Interview with The Passion composer (John Debney)

Cinemusic.net ^ | Dec 2003 | John Mullin

[Northern Yankee]

John Debney is a major staple in modern film music about whom you may not know much.In the last 4 years alone, he's contributed to thirty some film and television projects.

[Northern Yankee]

My first posting.

Excellent article on the composer of The Passion of The Christ.

Enjoy!

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[MozartLover]

Thanaks, Yank! Bookmarked for later reading.

[beaversmom]

Got the soundtrack soon after I saw the movie. Actually, I knew I would get it even before I saw the movie. I've always been big on soundtracks but because I don't see movies anymore, I don't get as many soundtracks. Great music by Debney BTW.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Great article, Jay. Thanks.

[lonevoice]

Thank you, Jay! That's an outstanding interview with the composer. Lots of insights into the music and how the whole thing came together.

This interview took place shortly before the film opened. I had to smile at Debney's comment that it was possible the backlash of criticism would hurt sales of the soundtrack CD. Check this out! Amazon.com Sales Rank: 18

Bravo, Mr. Debney, and thank you for your inspired soundtrack.

[Dajjal]

Frankly, I was not that impressed with the film score. It is nice, and serviceable, and appropriate -- but I do not find it noteworthy. In fact, I consider the score to be a significant weakness in the film.

A really good film score impresses itself on the memory. You walk out of the theater thinking of the melody. And that musical memory reinforces the memory of the images and actions. I have seen TPOTC several times now, and still cannot "hum the tune."

I am _not_ saying that Debney does a bad job. I'm just saying that he does not do a great job. The film is so magnificent in other respects, but musically I'd rate the score a C+/B-.

Imagine what a Hayden could have done to provide backgound music for the images on the screen!

[Northern Yankee]

I think at times the soundtrack really soars.

The Resurrection is absolutely marvelous. (Cut # 15)

On my way to the store last Sunday the sky was heavy and dark. The dark gray clouds were moving fast above a gray sky. Track # 2 came on. (Jesus Bearing The Cross) My youngest daughter and I stared at the stormy sky and while slitening to that track Kathryn remarked, "Dad I see God in that sky." It sent shivers down my spine.

Those will stay with me forever.

There are some soundtracks I skip over, but in the context of the movie, they add much.

I really noticed the crescendo in the movie after Jesus falls, and his mother Mary catches up to him. It brought tears to my eyes. (the flashback scene...) and I am surprised that it wasn't highlighted in the film.

Ironically I was watching The Emperor's New Groove tonight (with my children) and I noticed John Debney was the composer for that film.

[Northern Yankee]

Whoops... That would be ...while listening to...

Track # 9 Mary Goes to Jesus is also a powerful piece, that adds much to the storyline, and stands well on its own.

[beaversmom]

Couldn't read the article earlier so I read it tonight. Very interesting interview. John Debney sounds so excited. I had never heard of him before this movie. I really love the soundtrack and have been listening to it for the last 3 weeks. I've got lots of favorite soundtracks from various composers but some other ones I really enjoy are Schindler's List, The Mission, and Papillion. I'd have to put Debney's right up there with those.

[Northern Yankee]

Thank you.

I too enjoy the soundtrack.

I suspect I'll be listening to it much over the next week.

Blessings to you!

[Northern Yankee]

You're welcome.

I hope you both have a blessed palm Sunday. (hosanna!)

[beaversmom]

Do you have the soundtrack to The Gospel of John? If not, I would definitely recommend it. The first five tracks, number ten, and number eighteen are my favorites thus far. A French singer does the vocals on tracks number 4, 10, and 18--she is singing in Aramaic from what I understand. Very beautiful. Music is by Jeff Danna. Like John Debney, I had never heard of him before. Just got this soundtrack last weekend after reading the customer reviews at Amazon. I've heard and read mixed reviews about the movie but I'll probably take a chance and buy it anyway. At the very worst, the negative reviewers said it was like sitting through a Sunday school class. Some people really loved it.
Still haven't tired of The Passion soundtrack.