minutes, reflected Williams’ typical approach, merging cues into suites and reprising the concert arrangement of “The Patriot” to create a satisfying, self-contained listening experience. While well-received, it omitted several cues and did not follow the film’s chronology. Later, La-La Land Records offered a comprehensive, multi-disc edition, presenting the complete score, alternates, and source music. While invaluable for completists, its sheer length—spanning nearly every recorded note—proved daunting for casual listeners.

Renovatio Records’ new 80-minute edition strikes the perfect balance. Featuring newly remastered audio, it begins with Williams’ suite “The Patriot” before presenting the score in a largely chronological sequence, allowing the dramatic arc to unfold naturally while retaining album cohesion. A must-have for collectors and fans alike, it offers the definitive way to experience one of Williams’ great late-career achievements.


Track listing:

1. The Patriot (6:39)
2. The Family Farm (Main Title) (3:03)
3. To Charleston (2:15)
4. The North Star (1:58)
5. The Fall of Charleston (3:59)
6. The Death of Thomas (4:59)
7. The First Ambush (3:23)
8. Ann Recruits the Parishioners (3:09)
9. The Colonial Cause (1:59)
10. Militia Warfare (3:41)
11. Remembering Fort Wilderness (2:45)
12. Ann and Gabriel (4:40)
13. Susan Speaks (2:47)
14. The Parish Church Aflame (3:02)
15. Gabriel's Last Fight (7:00)
16. Martin Rejoins the Troops (1:13)
17. Preparing for Battle (3:47)
18. Facing the British Lines (3:00)
19. Martin vs. Tavington (3:06)
20. Yorktown and the Return Home (5:28)

Total Running Time: 79:53






Size: 391.0 MB
Files type: FLAC Audio File [.flac]
Channels: 2 (stereo)
Sample Rate: 44.1 KHz
Sample Size: 16 bit
Bit Rate: 1,411 kbps


Cover Artwork:






Credits:

Music Composed and Conducted by John Williams

Produced by John Williams
Executive in Charge of Music for Centropolis Entertainment: Peter Afterman
Executive Producer for Renovatio Records: John M. Angier

Violin Solos by Mark O'Connor
Music Editor: Ken Wannberg
Music Recorded and Mixed by Shawn Murphy at Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City, CA
Assistant Engineer: Sue McLean
Music Preparation: Jo Ann Kane Music Service
Music Contractor: Sandy De Crescent
Scoring Crew: Mark Eshelman, Grant Schmitz, Patrick Weber, Peter Doell
Mastered by Patricia Sullivan FourStar at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood, CA
Album Sequencing: John M. Angier
Art Direction: Mira B. Ellis

Score Published by Colpix Music, Inc. admin by Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (BMI)
Mark O'Connor appears courtesy of Sony Classical
All recordings used under exclusive license from Centropolis Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Cue Assembly:

Track Title

Slate Number and Cue Title

1. The Patriot

End Credits

2. The Family Farm (Main Title)

1m3 The Family Farm

3. To Charlestown

1m5 The Letter Scene

4. The North Star

1m4 The North Star

5. The Fall of Charleston

2m1 Addressing the Assembly (Edited)

 

2m3Rev The Defeat at Charleston (Edited)

6. The Death of Thomas

9m1 Tavington’s Premature Charge

3m1 The Death of Thomas

3m1 (Insert) Into the Burning House

7. The First Ambush

2m6-7Alt Redcoats in the Cornfield (Alternate) (Edited)

3m2 The First Ambush (Edited)

3m3 After the Ambush

8. Ann Recruits the Parishioners

4m5A Ann's Speech in the Church

9. The Colonial Cause

4m3 Reading the War Map (Edited)

6m6Alt To Gullah Maroon (Alternate) (Edited)

10. Militia Warfare

4m9 Villeneuve's Training

9m2 Martin Sets the Trap (Edited)

9m2Alt Martin Sets the Trap (Alternate) (Edited)

11. Remembering Fort Wilderness

5m7 Remembering the Wilderness

4m8Alt Rough Fighter Recruited (Alternate) (Edited)

12. Ann and Gabriel

5m4 Ann and Gabriel

5m5 Ann and Gabriel Part 2

13. Susan Speaks

 

7m5 Family Farewells (Edited)

7m6 Susan Speaks

14. The Parish Church Aflame

7m8 The Burning of the Church

15. Gabriel’s Last Fight

5m6 Tavington's Ambush

8m1 The Avenging Gabriel (Edited)

8m2 Gabriel Mortally Wounded (Edited)

7m9 Burnt Out Church (Edited)

16. Martin Rejoins the Troops

8m6Alt Martin Rejoins the Troops

17. Preparing for Battle

8m7/8 Preparing for Battle

18. Facing the British Lines

9m2A The British Counter-Attack

19. Martin vs. Tavington

9m2B Martin vs. Tavington (Edited)

20. Yorktown and the Return Home

8m6 The Patriot Returns

9m4Rev On to Yorktown (Edited)



Motion picture artwork and photography © 2000 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Original Recordings ℗ 2000 Centropolis Entertainment, Inc. This compilation and cover artwork © 2025 Renovatio Records. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. For promotional use only.

Renovatio Records [0-01702-19110]

Monday, June 30, 2025

Kingdom of Heaven

 

Kingdom of Heaven
(Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Music Composed and Conducted by
Harry Gregson-Williams

Renovatio Records proudly presents a new edition of one of the most powerful epic scores of the 2000s: Kingdom of Heaven (2005), composed by Harry Gregson-Williams.

Directed by Ridley Scott, Kingdom of Heaven is a sweeping historical drama set during the Crusades of the 12th century. The film stars Orlando Bloom as Balian of Ibelin, a humble blacksmith who rises to knighthood and moral purpose in the defense of Jerusalem against the forces of the Saracen leader Saladin. The stellar ensemble cast includes Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, David Thewlis, Marton Csokas, Ghassan Massoud, and Edward Norton in a striking uncredited role as the leper king, Baldwin IV. With lavish production values, breathtaking cinematography by John Mathieson, and richly detailed world-building, Kingdom of Heaven was conceived as a grand epic in the tradition of Gladiator.

Yet upon its theatrical release, the film met a lukewarm critical reception. While praised for its visuals, performances, and action set pieces, it was faulted for uneven pacing and thin character development—issues largely attributable to the studio-mandated cuts. It wasn’t until the release of the extended Director’s Cut on home video that the film was properly reappraised. Running over three hours, Scott’s restored version was widely hailed as a deeper, more emotionally resonant and politically nuanced work. Today, the Director’s Cut is regarded as the definitive edition of the film—an ambitious meditation on faith, conscience, and the cost of peace.

When it came to the music, longtime Scott collaborator Hans Zimmer was initially attached to the project. However, Zimmer passed the assignment to his protégé Harry Gregson-Williams, who was then emerging as a major composer in his own right following Spy Game, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, and Man on Fire. It proved to be a career-defining opportunity. With Kingdom of Heaven, Gregson-Williams crafted what is arguably the finest score of his career—a work of sweeping orchestral drama, intricate choral writing, and deep thematic resonance.

At the heart of Gregson-Williams’ music lies a deeply conceptual framework. He created a vast network of leitmotifs tied to individual characters, ideological forces, and moral concepts. Few film scores of the era are this rigorously constructed—and even fewer were so tragically undermined in the final mix.

The main theme, often referred to as the “New World” theme, embodies the film’s central idea: the dream of a just and peaceful kingdom in the Holy Land, where Christians and Muslims coexist in harmony. This is articulated during the cue “A New World”, underscoring the dialogue when Balian’s father, Godfrey (Neeson), on his deathbed, defines the Kingdom of Heaven not as territory but as an idea rooted in conscience. This theme later emerges fully when Balian revitalizes the land inherited from his father, bringing water, life, and community to a barren landscape. The cue underscoring this sequence, “Ibelin”, expresses the theme at its most expansive and hopeful, representing a utopian moment when that dream seems attainable.

But as war and fanaticism take hold, the theme begins to wither. It becomes fragmented, appearing in reduced or subtle forms, mirroring the crumbling hope for peace. Its final intended statement comes during Balian’s surrender of Jerusalem to Saladin: a solemn, scaled-back version that communicates not defeat, but moral victory. Balian has upheld his father’s charge by protecting the people. Gregson-Williams’ music underscores this beautifully—though, tragically, in the final theatrical mix, the cue was replaced by Marco Beltrami’s music from Blade II, undercutting the thematic payoff the composer had so carefully constructed.

The score also explores the character of Balian through two distinct musical identities. Early in the film, Balian is associated with a somber, introspective theme reflecting his grief, humility, and inner conflict (as heard in “Burning the Past”). However, when he inherits his father’s title, mission, and moral compass, he also inherits his father’s theme (which is introduced in the cue “I’m Your Father”). This second theme becomes Balian’s as he embraces the knightly virtues of service, courage, and sacrifice. Its first application to Balian occurs not when he claims to be the new Baron of Ibelin, but when he is recognized as such by Godfrey’s men in Jerusalem (in the cue “My Lord”). From that point on, the two themes evolve in parallel, culminating in their confluence during the siege of Jerusalem. The most poignant musical synthesis of these identities occurs in “Rise a Knight”, which accompanies Balian’s knighting of the city’s defenders. It’s a scene of spiritual and narrative weight—and the music matches it with elegiac dignity. Sadly, this cue was also replaced in the final film with music from Jerry Goldsmith’s The 13th Warrior, robbing the scene of its thematic and emotional resonance.

Beyond its central themes, the score weaves in a wide array of motifs reflecting the film’s broader sociopolitical landscape. The Christian Faith theme appears both in moments of private introspection—such as Balian’s visit to Golgotha during the first part of the track “The King of Jerusalem”—and as a larger emblem of Christendom during the city’s defense.

Two military motifs also gain prominence: the Crusaders’ theme (heard in the track “Crusaders”) and the more sinister Templar motif (heard in the second part of “Rape and Pillage”), the latter growing in intensity as the fanatical Guy de Lusignan rises to power. By the time the army marches to the ill-fated Battle of Hattin (“To War”), the Templar theme has overpowered the Crusaders’—a chilling musical metaphor for the hijacking of religious ideals by extremism. These dynamic, shifting relationships between motifs add a rich political subtext to the score, reflecting the tension between true faith and institutional violence.

Vocals, too, play a central role. The score features Latin choral writing, solo Eastern voices, and ethereal vocals by artists like Natacha Atlas, weaving together Christian and Muslim musical traditions. The instrumentation is equally diverse, from large symphonic passages to Turkish percussion, electric strings, and regional woodwinds, all combining to give the music a grounded cultural authenticity. The standout cue “The Battle of Kerak” exemplifies this blend, with the percussion shifting in tone and instrumentation depending on whether Christian or Saracen forces dominate the scene.

Despite the brilliance of Gregson-Williams’ score, its fate in the final mix was deeply unfortunate, as often happens in Ridley Scott productions. Beyond the cues replaced by music from films like The 13th Warrior, The Crow, Hannibal, and Blade II, the film was riddled with last-minute edits, abrupt music replacements, and odd re-sequencing of cues. Some pieces were even used three or four times, while others were stripped of context or cut entirely. As a result, the musical narrative Gregson-Williams so carefully crafted—especially his use of recurring themes—was rendered incoherent in the final cut.

The original Sony Classical commercial album, though well-produced, prioritized musical cohesion over narrative structure. Many highlights were left out entirely, and the full dramatic arc of the score was lost. Our Renovatio Records edition seeks to rectify this. Carefully curated and remastered, this new release offers a fuller, more faithful representation of Gregson-Williams’ original vision. It restores crucial unreleased material and restructures the album to better reflect the score’s narrative logic, giving new life to a score that has long deserved a more complete and thoughtful release.

Kingdom of Heaven remains one of the most ambitious and emotionally grounded historical epics of its era—and Harry Gregson-Williams’ score is a crucial part of its legacy. With this release, we invite listeners to rediscover—or experience for the first time—one of the great scores of the early 21st century in all its spiritual and cinematic power.


Track listing:

1. France, 1186 (1:21)
2. Burning the Past (2:45)
3. I Am Your Father (2:42)
4. Swordplay (2:03)
5. Crusaders (1:39)
6. Messina (1:19)
7. A New World (4:21)
8. To Jerusalem (1:35)
9. My Lord (3:32)
10. The King of Jerusalem (4:30)
11. Ibelin (2:07)
12. Sibylla (1:52)
13. The Battle of Kerak (5:42)
14. Terms (3:52)
15. The King is Dead (3:05)
16. Rape and Pillage (5:17)
17. To War (3:25)
18. Rise a Knight (2:42)
19. The Siege Begins (3:27)
20. Siege Towers (3:39)
21. Wall Breached (4:11)
22. Everything (5:22)
23. Path to Heaven (1:35)
24. Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise) (2:10) - Featuring Natacha Atlas

Total Running Time: 74:13





Size: 382.4 MB
Files type: FLAC Audio File [.flac]
Channels: 2 (stereo)
Sample Rate: 44.1 KHz
Sample Size: 16 bit
Bit Rate: 1,411 kbps


Cover Artwork:






Credits:

Music Composed and Conducted by Harry Gregson-Williams

Produced by Harry Gregson-Williams and Peter Cobbin
Music Supervisor: Marc Streitenfeld
Executive Producer for Renovatio Records: John M. Angier
Executive in Charge of Music for Twentieth Century Fox: Robert Kraft
Music Supervised for Twentieth Century Fox by Michael Knobloch
Score Production Coordinator for Twentieth Century Fox: Rebecca Morellato
Fox Music Business Affairs: Lance Grode and Dale Melidosian

Recorded and Mixed by Peter Cobbin at Abbey Road Studios
Orchestrated by Harry Gregson-Williams and Alastair King
Score Coordinator: Becky Bentham for HotHouse Music Ltd.
Additional Music: Stephen Barton
Assistant Engineers: Richard Lancaster and David Walter
Protools Programmer: Simon Changer
Assistant Music Editors: tom Chichester-Clark, Chris Benstead
Conductor of The King's Consort: Robert King
Musicians Contractor: Isobel Griffiths Ltd.
Music Preparation: Dakota Music
Music Recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Air Studios, London
Music Mixed at Abbey Road Studios, London
Mastered by Simon Gibson at Abbey Road Studios
Album Sequencing: John M. Angier
Art Direction: Mira Ellis

Featured Musicians:
The London Session Orchestra
Orchestra Leader: Gavyn Wright
The Bach Choir
Choir of The King's Consort
Fretwork (Consort of Viols)

Kardeş Türküler: Diler Ozer Efe, Selda Ozturk Yildirim, Feryal Akkaya, Vedat Yildirim, Riza Okcu

Hurdy Gurdy: Nigel Eaton
Electric Violin: Hugh Marsh
Electric Cello: Martin Tillman
Woodwinds: Richard Harvey
Lute: Jacob Herringman
Featured Vocalist: Lisbeth Scott
Sopranos: Catherine Bott, Nicole Tibbles
Counter Tenor: Iestyn Davies
Ethnic/Tribal Drums: Paul Clarvis, Frank Ricotti, Dawson Miller, Tim Garside, Hussein Zahawy, Mercan Dede
Campfire Vocal: Brian Gulland
Oud: Yurdal Tokan
Arabic Singer: Abdelkader Harir
Qanun: Goksel Baktagir
Kemence: Neva Ozgen

Original Film Score Published by Fox Film Music Corp. (BMI)


Cue Assembly:

Track Title

Cue Title

1. France 1186

France 1186

2. Burning the Past

Burning the Past

3. I Am Your Father

I Am Your Father

4. Swordplay

After Godfrey (Alternate 2)

Swordplay (Alternate 1) (Edited)

5. Crusaders

Crusaders (Edited)

Path to Heaven (Edited)

6. Messina

Religion

To Messina

7. A New World

Godfrey Dies

New World

8. To Jerusalem

To Jerusalem

9. My Lord

My Lord (Edited)

Sibylla Visits (Edited)

My Lord (Edited)

10. The King

Golgotha

The King (Edited)

The Pilgrim Road

11. Ibelin

Ibelin

12. Sibylla

Washing (Edited)

Two Faces (Edited)

Washing (Edited)

13. The Battle of Kerak

Kerak Castle (Edited)

Battle of Kerak (Alternate 1)

14. Terms

King Dead (Edited)

Terms (Edited)

Leprocy (Edited)

15. The King is Dead

Kind Dead (Alternate)

16. Rape and Pillage

Ship Wrecked (Edited)

Rape and Pilage (Edited)

Caravan Road (Edited)

17. To War

Desert Thirst (Edited)

Kill the Messenger (Edited)

To War (Edited)

18. Rise a Knight

Rise a Knight

19. The Siege Begins

Fireballs

Almaric’s Peerage (Edited)

Templar Fight (Edited)

20. Siege Towers

Haircut

Flag Up (Edited)

Battle of Kerak (Alternate 2) (Edited)

Battle of Kerak (Alternate 3) (Edited)

21. Wall Breached

Leprocy (Edited)

Door Into Jerusalem

22. Everything

Muslin Jerusalem (Alternate)

Everything

Smelly Wood

23. Path to Heaven

Chorale

24. Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise)

Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise)


Motion picture artwork, Photos and Fox Trademarks and Logos TMs and © 2005 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. This compilation and cover artwork © 2025 Renovatio Records. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. For promotional use only.

Renovatio Records [0-01702-19085]