Composer

:

Maurice Jarre

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Witness is a soundtrack composed by Maurice Jarre for the 1985 American crime thriller film of the same name, directed by Peter Weir. The film was released on February 8, 1985, and the soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette on the same day. The CD version was released later in 1985. The soundtrack consists of 12 tracks, with a total running time of 38 minutes and 47 seconds. The tracks are titled "Building the Barn," "Witness," "Book's Disappearance," "Futility of an Inside Job," "The Murder," "Barn Building," "Samuel in the Tub," "The Amish Are Coming," "McFee's Death," "The Reunion," "The Final Witness," and "Rachel and Book." The soundtrack is characterized by its use of traditional Amish music, which is blended with Jarre's orchestral score. The use of the Amish music is particularly effective in creating a sense of place and culture, as the film is set in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. The score also features a prominent use of the synthesizer, which was a popular instrument in film music at the time. The first track, "Building the Barn," sets the tone for the rest of the soundtrack with its use of the Amish hymn "Lobe den Herren" (Praise to the Lord), which is sung by the cast of the film. The track also features a driving rhythm section and a soaring melody played by the orchestra. The title track, "Witness," is a haunting piece that features a solo violin playing a mournful melody over a bed of synthesizers and percussion. The track perfectly captures the sense of isolation and danger that the protagonist, John Book (played by Harrison Ford), feels as he hides out in the Amish community. Other standout tracks include "The Murder," which features a tense, pulsing rhythm and dissonant strings, and "The Reunion," which features a beautiful melody played by the orchestra and a solo violin. Overall, Witness is a masterful soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film. Jarre's use of traditional Amish music and synthesizers creates a unique and memorable sound that is both haunting and beautiful.

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