Michael Kamen's "The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms; Mr. Holland's Opus - An American Symphony" is a captivating orchestral journey released on January 1, 2001, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This album is a testament to Kamen's exceptional ability to blend cinematic grandeur with intimate, heartfelt compositions.
The album is divided into two distinct suites, each offering a unique listening experience. The first suite, "The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms," is a four-movement orchestral work that draws inspiration from Native American themes and imagery. Michael Kamen masterfully weaves a tapestry of sound that evokes the spirit of ancient cultures and the vast landscapes of the American Southwest. The second suite, "An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus)," is a five-movement work that pays homage to the power of music education and the transformative impact of teachers. This suite is a poignant and uplifting exploration of the human spirit, featuring themes from the beloved film "Mr. Holland's Opus."
With a total runtime of 58 minutes, this album is a rich and rewarding listen, showcasing Michael Kamen's versatility and depth as a composer. Whether you're a fan of orchestral music, film scores, or simply great composition, this album is sure to resonate with you.
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, I. 1,000 A.D.: The Eagle Soars - The Rise above the CanyonMichael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, I. 1,000 A.D.: Little Scherzo "Kokopelli and the Eagle"Michael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, II. The Prayer: SunsetMichael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, II. The Prayer: Scherzo II "Dansa Kokopelli"Michael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, III. In the Moonlight: Trio "From the Mists of Time"Michael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, III. In the Moonlight: Scherzo III "The Gathering of the Spirits"Michael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms, IV. 2,000 A.D.: Reaching for the StarsMichael Kamen, Toshiko Kohno, David Hardy, Tony Ames, National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus): I. IrisMichael Kamen, Simon Mulligan, Pino Palladino, Phil Palmer, Andrew Charles Newmark, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus): II. Cole's TuneMichael Kamen, Leila Josefowicz, Simon Mulligan, Pino Palladino, Phil Palmer, Andrew Charles Newmark, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus): III. Marking HomeworkMichael Kamen, Simon Mulligan, Pino Palladino, Phil Palmer, Andrew Charles Newmark, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus): IV. RowenaMichael Kamen, Simon Mulligan, Pino Palladino, Phil Palmer, Andrew Charles Newmark, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin
An American Symphony (Mr. Holland's Opus): V. FinaleMichael Kamen, Simon Mulligan, Pino Palladino, Phil Palmer, Andrew Charles Newmark, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin