Regarding the score, my jury's out on that one. I wasn't entirely comfortable with the percussive elements in what is clearly a period piece when taking account of the settings, and I'm not sure about the Spanish style. However, when allied to the seemingly obvious intent to inject some modern 'swagger' into the style of the program overall, then the music does seem to fit.
As for the program itself, I don't like 'estuary accented English' as spoken by some of the cast. I'd have been happier if they'd used any other regional accents than that one. But again, they will be aiming at a younger audience than me, so that audience probably wouldn't even notice.
All this said, I'll keep an eye on how it progresses. I might be able to look past these elements if the overall story works out, but based on recent form (Merlin, Robin Hood, Atlantis) I'm not sure the BBC can produce dramas that I actually like any more.
I was rather disappointed with both the program and the music. It might grow on me, but the overall impression was that I've seen better adaptations of the story.
The music seem to be all strumming guitars and noise (but that's just how it sounded to me) and didn't do anything for the atmosphere of the series.
I know that I'm getting old and I'm firmly grounded in the past, but there'll never (for me anyway) be a version of the "Musketeers Films" to surpass the Lester versions of the seventies.
It looked authentic, but the dialogue was too modern for the setting.
Sorry guy's and gal's, I can't see me sitting through another nine weeks of this.
I just saw the first episode today. It was okay. I'll watch a few more to see if it improves. On the other hand, I was really impressed with Gold's music. It sported some nice themes and rollicking thematic action music. He has hooked me so far.
The music (especially the theme) felt quite out of place to begin with, but much like the show itself, it eventually won me over. It's rather fun, likeable characters, doesn't take itself too seriously. The production (sets, locations, costumes) are all top notch, but it's secret weapon is Peter Capaldi. He steals every scene as the Cardinal.
New series of The Musketeers started tonight on BBC1 and Murray Gold's music is superb, especially the long action cue as they battle by the gorge and have to escape across it.
Hope this music and series one gets a cd release one day. Sounds like a project for Silva Screen!
Correction! Series 2 has music by Paul Englishby and retains the theme by Murray Gold. Great music!
New series of The Musketeers started tonight on BBC1 and Murray Gold's music is superb, especially the long action cue as they battle by the gorge and have to escape across it.
Hope this music and series one gets a cd release one day. Sounds like a project for Silva Screen!
Correction! Series 2 has music by Paul Englishby and retains the theme by Murray Gold. Great music!
Glad it wasn't just me that made the mistake of assuming it was Gold scoring again (and thinking it was a lot more entertaining than the music for the last series of Dr Who). I thought the music for the first episode was terrific but I've never heard of Paul Englishby. This series really needs a soundtrack album pronto. Great fun.
While I thought Capaldi looked great, I was slightly disappointed with the less than robust performance. Marc Warren has supplied this in the new series as his replacement.
The music is indeed good, and that theme is certainly “a hoot”. Great rhythm, and a melody that teases to warm it up but sinks back into the rhythm before it really gets going. "Hey!"
Surely a cd covering the best of both series is due.
While I thought Capaldi looked great, I was slightly disappointed with the less than robust performance. Marc Warren has supplied this in the new series as his replacement.
Warren isn't really his replacement: he's the Count de Rochefort, another villain in Dumas' book. Capaldi's full time migration to Dr. Who unfortunately means the whole thing must have needed a rewrite, so they killed the Cardinal off. 'Some headache for the writers, and not entirely satisfactory, having built him up as a villain, but what could they do?
There's an interesting telescoping to ease out Dumas' use of the Duke of Buckingham too, since it's Aramis who's been secretly sparking with the queen, and Rochefort is madly in love with her too. Together they replace Buckingham. I suppose that was always the least feasible part of Dumas' novel, the idea that this famous historical character could be sleeping with 'the enemy'.
It's a lot of fun this series. It also has very clever costume design that teeters on the brink of authenticity, yet could still be found and worn by teenage fans if they got it together, even on the modern high-street: a good hat, some boots and you're there. That's what kids need these days, better ways to strut and be 'gents'.
Mmm. Replacement though as in another villainous character needed because we had to say bye bye to the original one. I do indeed know that it's a legitimate other character they've been able to use.
Otherwise I totally agree. Great series that doesn't take itself too seriously and now with that villain who adds the extra 'meanie' oomph I thought it was lacking, though I also accept that the idea of having the Cardinal sneaky rather than overly angry was intentional on the part of the team.
I'd like to think too, that there would be the opportunity for the occasional guest spot from Capaldi. Perhaps not. He is rather busy, and we don't want anything interrupting the more important work! I think he's a breath of fresh air on Doctor Who. So good to have an older Doctor again. Could just do with him being a little more centre stage.
Thanks for the link btw. Great stuff. This is a series that's getting better, and I am really settling into it. It wipes the floor with the family dramas initiated by the success of Who, which I believe it was to be part of. Yes, Robin Hood, Merlin and Atlantis. I'm looking at you. All the above disappoint, and annoy, for a number of reasons whereas The Musketeers doesn't. Purely my own opinion of course.
Mmm. Replacement though as in another villainous character needed because we had to say bye bye to the original one. I do indeed know that it's a legitimate other character they've been able to use.
Otherwise I totally agree. Great series that doesn't take itself too seriously and now with that villain who adds the extra 'meanie' oomph I thought it was lacking, though I also accept that the idea of having the Cardinal sneaky rather than overly angry was intentional on the part of the team.
I'd like to think too, that there would be the opportunity for the occasional guest spot from Capaldi. Perhaps not. He is rather busy, and we don't want anything interrupting the more important work! I think he's a breath of fresh air on Doctor Who. So good to have an older Doctor again. Could just do with him being a little more centre stage.
Thanks for the link btw. Great stuff. This is a series that's getting better, and I am really settling into it. It wipes the floor with the family dramas initiated by the success of Who, which I believe it was to be part of. Yes, Robin Hood, Merlin and Atlantis. I'm looking at you. All the above disappoint, and annoy, for a number of reasons whereas The Musketeers doesn't. Purely my own opinion of course.
I thought the show was pretty decent and music wasn't bad. Music didn't really impress me but it was better than a lot of horrible scores I've heard lately on TV series.
I thought the show was pretty decent and music wasn't bad. Music didn't really impress me but it was better than a lot of horrible scores I've heard lately on TV series.
After last week's Morricone-esque score, Saturday's episode (21/02) had more lush score and some dramatic cues that impressed me. It's even more frustrating to me now that there seems to be no plans to release a score.
Anyone else get a kick out of S2's scoring, recently?
After last week's Morricone-esque score, Saturday's episode (21/02) .....?
The storyline was pure Seven Samurai, wasn't it?
It was very much in the style of storytelling, yes. The music matched it very well without being a cheesy Morricone clone. The trouble with hearing music of this style, that I enjoy whilst watching is a show, is that I want it available; the curse of a soundtrack collector. ;-)
