Wolf Hall

• Composed by Debbie Wiseman
• Silva Screen / 2015 / 56m

A handsome BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, Mark Rylance gives a stunning performance as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s chief minister, as it chronicles his part in the king’s split from the Roman church and follows events up to the execution of Anne Boleyn.  With a terrific cast (Damian Lewis also stars, as Henry) it is very engaging, though its sympathetic presentation of Cromwell – seen by most historians as a self-serving, bullying figure – does suggest it’s to be taken with a pinch of salt.  The score is by Debbie Wiseman and is one of her best – it’s absolutely captivating.  It is credited to The Locrian Ensemble, a famous chamber string ensemble in London but evidently augmented by other soloists (some authentically Tudor) for this recording.  At the heart of the score is the outstanding main theme, with a hint of darkness and a slightly Machiavellian feel, as if a web is being spun around the listener; perfect for Cromwell.

“Forgive Me” features a beautiful piano solo, more than a hint of sadness but a great beauty.  “Anna Regina” is even more beautiful, capturing the tragedy of Henry’s second wife.  At the other end of the scale is “Master of Phantoms”, a dark and at times surprisingly aggressive piece of action/suspense.  It’s impressive how the composer has managed to craft something which manages to have a somewhat authentic period feel and yet work perfectly as modern dramatic underscore; it’s so uniquely crafted to Wolf Hall, refreshingly different from other music being written.  I have to say it is a bit miserable at times, as demanded by the show; but it certainly keeps my attention rapt throughout its running time and is an album I can imagine returning to frequently.

Rating: ****

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