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The Lion in Winter (1968) John Barry Columbia CK 66133 The Lion in Winter depicts the vitriolic in-fighting of Henry II and his immediate family as they gather together for the Christmas holidays, and the score by John Barry (Dances With Wolves) captures all the grim passions and papal manipulations which afflict these people's lives. True to his style, Barry's music is melodic and affecting, understated yet powerful in its effect, sharply evoking the cold, treacherous reality of the life of medieval monarchs, with the ever-present Catholic Church breathing down their necks. A number of impressive choral pieces are heard throughout the score, which, if not entirely rooted in the period, nevertheless powerfully conjure up a true medieval feel. So it comes as no surprise that this score won Barry an Academy Award. Though he made his reputation with the jazzy James Bond scores, this film returned Barry to his musical roots. A Yorkshireman by birth, Barry's education concentrated largely on the traditional church music of England, and this film calls upon the composer's expertise in that ethos. Often brooding but not without moments of uplifting triumph, The Lion in Winter is a must-have soundtrack for the medievalist. --Paul Andrew MacLean

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