The Music of Candyman

by Neil ShurleyFor the inaugural release of his Orange Mountain Music label, Philip Glass chose the long-sought-after score to the flawed 1990 horror film Candyman. Producer Don Christensen took all the music composed by Glass as well as the remixed versions used in the sequel and came up with an album sure to satisfy the film's fans. Those who appreciate the arpeggios and wordless choruses of Glass will also find much to enjoy in this album, even if you haven't seen the films. The opening "Music Box" theme comes as close to a traditional melody as Glass has ever composed. Other tracks consist of a more typical Glass sound, with wordless choruses over electronics and phrases repeated to almost hypnotic effect. Additional layers of organ and piano give the entire score a very gothic feel. Glass obviously aimed for something more than just a typical horror score, and the lovely piano passages in "Helen's Theme" and the solo female voice in "Annie's Theme" serve to illustrate his approach.