BIS Records release House of Cards Symphony and other works by composer Jeff Beal. The composer also conducted all of the performances by Sweden’s Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and renowned soloists Sharon Bezaly, flute and Jason Vieaux, guitar...

House of Cards Symphony is Jeff Beal's personal love letter to not only fans of his music for the show, but also to those that want to hear him compose something a little more personal, freed from the constraints of writing for someone else's project.

Those coming to this expecting a live recording of the same old House of Cards themes that you've already got on the show's album releases will be pleasantly surprised to learn that is way more than a simple performance of some of the show's highlights.

More Classical music than it is TV series score, House of Cards Symphony contains two CDs, the first is packed full of lovingly crafted themes - 10 in all, each built around a thematic idea of character from the show. The second album contains original classical music compositions that showcase Beal's ability to write some beautiful music from his own inspirations.

The one thing I didn't understand was why the House of Cards music spills onto the second CD (with just 1, 3.5 minute track). Surely it would have made more sense to put the House of Cards music on CD 1 with the classical compositions on the second CD.

The 2 disc album contains 18 tracks (2 hr, 12 min, 16 sec) and is an essential purchase for Classical music lovers and serious soundtrack collectors.

10

Darren Rea