The Countess

Music by Julie Delpy

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding commitment of actress Julie Delpy. In addition to writing the script, direct and act in The Countess (2009, Colosseum Records), drama based on the life of Countess Bathory Erzebet (the "Countess Dracula"), she also composed its beautiful soundtrack.

Driven by strings, the music concentrates in chamber music expression. Its dramatic, romantic or tragic meanings are expressed in a very subtle and refined musical leading. A music that seems to avoid emotion, that is calculated and full of secrets, a music that prevents exposure and accentuates the doubts and the inner torments of the Countess. The music follows the drama at distance as the conscience of the Countess, who realizes the course of events but never changes before them. The sad mood in the expression of the strings leads the score while the harp gently expresses the protagonist´s feel. Articulated and apprehensive as Dominic and First Night, the score is a surprise in its sound restraint. With Istvan Again is a rare romantic moment (almost romantic) with fluency in piano melodic phrases. The resignation of Last Words (also for piano) is exemplary of a work conceived as dramatic support avoiding excesses and showing off. Recorded at Abbey Road with production by Marc Streitenfeld (of Ridley Scott soundtracks as Prometheus and Robin Hood) is an economic and short-timed score. Admirable for its option to sound discretion and to avoid the exhibitionism that modern cinema has become addicted.