Since the crossover aspect of this CD is blatant, little needs to be said about RCA's commercial intentions or
James Galway's willingness to be an easy listening performer. This disc may appeal to
Galway's fans and the most casual of listeners, but others may pass it by without a qualm. Because there is no room for emotional investment in this slick material,
Galway and the
London Mozart Players come off as pre-programmed to deliver appropriate moods and nothing more. Whether the tone is wistful, as in the main themes from The Horse Whisperer and Il Postino, or breezy, as in the light jazz confections from Forrest Gump and Tarzan,
Galway's expression is made to order and utterly bland. At times, he is almost too cute, as in the peppy Far and Away; and his breathiness and wide vibrato in plaintive numbers, such as "Nature Boy" from Moulin Rouge, and the themes from Cinema Paradiso and Braveheart, are more than a little cloying. The arrangements are sentimental and sweet, and care has been taken that none offend through originality. The recognizability of these movie melodies may make the album suitable for malls and restaurants, but the depersonalized quality of the performances guarantees an uncomfortable home listening experience.