Light & Shadow: Orchestra of the Swan's Film Score Arrangements

This is the sixth instalment in Orchestra of the Swan’s (OOTS) “mixtape” collection – a series of albums which present imaginative and intriguing new arrangements of classical, jazz and pop music.

Orchestra of the Swan

In their latest release, Light & Shadow, OOTS turn their attention to well-known film scores (including American Beauty, Pulp Fiction, The Truman Show and Twin Peaks), which will be very familiar to many listeners. Many film scores are rooted in classical music, with composers often drawing from classical traditions to create compelling and memorable soundtracks, such as those featured on this album.

In this new recording OOTS remind us why certain soundtracks have taken on almost iconic status as stand-alone pieces which can be enjoyed without the need of the big screen: for example, Angela Badalamenti’s theme to Twin Peaks, which was used in both the cult TV series of the 1990s and subsequent film, or Thomas Newman’s haunting and spare theme to American Beauty, here treated to OOTS’ signature lush and immersive string sound. The music is recognisable, but there’s a twist…

American Beauty (Arr. for Orchestra by David Le Page) with Orchestra of the Swan

And this is a theme that runs through this album. Violinist David Le Page, Artistic Director of OOTS, brings wit, imagination and inventiveness to his arrangements of this music, yet all the while staying true to the essence of the film score, which allows a fresh appreciation of the genius of the original compositions. Le Page consciously veers away from the notion of the ‘epic’ and instead brings intimacy and the subtle textures of a smaller chamber ensemble to these familiar tunes. The album was recorded in a live performance rather than a studio, which brings immediacy, excitement and a sense of music in “close up”.

David Le Page

There are some lovely embellishments and riffs, including a Bill Evans’ style piano improvisation in the Twin Peaks theme, beautifully played by David Gordon (whose sensitive, crystalline playing also appears on Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence), and David Le Page’s folksy violin virtuosics (Miserlou) as well as his distinctive shimmering violin textures.

The album also features English singer-songwriter and composer SuRie (Susanna Marie Cork), who performs on two tracks including Peter Gabriel’s Solsbury Hill – here slower than the original and more lyrical, thanks to SuRie’s warm, emotive voice – and Radiohead’s Exit Music (For A Film).

Light & Shadow offers new way to enjoy your favourite film themes from a different creative perspective, taking listeners on a compelling, imaginative and intimate journey.