Sony Classical release composer Danny Elfman’s first ballet score, Rabbit & Rogue. Rabbit & Rogue is the fifteenth commission of choreographer Twyla Tharp for American Ballet Theatre. The ballet features a mischievous pair of principal men in a disconnected, virtual world. They encounter two couples and their supporting ensembles – one tumultuous, one harmonious...

Danny Elfman's score for the ballet Rabbit & Rogue contains 6 tracks (45 min, 14 sec) and this was one album that I totally fell in love with from the first play through.

Growing up in the '80s I collected as many vinyl soundtrack scores as I could, but when I ventured into the realms of classical music one of the first LPs I bought was a copy of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. What Elfman delivers with Rabbit & Rogue is the best elements of score and classical music without cheapening either genre.

You can hear the energy and excitement that Elfman conjured up for Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985); Beetlejuice (1988) and Edward Scissorhands (1990) in 'Frolic'. 'Rag' has the spirit of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet woven through it. And 'Finale' encapsulates all of the aforementioned elements: with a smattering of Romeo & Juliet, Beetlejuice and even manages to throw in a little of John William's Jaws.

The Limited Deluxe Edition offers a variety of insights into the production of the ballet score, including a bonus DVD with an exclusive interview with Danny Elfman. This is something we were not sent with the digital music files, so sadly I can't comment on it.

It's not a complete surprise that Elfman can turn his hand to something a little different. It's a beautiful piece which is bold and brash where it needs to be, whilst quiet and reflective in other parts.

If you're a fan of Classical, Ballet or Soundtracks then this should be on your essential purchase list.

10

Darren Rea