Original score from the 2007 horror drama feature film directed by George Ratliff, starring Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga and Celia Weston.

THE STORY: The arrival of a newborn girl causes the gradual disintegration of the Cairn family; particularly for 9-year-old Joshua (Kogan), an eccentric boy whose proper upbringing and refined tastes both take a sinister turn.

THE SCORE: With this strikingly original score, young composer Nico Muhly, who has worked extensively as an editor, keyboardist and conductor for Philip Glass, conjures the atmosphere of a claustrophobic apartment – a place where psychological terror strikes in this award-winning horror feature directed by George Ratliff. “It begins sun-drenched and idyllic, with bells, harp, and piano outlining a wholesome and growing family,” the composer explains. “Gradually, the piano becomes an antagonist… and as Joshua becomes more and more menacing to his mother, the piano moves to registral extremes, obsessing over the highest and lowest notes of the keyboard… The score ends with severe trombones and wailing violins; a complete subversion of the optimistic beginning.”

MMS08005 • JOSHUA (Original Motion Picture Score)
Music Composed and Conducted by NICO MUHLY
Release date: March 11, 2008