Decca Records/Universal Music Canada are proud to release the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to the much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon, Downton Abbey: A New Era, scored by composer John Lunn. The soundtrack retains the distinctive sweeping orchestration and title motifs from the multiple Emmy Award-winning series whilst celebrating the story’s entrance to a new decade with 1930s swinging jazz, alongside the glitz of early cinema. The album embraces an exciting new generation of UK jazz and soul artists, including award-winning British singer Cherise Adams-Burnett, whose honeyed voice shines on tracks ‘Crazy Rhythm’ and ‘Am I Blue’. Cherise also features in the film, performing the songs from the soundtrack.
Celebrated Scottish composer John Lunn has received two Primetime Emmy Awards and two BAFTA nominations for his scores for Downton Abbey. Lunn’s music possesses a wonderfully unique voice that spans a broad spectrum of musical styles. Classically trained yet contemporary in attitude, he combines a highly intelligent and sensitive approach with a sound that always hits at the emotional heart of a piece. Other television work includes ITV/PBS’s Grantchester, The White Queen and The White Princess, Shetland, The Last Kingdom and To Walk Invisible: The Bronte Sisters. John has also received much critical acclaim, including BAFTA, Emmy and Ivor Novello nominations, for three adaptations of Charles Dickens classics: The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, a 14-part re-imagining of Little Dorrit, and Bleak House.
Of the new soundtrack, Lunn says: “I’ve been working on Downton Abbey now for over ten years, but this is the soundtrack that I’m probably most proud of. It’s been a joyous return to working with the director Simon Curtis, we had previously worked together on Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky, and he seems to bring the best out of me. Along with reworking familiar and well-loved themes, the new storylines have opened up a whole new vista for me.”
Of her performance in the film and on the soundtrack, Cherise explains: “I would have never thought I’d be cast in Downton Abbey, to be part of the soundtrack is even more of a bonus to bring this great story to life. I tried to channel the energy of Josephine Baker, a notable rebel of her time and even today with my own soul music, I try to channel her individuality, fun and flare.”
The original television series of Downton Abbey first aired 12 years ago on ITV in September 2010 and has since enjoyed six critically acclaimed seasons and two feature films, developing a devoted global fanbase and collecting numerous accolades. The new film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, reunites the beloved family as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. The original principal cast has returned for the second film along with new additions Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West. The screenplay is written by Downton creator and Academy-Award® winner Julian Fellowes, with Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning Gareth Neame and Emmy Award-winning Liz Trubridge producing with Fellowes. BAFTA and Emmy nominated Simon Curtis (My Week with Marilyn) is directing. Downton Abbey: A New Era is now available in cinemas across the UK and internationally.
Downton Abbey: A New Era – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is out now via Decca Records/Universal Music Canada. Listen to it below:
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