Jonny Greenwood, the innovative guitarist of Radiohead, steps into the spotlight as a solo artist with his haunting and atmospheric soundtrack for Paul Thomas Anderson's epic film "There Will Be Blood." Released on December 18, 2007, under the Nonesuch label, this 38-minute album is a masterclass in cinematic composition, blending orchestral grandeur with eerie, minimalistic motifs.
The album features a mix of full orchestral pieces and intimate chamber music, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and various smaller ensembles. Tracks like "Oil" and "Prospectors Arrive" showcase Greenwood's ability to create a sense of foreboding and tension, while "Henry Plainview" and "There Will Be Blood" delve into the psychological depths of the film's protagonist. The album also includes a quartet of tracks, with "Prospector's Quartet" and "De-Tuned Quartet" offering a more stripped-down, intimate listening experience.
Greenwood's score for "There Will Be Blood" is not just a accompaniment to the film, but a standalone piece of art that captures the essence of Upton Sinclair's radical novel and Anderson's cinematic vision. The music is a powerful exploration of ambition, greed, and the dark side of the American Dream, making it a compelling listen for fans of both film scores and innovative contemporary classical music.
This album marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Greenwood and Anderson, with the guitarist going on to compose the soundtracks for all of Anderson's subsequent films. "There Will Be Blood" is a testament to Greenwood's versatility and creativity as a composer, and a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of film and music.
Vinylscout