Sony Classical release Jeff Beal's original soundtrack for the movie Boston. The film represents the first ever feature-length documentary film about the world’s most legendary running race – the Boston Marathon. The film chronicles the story of the iconic race from its humble origins starting with only 15 runners to the present day. In addition to highlighting the event as the oldest annually contested marathon in the world, the film showcases many of the most important moments in more than a century of the race’s history. Evolving from a working man’s challenge to welcoming foreign athletes and eventually women, Boston becomes the stage for many firsts and in no small part, the event that paved the way for the modern marathon and mass participatory sports...

Jeff Beal's score for Boston does not disappoint. Over the course of the soundtrack's 27 tracks (1 hr, 19 min, 25 sec) he delivers some beautiful and melancholic moments. Given the film's subject matter, it's no surprise that the music is designed to heighten the powerful achievements and triumphs of both the event and those competing in it.

Just a few observations, which in no way are designed to detract from the incredible music Beal has delivered here:

'Boston' reminded me of Michael Giacchino's work on the Medal of Honor console games. This track also has a brief segment, which is echoed throughout the score, that reminded me 'Nimrod' from Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations.

'Turn of the Century' and 'Running Boom' brought to mind John WIlliams Amity Island music from Jaws.

'For Greece' is one of this album's most notable tracks, being very Bernard Herrmann-esque in its delivery.

The first half of 'Boston Strong' was probably the main highlight for me. It's a patriotic, beautiful piece of music. Part classical and part Williams's score for Saving Private Ryan.

Overall, I found little to fault with this incredible collection of themes. Beal was the perfect choice as the subject matter of the film throws so many different elements at the viewer that this was always going to be a varied and interesting score in the right hands. It's obvious that Beal had a great time flexing his creative muscles. It actually feels like the greatest hits of a composers life work rather than a score for one film.

10

Darren Rea