Silva Screen Records release the soundtrack to Planet Earth III. The eight-part nature series is scored by Hans Zimmer, together with Jacob Shea and Sara Barone. Filmed over five years, Planet Earth III uses pioneering filmmaking technology to reveal the greatest wonders of life on earth. Lightweight drones, high-speed cameras and remotely operated deep-sea submersibles transport viewers to spectacular unseen landscapes, from remote jungles and scorching deserts to the darkest caves and depths of the ocean...

On the back of the previous two soundtracks in this series, you pretty much know it's going to be packed with an impressive collection of memorable and emotive themes. While Hans Zimmer is prominently flagged up as the the main composer, in truth he's only really responsible for the main theme, with Jacob Shea and Sara Barone providing the rest of the music.

There is lyricism and magic in this, the third score for the BBC series, from gorgeous strings and fragile glass-like percussion to powerful brass and full orchestra ostinatos. In the opening theme, 'Planet Earth III Suite', the gentle vocals usher a soaring 4-note brass theme, with the brass gradually disintegrating, joining the strings, to be brought back in a commanding statement. The score proves to be as alive as the planet, depicting pain, rage, and urgency, broken with moments of beauty and tranquility. There is an ongoing clock-like pulse, sometimes juddering and stopping, depicted by a breathing, living sound of the orchestra.

Of the album's 58 tracks (2 hrs, 35 min, 07 sec) there's plenty for everyone to enjoy. If there's one slight downside, it's that with so many themes in the series to cater for, there's a tendency for the themes to be fleeting, which means that they don't get the attention they might otherwise afford on a more focused show. While this isn't a complaint, I did find myself wanting to hear much more from quite a few of the themes.

Those who bought the previous scores will be pleased to hear that the quality doesn't dip for a second. Another emotionally charged collection of beautiful themes.

10

Darren Rea