The Falcon Soundtrack Review: This is a review of the film score The Falcon by Alfi Kabiljo.

Buy the score here (if available)

At a glance:

Geek Score: 84.2
Total Minutes Of Excellence: 13.3
Album Excellence: 40.3%

How are the scores calculated and what does it mean?

The Falcon AKA Banovic Strahinja is a 1981 Yugoslavian action film directed by Vatroslav Mimica and starring Franco Nero, Gert Frobe and Dragan Nikolic. During the late 14th century Serbia becomes the target of the Ottoman Empire. While the respected Serbian noble Strahinja Banović is out hunting, a Turkish renegade gang burns his castle, kills all of his servants, and takes the young wife of Banović Strahinja. Strahinja begins a long quest to rescue his wife despite everybody else’s doubts in her fidelity. Strahinja gathers a posse of scoundrels and goes after the bandits. In the meantime, the Turkish bandit Alija tries to seduce Strahinja’s wife Anđa, but she refuses him. However, over a period of time she begins to weaken. The score is composed by Alfi Kabiljo.

Another batch of Kronos Records excellent Gold Collection is here. This is a specially welcome title to me because it’s a complete unknown. I have absolutely no clue about Yugoslavian cinema and the composer is new as well. Can’t wait to hear this. The score opens with ‘Main Title’, a cue perfectly fit for some 14th century antics. Although I’m also quite sure this would go well with a spaghetti western. It has a very prominent Choir who sings on it which makes a big difference. Other than that, the music is medieval and a bit Middle Eastern as well. Quite enjoyable. The middle eastern part is probably where the Ottoman side of things come in, and it is even more prominent in ‘Green Flags’. It doesn’t quite dawn on me until I hear ‘Renaissance Landscape’, but that main theme is quite excellent.

It’s a strong choral score as well with a mix of male and female choir throughout. When I’m thinking choir and adventure I think about Conan The Barbarian, but this is definitely no Conan. The energy of it, the sound of it is more laid back, but the choir is strong and present. Apart from the choir, it’s the main theme which is a keeper for me. It’s a very good theme, a solid theme. It’s quite simple, but I think it encompasses the whole synopsis quite well. It’s also very different than most of the score which mostly uses middle eastern music to give it’s message. It’s not setting my world on fire, but it sure had some great moments and that’s enough to give it another listen at some point. It certainly wins a point or two for it’s choral music, and that’s something that’s rare these days.

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Main Title
4. Renaissance Landscape
5. Deserted Yard
8. The Falcon 1
10. Jefimija
15. Banovic Strahinja – The Falcon 2
17. Impalement 3
22. Court Of Jug Bogdan
26. End Title