Our new release features the score for the 2010 action period film Robin Hood, composed by Marc Streitenfeld. In this reimagining of the classic tale, acclaimed director Ridley Scott brings a distinctive vision to a familiar narrative. Led by Russell Crowe in the iconic role of Robin Hood, the film takes a fresh approach by delving into Robin Longstride's involvement in the Crusades and the resulting power vacuum in England after King Richard the Lionheart's demise. Robin, a skilled archer in King Richard's army, becomes entangled in the political machinations of the time as Prince John, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, seizes the throne and exploits the kingdom's vulnerability for personal gain. Teaming up with Lady Marion of Nottingham, played by Cate Blanchett, Robin embarks on a journey to combat corruption, defend the common people, and confront oppressive forces threatening the realm's stability.
While the film's historical liberties and altered events sparked debates among critics and audiences, the plot remains a captivating blend of action, political intrigue, and the enduring spirit of the legendary outlaw. Furthermore, the supporting cast boasts a lineup of seasoned actors, including Eileen Atkins, Mark Strong, William Hurt, Mark Addy, Léa Seydoux, Danny Huston, and Max von Sydow. Additionally, true to the tradition of Ridley Scott's films, the technical aspects are nothing short of exceptional. Cinematographer John Mathieson creates a visual feast, particularly in the battle scenes, which showcase a seamless integration of practical effects and CGI to deliver thrilling and realistic action sequences. Last but not least, Marc Streitenfeld's musical score emerges as a standout element that enhances the film's emotional impact.
Despite some divisive opinions among critics, Streitenfeld's orchestral composition complements the visuals and narrative, providing an evocative backdrop to Robin Hood's heroic journey. Known for his previous collaborations with Scott, Streitenfeld crafts a score that, while not introducing a groundbreaking compositional approach, weaves a rich orchestral tapestry. One of the strengths of the score lies in its orchestration, bringing together a sizable ensemble, a varied choir, and regional instruments. The absence of synthetic tones creates an organic sound that resonates with the film's historical setting. Traditional instruments like lutes, fiddles, uilleann pipes, hurdy-gurdy, and whistles further enhance the score's authenticity.
The thematic choices in Robin Hood have ignited controversy, with comparisons to existing ideas from other scores produced by Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control group. However, Streitenfeld's unique interpretation deserves appreciation. The main theme, introduced in full form during "Fate Has Smiled Upon Us," consists of a joyful melody backed by percussive rhythms and minor key ostinatos, perfectly encapsulating Robin's nobility and playful nature. Streitenfeld's versatility stands out in cues like "Planting the Fields" and "Merry Men," where the main theme takes on different renditions with traditional instruments and female solo vocals, capturing the medieval setting. Additionally, the opening cue, "Destiny," introduces an ominous-sounding motif that serves as a foreboding theme that almost seems to work as destiny itself, appearing whenever a significant plot point contributes in making of Robin the legendary noble outlaw he has now become.
The score introduces distinct themes for others characters, such as the menacing progression of staccatos for the main antagonist, Godfrey, a cunning mercenary that plots to allow the French invasion of England. This theme often starts subtlety with a delicate flute and later grows in size, absorbing the entire orchestra as it progresses, effectively symbolizing Godfrey’s expanding threat. The theme appears in cues like "Godfrey," "John is King," and "Godfrey Advances," and is one of the most recognizable motifs of the score. A secondary theme for Lady Marion and her home in Sherwood Forest, Peper Harow, subtly appears in cues like "Marion" and is later performed by the full ensemble in the astonishing cue "Peper Harow." Marion’s theme later evolves into a love theme as she gets romantically involved with Robin, making several playful appearances during the middle portion of the score. And last but not least, the cue “Robin Remembers” introduces a motif that accompanies Robin’s actions to inspire the people of England to join forces and agree on forging the Magna Carta. This theme makes standout appearances during “Robin’s Speech”, “Walter’s Funeral” and during the final battle sequence. All in all, the score, while criticized by some, contributes to the film’s narrative flow, offering a subtle and immersive approach that aligns perfectly with Scott’s somber portrayal of the Robin Hood legend.
Originally released in 2010 by Varèse Sarabande, the album had its shortcomings, missing crucial cues, such as the impressive “Peper Harow” cue, and lacking a cohesive narrative musical arc. This new release by Renovatio Records addresses these issues, offering plenty of unreleased material in a cohesive program that enriches the score's musical narrative. This new album underlines that Marc Streitenfeld’s score for Robin Hood is far from mere generic music; it is an integral part of the film that captivates the listener from start to finish and deserves more recognition than it has received.
Track List:
Cover Artwork:
Credits:
|
Track
Title |
Slate
& Cue Title |
|
1. Destiny |
1m1 Destiny (Edited) 1m2 Creatures
|
|
2. Chalus Castle Siege |
1m4 Here Comes The King
(Edited) 1m5 French Castle Siege
(Edited) 2m11 King Is Dead (Edited)
|
|
3. Godfrey |
1m6 King Philip |
|
4. A Pact Sworn in Blood |
1m10 Godless 2m15 The Crown 2m16 Kill the Horse
(Edited) 2m17 Pact Sworn In Blood
(Edited)
|
|
5. Fate Has Smiled Upon Us |
2m18 Fate Has Smiled Upon
Us |
|
6. John Is King |
3m24 John Is King (Edited) 3m31 Pass The Ring (Edited)
|
|
7. Marion |
2m19 Sheriff Hits On Marion |
|
8. Sherwood Forest |
3m27 Greenwood |
|
9. Peper Harow |
3m32 Peper Harrow |
|
10. Rich Country |
4m40 Rich Country |
|
11. Share My Chamber |
4m37 Share My Chamber |
|
12. Plating the Fields |
5m46 Moonlight |
|
13. Women of Ireland (Mná
na h-Éireann) |
6m54s Woman Of Ireland |
|
14. Robin Remembers |
6m55 Walter Helps Robin
Remember |
|
15. Godfrey Advances |
4m39 Stab The Pigeon 5m47 Open The Gates
(Edited)
|
|
16. Robin’s Speech |
6m59 Robin's Speech |
|
17. Killing Walter |
6m62 I'm The One Who Killed
Him (Edited) |
|
18. Nottingham Burns |
7m65 Burn The Villagers 7m66 Robin Brings An Army
|
|
19. Walter’s Funeral |
7m69 Walter's Funeral |
|
20. Landing of the French |
7m70 Landing Of The Frogs
(Edited) 7m71 This Is My First Time
(Edited) 8m73 Charge
|
|
21. The Last Arrow |
7m72 That's A Lot Of French 8m74 Clash (Edited) 8m76 Tickle In My Throat
|
|
22. The Legend Begins |
8m78 A Nail |
|
23. Merry Men |
8m81 Merry Men |