James Horner has composed a rather interesting score for Jacques Araud film version of The Name of the Rose. It's totally devoid of Horner's usual orchestral histrionics and has already been written off by many of this composer's supporters as a negligble effort. I think it derserves more acclaim largely because the material has given Horner
free rein to produce some darkly hued but quite hypnotic tone coloration. The over all texture of the score is apparent in the "Main Titles", an electronic pulse layered with a wordless vocal lament and bell-like chimes. Horner uses medieval instruments to eerie effect in "First Recognition", and "The Lesson" is introduced by string writing tinted with rasping
electronics, giving the solemnity of the music that "not-quite-right" feel. "The Confession" is a pretty pentatonic melody for strings, mandolin, and flute and is given a fully orchestral version in the "End titles". The longest cue at over six minutes is an "Epilogue" with superb 'Dies Irae' overtones. Horner's score blends in very well with three additional selections of choral
music from the period (Fourteenth Century Italy).