Since 2013, Silva Screen Records has released six albums of soundtracks from BBC Earth’s David Attenborough narrated programmes. On The Living Planet, Dynasties, Frozen Planet and Africa to the Blue Planet and Planet Earth programmes, the featured composers are George Fenton, Benji Merrison, Will Slater, Sarah Class, BBC Radiophonic’s own Elisabeth Parker, and since Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II firmly established composers behind the BBC brand are Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers’s Jacob Shea.

For those who remember Zimmer and Shea's scores for Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, you'll probably already be anticipating another collection of beautiful themes with Seven Worlds, One Planet. And you'll be glad to hear that the duo don't disappoint.

This series is not just about the survival of the animals but also about the changing environment of our planet, at the same time showing the negative and sometimes positive impact of the human population, something which the score captures remarkably well.

This extended release is spread over 2 CDs - 41 tracks (2 hr, 28 min, 58 sec) and Shea does a remarkable job of ensuring that every note counts. Normally when there are two releases of a soundtrack, the extended edition contains lots of pieces that could be considered second rate when compared to the standard edition. Not so here. There's no dull, atmospheric filler material, just two and a half hours of incredible themes. While the main theme (co-written by Zimmer and Shea) is obviously one of the main highlights, there are plenty of other memorable pieces, including the melancholic pieces 'Mayflies'; 'Their Last Refuge'; 'Fireflies'; 'The House Of Gods Angel Falls'; 'South American Puma'; 'Albatross Facing Extinction'; 'Southern Right Whales'; 'Snowmen of the Mountains'; 'Australian Cassowary'; and 'Garden of Eden Africa'.

There are also plenty of more upbeat tracks, including 'Tennessee River Chub' (which starts a little quirky before transforming into a classical music piece); the action packed 'Gentoo and Orca'; the Danny Elfman-esque 'The Nudibranch'; and the trippy, yet beautiful 'Saradas'. And finally there are a few eerie, almost horror score-esque pieces including 'Guanaco Hunt'; 'Prehistoric Predators'; and 'Cheetahs Of Kenya'.

Talking about the project, Zimmer said: "Following up Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II was no easy task, but the BBC have outdone themselves yet again with the magnificent Seven Worlds, One Planet. It was a true honour to return to the series to compose the theme with Jacob Shea for Bleeding Fingers Music, and a special pleasure to collaborate with Sia for 'Out There'. These stories of nature are so important for us to show and preserve for future generations, and I am honoured to be a part of spreading this message." Sadly, 'Out There' is not included on this release, but can easily be downloaded online.

The main theme, which is occasionally echoed throughout the score, is very reminiscent of James Horner's score for Bicentennial Man.

For those who love scores with plenty of scope, a tinge of melancholy, and themes to touch the heart and soul, you won't be disappointed with Seven Worlds, One Planet.

10

Darren Rea