Plaza Mayor Company Ltd release César Benito's score for the TV series La Sonata Del Silencio (The Sonata of Silence) is a story of passion, jealousy and dreams with Post-war Spain as a backdrop. Marta Ribas lives in the male-dominated society of the late '40s, full of conflict and economic hardship. She had a happy married life with Antonio but his health starts deteriorating, so to make ends meet Marta starts looking for a job. Antonio doesn’t approve it as he feels it damages his reputation. He controls her every step and Marta feels like a prisoner in her own home. But an unexpected opportunity crosses her path that will allow her to secure her own survival and that of her daughter, and find her place in the world...

I really enjoyed César Benito's (El Tiempo Entre Costuras; Ways to Live Forever) score for La Sonata Del Silencio. He pulls out all the stops and from the first track you know you're in for an interesting ride. And to be fair the music never really lets up. It's epic, melancholic and will certainly leave an impression on your soul.

The piano is an important element within the story, as Marta is a skillful pianist and Flavio is a reputable piano instructor. Benito uses the piano as the main focus of many of the tracks on the album.

The opening 'Desde el Silencio' reminded me of Tim Wynn's 'Jenny' theme from The Darkness II console game. It's a theme that is echoed throughout the score. Other tracks of note include 'Enigmática Italiana' (the ending to which reminded me of the score from Halo 3); and 'Angustia de Vivir' which has a segment in that reminded me of John Williams's work on Angela's Ashes.

The score contains 28 tracks (1 hr, 19 min, 16 sec). Personal highlights include 'Desde el Silencio'; 'Secretos, Celos y Locuras'; 'Clandestinos'; and 'Hacia la Perdición'.

It's a beautiful, flawless album which you'll get many years of pleasure from.

9

Darren Rea