This crossover hit, the soundtrack to Jane Campion's film, is subtle, pretty, and just a little bit bland.
Nyman keeps the theatrics to a minimum, crafting an evocative work that manages to be both personal and universal. He also lets the music run its course, never pushing or cutting off a piece until it says what it needs to. A towering commercial achievement from a decidedly non-commercial artist. [Virgin reissued the soundtrack in 2004.] ~ Michael Gallucci