The Spellbinding Soundscapes of Alan Silvestri's Practical Magic

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Alan Silvestri is an American film composer and conductor known for his extensive work in the film industry. He has composed the music for numerous blockbuster films, including the Back to the Future trilogy, Forrest Gump, The Polar Express, and Marvel's The Avengers. In addition to his work in film, Silvestri has also composed music for television shows such as CHiPs and Manimal. His music is characterized by memorable melodies, grand orchestration, and a diverse range of musical styles. One film in which Silvestri's music truly shines is Practical Magic, a 1998 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Griffin Dunne. Silvestri's score for Practical Magic perfectly complements the magical and whimsical tone of the film.


Reprise / Wea

The two cues from the Nyman score selected for the song-heavy soundtrack suggest a darker-tinged and musically adventurous approach which is not borne out in the extended suite. The Nyman cues give a positive impression and the extended suite indicates that his approach was not entirely without some upbeat elements congruent with Silvestri s later approach.

Alan silvestri practicak magic

Silvestri's score for Practical Magic perfectly complements the magical and whimsical tone of the film. The film tells the story of two sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, who are witches living in a small town. Silvestri's score captures the enchanting and mystical nature of their world, using a combination of orchestral arrangements and synthesized sounds.

Alan silvestri practicak magic

Now, I'm a big Michael Nyman fan and so naturally I was disappointed but I also enjoy Silvestri's work and I still hope that with the passing of time a release of both scores might one day be possible.

1. Nyman: Convening The Coven


2. Nyman: Maria Owens


3. Silvestri: Practical Magic


4. Silvestri: Amas Veritas


There's also a longer selection of Nyman's score on YouTube:


And a longer selection of Silvestri:

Posted: Dec 24, 2021 - 12:48 PM
By: JSDouglas (Member)

Thanks for the music samples, Ed!

This is my first hearing of the two scores as I never saw the movie or latched onto either soundtrack release (though I was aware of the curious release debacle).

The Nyman cues give a positive impression and the extended suite indicates that his approach was not entirely without some upbeat elements congruent with Silvestri's later approach. The two cues from the Nyman score selected for the song-heavy soundtrack suggest a darker-tinged and musically adventurous approach which is not borne out in the extended suite.

Silvestri's music centering on a light and up-beat main theme (featured in both the soundtrack CD cues) is attractive if repetitious (although in the longer presentation it reveals some interesting variations). I like the Silvestri score but I'm more drawn to the Nyman material.

It seems both scores have languished (like your post, Ed) and deserve a re-presentation of some sort. I fear the poor reception accorded the film and the lack of support from fans may just allow all this to fall through the cracks. A pity.


And a longer selection of Silvestri:
Alan silvestri practicak magic

Throughout the film, Silvestri's music evokes a sense of wonder and enchantment, reflecting the supernatural abilities of the characters. The score includes beautiful and haunting melodies that perfectly capture the emotional depth of the story. One of the most memorable tracks from the film is the main theme, which is reprised throughout the score. This theme combines a delicate piano melody with lush orchestral arrangements, creating a sense of magic and beauty. Silvestri's music plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall viewing experience of Practical Magic. It adds depth, emotion, and wonder to the story, making it a truly memorable film. Overall, Alan Silvestri's work on Practical Magic showcases his immense talent as a film composer. His ability to capture the essence of a film through his music is truly remarkable. Whether it's a magical world or a dramatic story, Silvestri's music has the power to transport the audience and enhance their emotional connection to the film..

Reviews for "Alan Silvestri's Practical Magic: An Underrated Gem in His Music Career"

1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Alan Silvestri Practical Magic." The music felt forced and didn't match the whimsical and magical tone of the movie. I found it distracting and it took away from the overall experience. I expected more enchanting melodies and atmospheric sounds to enhance the storytelling, but instead, I was left underwhelmed. It just didn't capture the essence of the movie for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how much I disliked the soundtrack of "Alan Silvestri Practical Magic." It was like nails on a chalkboard to my ears. The music felt random and disjointed, which made it incredibly difficult to connect with the story. I found myself constantly hitting the mute button just to make it through the movie. It was a complete letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for the "Alan Silvestri Practical Magic" soundtrack, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The music lacked depth and emotion, making it difficult to become fully engaged with the movie. It felt like background noise rather than a powerful and captivating composition. I was hoping for a memorable musical experience, but instead, I was left feeling indifferent. It's a shame because the potential was there, but it simply didn't deliver.

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