Danny Elfman
Black Beauty
Play Black Beauty
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AMG Review of Black Beauty
Jason Ankeny
All Music GuideWith Black Beauty, Danny Elfman reached the end of the classically influenced orchestral period that defines his scores of the early '90s -- a lushly melodramatic work rich with sweeping strings and robust brass, it effortlessly evokes the grace and majesty of Anna Sewell's famed equine hero at full gallop. While Black Beauty boasts the epic scale so integral to much of Elfman's work, it also possesses a levity well-matched to the family-friendly story -- indeed, rarely if ever has the composer written themes so genuinely warm and upbeat. It's a shame Elfman would abandon the orchestral idiom soon after -- if anything, Black Beauty suggests he was just hitting his stride.
 "Black Beauty")
