Varèse Sarabande release Benjamin Wallfisch's original score for Desert Dancer. Set in Iran, the film's powerful and unbelievable true story follows the brave ambition of Afshin Ghaffarian. During the volatile climate of the 2009 presidential election, where many cultural freedoms were threatened, Afshin and some friends (including Elaheh) risk their lives and form an underground dance company. Through banned online videos, they learn from timeless legends who cross all cultural divides, such as Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Afshin and Elaheh also learn much from each other, most importantly how to embrace their passion for dance and for one another...

Benjamin Wallfisch's score for Desert Dancer incorporates a moving collection of beautiful themes, which is probably not surprising given his past record of composing emotional scores (Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain; Conquest 1453; The Escapist; Hammer of the Gods).

The album contains 12 tracks (44 min, 41 sec) and opens with the 'Afshin's Theme', which is the score's main theme and is interwoven through quite a few of the tracks. 'Dance is My Weapon' houses another memorable theme and we close with another highlight, 'Where No One Else Can See You', but to be honest this score works best when listened to in its entirety.

Wallfisch doesn't disappoint. Those that love melancholic, heartbreakingly beautiful themes will be in heaven.

9

Darren Rea