Black Swan

When Clint Mansell scores a Darren Aronofsky film it's usually reason to take notice. Aronofsky and Mansell are one of those director/composer collaborations that shows how important score is to a film. There is a reason that Mansell has scored every single one of Aronofsky's features. Their last outing together resulted in one of the best scores of the decade without a doubt. The Fountain is an absolute masterpiece and in my opinion Mansell's best work. If you haven't heard that score I highly urge you to check it out.For Black Swan don't expect something similar to Mansell's previous scores. With Black Swan Mansell had to step back and take himself out of the score slightly to adopt the music of Tchaikovsky. Swan Lake was a huge part of the story (for obvious reasons) and Tchaikovsky's masterful music to that ballet had to be part of it. So what Mansell has done is infused Swan Lake into his score. I guess you can look at it by saying the "Black" in the score is Mansell and the "Swan" is Tchaikovsky. There are lots of dark undertones that have Mansell stamped all over them, but he never shies away from letting the spirit of Swan Lake take over.The score becomes a ballet in itself if you are familiar with Mansell's style. He dances around the iconic music with his own styling and tries to bring a fresh modern approach to it while still retaining all that makes it so special. The score is delicate but always has a brooding undertone that suggests something is growing. It all lends itself to the story and to the character of Nina.I do understand the importance of utilizing Swan Lake in this score and how it needed to take up the space that it did, but somehow while listening I was wishing for more Mansell. The score doesn't shake you that hard emotionally, but in the end it was a very rewarding experience. "A Swan Song (For Nina)" is my favorite track because it really closes the album well and every note struck resonated with me.For Mansell fans this is a no brainer, but even for casual score listeners it really is worth the time. It does something rather unique in extracting the DNA of Tchaikovsky's music and blending it into Mansell's. It's not something incredibly memorable, but it does leave a lasting effect.

This will be short, since I have only listened to it a few times - and I haven't seen the movie yet. Maybe after I see the movie - the music will resonate a bit more with me.I'm a fan of Mansell, especially the Requiem Soundtrack, and The Fountain Soundtrack.I think the Black Swan OST is good, and I like it, it's just different - but I'm sure the movie is different as well. As far as music, I think it's very good. I understand the music is adapted from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, and I'm sure for many people - they will love it .. and I do enjoy it, it's just a bit bland for my taste .. Like I said, once I see the movie - the music might come alive a bit more for me .. I usually don't listen to a soundtrack before I see the film, maybe I should have waited.edit: Been listening to some more - liking it a bit more, some standout tracks for sure. The movie is playing in LA now, will have to catch it.edit2: Just saw the movie today - wow, just awesome ... Much more appreciation for the soundtrack now... can't wait to see the movie again!!

Darren has continued to impress me like know other, and his consistent hiring of the masterful Mr. Clint Mansell to compose the film's score. Since they were cutting there collaborative teeth on Pi, where Darren had hired Clint amongst other early, electronic-based, industrial artists for needle drops. The beautiful, haunting, and tragic score to Requiem for a Dream showed us how their intertwining careers and talents would, hopefully, continue. And as a member of the general public i have been blown away by their pieces such as the emotionally charged time-bending score to The Fountain. Black Swan delivers ten fold as their creative peak. I am not adverse to Darren's temporary hiatus from having Clint write full feature film scores such as the brilliantly put together soundtrack to The Wrestler. My only qualms with that release would be the lack of including the short pieces done by Clint amongst the various 80s metal needle drops. I hope that Aronofsky's upcoming rendition of Noah's Arc matches up with his controversial standards along with the hiring of Mansell for the job. Please Darren. Don't become another Oliver or Stanly, or *gag* Martin.

When I saw this movie, I walked out of the theatre knowing only two things - Natalie Portman turned in an astounding performance and I had to have the soundtrack. The music has nuances in it that envoke certain memories, and not necessarily those of the movie. It's almost like the background to a life. There are highs and lows, drama and sexual tension throughout. I wouldn't necessarily pick this soundtrack to relax to, but I do choose it when I want to hear really well thought out, just plain good music without being distracted by voices.

The album is creepy and interesting, but falls flat as a stand alone album.When I listen to the songs I really get the vibe for the film "Black Swan". Sadly, without the movie playing along with the music, I can't really get into the soundtrack.Still, having Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake playing throughout the album and the creepy feeling it instills, the album has it's moments.

The music is of course what you heard in the movie of - but my recollection was a lot more 'original' Swan Lake and not as many original compositions. And, there is more 'dark', `severe' pieces than I recall. Not to say it's not great; but if you want Swan Lake it's better to buy the symphony itself.

This haunting film is a psychological thriller with Swan Lake in the background. Nevertheless, the film is captivating, and I am sure Swan Lake will never be viewed the same again! Excellent film and, of course, excellent music!!!

After seeing 'Black Swan' at the cinema, I felt in my own way obliged to get the atmospheric and haunting soundtrack that accompanies the film so well and even gives the film a bit of a dark and broody edge to it. That's what I felt. I've listened to it a couple of times now and I feel this is a grandstanding effort on Clint Mansell's part, the film's composer and long time collaborator of Darren Aronofsky. The composer has put in touches of Tchaikovsky's music into various parts of the score to bring out certain essences and all in all this score is a work of art in itself.I think this score is possibly one of the best scores I've heard in a film from 2010. It's compelling, dramatic and very atmospheric and chilling especially towards the end. The first half of the score is relatively lively and bouncy and playful in its themes. And when we get to the second half of the score, we hear the other side which is darkly moody with dark undertones and really dramatic. This is what I like about this score in particular.I felt that this score should have had at least an Oscar nomination. I thought it was miles better than any other score I heard from 2010. A chilling, atmospheric and beautifully played score. That's what I thought anyway.

Black Swan by Clint Mansell is a modern interpretation of the well known ballet by Tchaikovsky. Some tracks appear to be directly lifted from the Tchaikovsky'a original orchestrations, however this should not be a distraction for those who are not familiar with his work. There are a number of good re-orchestrations of the main swan lake theme, which weaves nicely amongst Mansell's score, which has a combination of both beautiful and sinister undertones.This score is great as a stand alone listen, but also serves as a good introduction to Tchaikovsky's music. The tracks which directly quote Swan Lake are the highlight, however the album as a whole sounds fantastic and one of Mansell's best efforts to date. If you liked the music within the film, you will no doubt find this album to be a delight.

I've been listening to this album on Spotify for around a month now, since it first occurred to me. Most of my playlists are writing music, things I listen to when I'm, er, writing :)All I can say about the Black Swan soundtrack is that it can single-handedly cure writer's block. Yeah. That is inspiration, I can tell you that. A combination of the final track, 'A Swan Song (For Nina)' and the death scene for one of my favourite characters had me sobbing aloud.So, if you're stuck with your novel ... buy this CD. Now.

As soon as you start the from track 1 throughout the whole album you are mesmerized by the sheer emotional weight of each subsequent track and you are left in tears by the end of the album. A+++++++++

this cd was just fab it was very moving throughout very sad also I watched the film about five times very sad indeed