AMG Review of The Red Violin

Heather Phares
All Music Guide

John Corigliano's score to The Red Violin mirrors the intricate, mercurial quality of the film itself, as it traces the travels of a haunted violin from 17th century Italy to 20th century Montreal. The score is divided into five suites, one for each stage of the violin's creation and movement. From Italy to Vienna, Oxford to Shanghai, and finally to Montreal, the violin makes an eerie musical journey. Tracks like "Pope's Betrayal" and "Journey to China" are beautiful but hint at the red violin's quietly menacing quality. Performed by solo violinist Joshua Bell and the Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, Corigliano's Red Violin is a fitting, haunting counterpart to the picture.