With
Black Beauty,
Danny Elfman reached the end of the classically influenced orchestral period that defines his scores of the early '90s -- a lushly melodramatic work rich with sweeping strings and robust brass, it effortlessly evokes the grace and majesty of Anna Sewell's famed equine hero at full gallop. While
Black Beauty boasts the epic scale so integral to much of
Elfman's work, it also possesses a levity well-matched to the family-friendly story -- indeed, rarely if ever has the composer written themes so genuinely warm and upbeat. It's a shame
Elfman would abandon the orchestral idiom soon after -- if anything,
Black Beauty suggests he was just hitting his stride. ~ Jason Ankeny