JANE EYRE
Rating: 
Original Review: Along with The Witches of Eastwick, Jane Eyre is probably THE most sought after John Williams score out there - it has a street value of at least $200, and there has recently been a confirmed sale in the States of $700. It's easy to see why it's so popular. Jane Eyre is an incredibly lyrical, moving composition, written way back in 1971 for a British TV movie based on the classic Charlotte Brontė novel, starring George C. Scott and Susannah York.
Jane Eyre was written in the pre-Star Wars days when Williams was still known as Johnny and, as you would expect, it lacks the bombast and huge orchestrations that have characterised his later, more famous scores. Instead, Jane Eyre has a quietly classical style, and features beautiful solos for a wide ranger of instruments, including violin, piano, harpsichord, oboe and flute. The opening track, the 'Jane Eyre Theme', is simply stunning, with Bob Docker's piano solo floating away beautifully against a sublime string counterpoint that confirms Williams' standing as one of the greatest exponents of the graceful melody.
In the 'Overture' Williams goes even further away from his more familiar style by incorporating a subtle harpsichord melody into the performance of the Jane Eyre theme to lend the music that classical Englishness which usually surrounds works of this type. However, Williams is not simply satisfied to restate these wonderful themes throughout the score. Instead, as the score wears on, he finds new and intelligent ways to interpret his themes with different tempos and instruments, and even introduces completely new melodies - such as the lively scherzo in the tragically short 'To Thornfield', the mysterious rumbling, churning string motifs to signify the increasing madness of Grace Poole in 'Grace Poole and Mason's Arrival', and the disturbing dissonant strings of 'Thwarted Wedding', which becomes very uncomfortable listening after the lyrical beauty that preceded it.
'The Meeting' is a real standout, featuring a superb, delicate flute rendition of the Jane Eyre theme which is further enhanced with backing from an acoustic guitar, and the exquisite finale of 'Restoration' and 'Reunion' is where Williams' music really shines with a beautiful, pastoral conclusion to an album to be savoured. It's a real shame that this score is so rare because it shows another side to Williams' talents. If you ever have the chance to listen to Jane Eyre in any way, shape or form, then snap it up immediately. Seriously - this is one of the best scores that Williams has ever written and, for those of you familiar with the ebullient action writing that has characterised Williams' work post-Star Wars, it may come as a surprise that the great JW could write something so low-key, delicate and beautiful as this.
Post review note: Jane Eyre was widely re-released by Silva Screen Records in 2000, much to the delight of Williams fans everywhere, and is still available in most mainstream record stores.
Track Listing:
- Jane Eyre Theme (3:13)
- Overture (Main Title) (3:53)
- Lowood (2:23)
- To Thornfield (1:50)
- String Quartet - Festivity at Thornfield (2:07)
- Grace Poole and Mason's Arrival (2:59)
- Trio - The Meeting (3:06)
- Thwarted Wedding (2:37)
- Across the Moors (2:36)
- Restoration (3:55)
- Reunion (4:22)
Running Time: 33 minutes 01 seconds
Silva Screen FILMCD-031 (1970/1988)
Music composed and conducted by John Williams. Featured musical soloists Pat Halling, Bob Docker, Les Pearson, Derek Wiggins and Peter Lloyd. Recorded and mixed by Eric Tomlinson. Edited by Ken Wannberg. Album produced by John Williams.
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