Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman

MAIN TITLE: MYSTERY OF THE BATWOMAN

Composed by Lolita Ritmanis in (2003) for the animated film, this score is being offered by La-La Land for the very first time. The score is mostly synthesized (Warner Bros. budget  and direct to video)but does offer the saxophone talents of reed man John Yoakum who was effectively used playing several reed instruments, giving it a feeling that it could be orchestral. Lolita also contributed her talents on the piano, playing simple but effective chords.

The tracks that I enjoyed were the “Main Title,” introduced by the piano against the synthesizer. The theme is picked up by the saxophone which gives it a little bit of a swagger, reminding you of a detective theme. The “Main Title” (film version) which includes the original Shirley Walker along with the Ritmanis theme complete with the Saxophone making for a slightly erotic effect. “I Missed You” could certainly qualify as a nice love theme albiet far too brief. The theme has a hypnotic effect on me. ” Chase Me,” from a short Batman recalls the Latin American sound that was so popular with Jobim, Getz and Gilberto. Some good saxophone work along with a strong rhythm presence. A winner in my books. “I Miss You” is a seductive track that again features the ever present saxophone of Yoakum who gave this score a completely different sound. Overall I thought that the action tracks were okay because they weren’t too loud or dissonant but worked fine in the film.

While this isn’t a score that will ever win any awards it is one that is solid to listen to and has the appeal where you want to go back and listen to it again. While not a big Batman fan I found myself thinking about how Batwoman was being portrayed music wise and I certainly liked the way Ritmanis handled it.

I feel that the major appeal to this score will come from the true Batman fan or the completest of this style and type of material. The recording of the material is fine and as I stated above there are some interesting tracks that are worth your attention. I’ve included the main title track to give you an idea of what it sounds like. It is lower quality but will give you an idea.

Victor Herbert Cello Concertos

Victor Herbert (1859-1924) has certainly made his mark in American Music, being most remembered for “Babes in Toyland.”

JoAnn Falletta has certainly been making her mark with Naxos and her 21st century conducting of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Ulster Orchestra. She isn’t afraid to try something new and her recording of the Victor Herbert works.