Sony Music releases the original score for the BBC's five-part series A Perfect Planet, with music by composer Ilan Eshkeri. The series explores how forces of nature – volcanoes, sunlight, weather and oceans – drive, shape and support Earth’s great diversity of wildlife. Its final episode examines the impact of humans on the natural world and asks what can be done to restore a perfect balance. The series includes stunning footage filmed in 31 countries across six continents...

Ilan Eshkeri delivers an album packed to bursting with themes on this 34 track (1 hr, 52 min, 33 sec).

Of the soundtrack, composer Ilan Eshkeri says: "Creating the music for A Perfect Planet has been a hugely rewarding experience. The series celebrates the extraordinary world we are a part of as well as showing the delicate balance of the systems that support life, and what we need to do to ensure its future stability. It’s a message that’s very important to me and one that I believe we have a responsibility to engage with – in a way that not only educates but inspires the next generation. This influenced my approach to the music, and set me on an unconventional path."

While there are quite a few stand out themes, I have to admit I found 'Autumn' and 'Sooty Shearwaters' (both from Episode 2 - The Sun) and 'Marine Iguana' (from Episode 4 - Oceans) to be arguably this album's standout moments. However, as there are so many beautifully layered and intricate set pieces, there's something here for everyone's tastes.

Some might find it's not your typical BBC wildlife documentary score. For starters there are no rousing, epic themes. I have to admit that I rather like this change of pace... this moving away from the cliches that people will expect. Overall this is an album packed with beautiful and subtle themes.

8

Darren Rea