The Birth of a Nation (soundtrack)
Score album for the 2016 film, composed by Henry Jackman.
The Birth of a Nation: Original Motion Picture Score is the score album for the 2016 film directed by Nate Parker. Composed by Henry Jackman, it was released by Atlantic Records on October 21, 2016. The score was created under financial constraints and received critical acclaim from film critics.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Henry Jackman
- Released
- October 21, 2016
- Recorded
- 2016
- Genre
- Film score
- Length
- 39:50
- Label
- Atlantic
Facts from the source article.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prophecy | 0:58 |
| 2 | Turner Plantation | 1:42 |
| 3 | The Calling | 1:09 |
| 4 | A New Chapter | 1:55 |
| 5 | Cherry Anne | 2:43 |
| 6 | Matrimony | 1:35 |
| 7 | The Oppressed | 1:49 |
| 8 | The Life of Nat Turner | 1:53 |
| 9 | A New Song | 1:38 |
| 10 | Serving Master | 1:25 |
| 11 | The Remission of Sin | 1:05 |
| 12 | Transfiguration | 1:50 |
| 13 | A Call to Arms | 0:49 |
| 14 | The Reckoning | 1:57 |
| 15 | Riotous Dispositio | 1:48 |
| 16 | On to Jerusalem | 6:16 |
| 17 | Strange Fruit | 3:33 |
| 18 | Rite of Passage | 0:52 |
| 19 | The Legacy of Nat Turner | 1:58 |
| 20 | The Birth of a Nation | 2:55 |
| Total length | 39:50 | |
Track listing from the source article.
Development
Henry Jackman was brought in to compose the film's music after discussing the script and artistic process with Nate Parker. Jackman received a rough cut that was 85% finished, and Parker did not provide an extended cut for scoring and editing, as he had shot what he wanted. Jackman was skeptical of some of Parker's musical ideas, which increased costs. To be creative, Jackman initially wanted a score featuring piano and cello soloists, but Parker requested a symphony orchestra and choir for the third act, similar to Braveheart, and helped figure out production costs. This led to collaboration with international musicians: British actor and songlist Alex Boyé provided vocals, Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña contributed, and a gospel choir was used not for spirituals but for the tradition and culture of that singing style. The a cappella vocals were recorded by the choir from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and the One Voice Children's Choir performed a poem adapted from the Zulu language.
Reception
Music critic Jonathan Broxton of Movie Music UK wrote that the score represents the best music of Henry Jackman's career, noting it is not flashy or fun but conveys poignant emotion through African tribal music and choral elements, reflecting the main character's cultural heritage and faith. Broxton praised the clarity of stripped-down instrumental textures, indicating Jackman's increased confidence. James Southall of Movie Wave commented that Jackman demonstrates a different side of his musical personality, successfully conveying Turner's faith and conviction while understanding the tragedy of the events. Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter described the score as unusually varied, drawing on multiple musical traditions. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said the score pushes when it needs to subtly persuade. Christopher Orr of The Atlantic criticized the score, calling it overwrought at times.
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