The Wicker Man

Music by Paul Giovanni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent cult soundtrack of folk influence and unfortunately the only work of American composer Paul Giovanni for cinema. The Wicker Man (1973) made out of the religious fanaticism of the inhabitants of a small Britsh island, its main horror element.

The conflict between the relentless Catholic policeman investigating the disappearance of a local girl, and the lascivous pagan local festivities, leads to a surprise "heretic" ending. Once screenplayer Anthony Shaffer researched pre-Christian cults for the script, the music of Paul Giovanni uses elements of English medieval music and Celtic references the pre-Christian society ("primitive" for the policeman eyes). The folk songs also make a connection to the hippie/alternative culture, so significant on that period. Tracks like Corn Rigs, Gently Johnny and Willow's Song could easily be on some folk-rock group´s repertoire. The powerful evocation of folk songs (some in the voice of the composer himself) gives body to the soundtrack with enviable integrity and instrumentation includes exotics like ocarina, harp and bagpipes. While some songs floats in ethereal suspension as Willow's Song and Lullaby, others give the perfect pub-drunk tone as in The Landlord's Daughter. In the hypnotic tempo (in medieval circular percussion), the highlight is The Summer is a Cumen for the final procession and meeting with the Wicker Man. The vocal performance of Christopher Lee and Diane Cilento in The Tynker of Rye adds an extra touch cult to the whole. For many years considered lost, the original masters of The Wicker Man finally had the deserved release this whimsical release of Silva Screen label.