Portugal's Nuno Malo's dark symphonic score for the psychological drama, Julgamento centres around long melodic lines and fully developed ideas, while his suspense writing is effectively built on ostinatos and short motifs. The orchestra is augmented by unusual instruments such as the Ukrainian Bandura and bowed dulcimer, giving the score a fresh air of originality in terms of its colours...

The score for Julgamento (The Trial) represents a diverse range of styles and themes.

The opening track, 'Julgamento Prelude', reminded me of David Arnold's work on the James Bond movie Casino Royale.

There are a number of interesting tracks which build well, including 'Frantic Chase', 'The Open Fields' and 'Final Confrontation'. These start simply enough and slow increase in complexity. I especially enjoyed 'Final Confrontation which opens with a stripped down version of a theme which is then belted out later in the track with much more complexity.

'At the Cemetery (Main Theme)' is probably this album strongest, and most moving track, but I also really loved the short, but sweet, 'Miguel's First Flashback.'

If you're looking for a score that pushes the boundaries of conventional scores then Julgamento delivers in style.

9

Darren Rea