Bruce Rowland's score for the 1983 Australian television miniseries All the Rivers Run boasts a feather-light touch uncommon to the historical drama genre, which often suffers under the weight of its lofty solemnity. Rowland's themes possess a wonderfully rural authenticity, evoking the pastoral simplicity of a bygone era in vivid detail -- elements of classical, folk, and Dixieland combine to create an affectingly nostalgic atmosphere that's utterly charming. BSX's limited-edition reissue adds 13 unreleased cues to the original soundtrack release of
All the Rivers Run as well as a booklet stuffed with production notes and stills -- here's hoping this little-known music finally receives the attention it deserves. ~ Jason Ankeny