The Ultimate Life (Soundtrack) by Mark McKenzie - Review

Beyond Doubt

by Richard Buxton

Regardless of your stance on humanity’s origins as a race, and the existence of beings greater than our own, there can be no doubt that themes of religion and faith in film frequently result in music of outstanding beauty. Composer MARK MCKENZIE has hardly been the most prolific in recent years, but he is no stranger to matters of faith illustrated on screen. THE ULTIMATE LIFE, a sequel to 2006’s THE ULTIMATE GIFT, comes two years after MCKENZIE’S critically acclaimed score to THE GREATEST MIRACLE, and while THE ULTIMATE LIFE itself has suffered critical damage in the media, MCKENZIE has once again crafted an often spellbinding score that is underpinned by sumptuous themes.

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"Gloria" by Mark Mckenzie to debut at Crystal Cathedral

Composer Mark Mckenzie (Durango, The Last Sin Eater, Saving Sarah Cain) will have his composition, "GLORIA" make it's world premiere at the Crystal Cathedral this Sunday. Below is the official release.

A Sacred Anthem composed by Mark McKenzie will recieve its World Premiere this Sunday, May 18th (broadcast on Television June 1) at a special Crystal Cathedral Celebration. On that day the Cathedral will Celebrate it's 2000th televised Robert Schuller "Hour of Power" worship service which goes out to 155 Countries including China, Russia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

"GLORIA" was composed for Full Symphony Orchestra, Choir, Children's choir, and one of the largest Pipe Organs and Carillon in the world. It will be conducted by UCLA Choral Professor and Crystal Cathedral Choir Master Don Neuen. In its structure, this 4-5 minute muscial work pays omage to the classic Passacaglia form as well as to composer Maurice Ravel.

The program will air internationally the weekend of June 1st. Throughout the summer, it will be on the http://www.crystalcathedral.org/hour_of_power website. (scroll the arrow to the right of the video monitor to find it.)

To locate (world wide) a Television station that airs the Hour of Power near your City, please visit. http://www.crystalcathedral.org/hour_of_power/tvlisting/index.php

Saving Sarah Cain (Soundtrack) by Mark McKenzie

I received a nice email from composer MARK MCKENZIE today announcing the availability of one of his most recent projects, SAVING SARAH CAIN. Be sure to check out our home page, as he has graciously given me permssion to stream 4 tracks from the soundtrack release! Always good music from Mr. McKenzie!

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Health, Laughter, Peace and Prosperity to you in this new year!!

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my 15th Original Soundtrack. The Word Ent. / Warner-Curb Records release of SAVING SARAH CAIN is available today on itunes, amazon and most anywhere records are sold. The music is very gentle, pastoral, meditative and romantic and also includes 3 great songs by the artists "Point of Grace," "Barlow Girl" and "Building 429."

This beautiful 20th Century Fox / Lifetime Amish movie directed by Michael Landon Jr. stars Academy Award nominated actors Elliot Gould and Tess Harper and introduces the beautiful Lisa Pepper. . .


Best Regards,

Mark McKenzie
http://www.markmckenzie.org/


A note from director Michael Landon Jr.

Once again, I have wisely entrusted the music score of one of my films to Mark McKenzie, a composer with understanding for both story and character. This is my second collaboration with Mark (the first being THE LAST SIN EATER which I encourage you to listen to – it’s nothing short of breathtaking) and unlike many composers of today, he shines in both his melodies and his musical range. I believe that art whether it is in a movie or a painting, or a song, has the ability to express the purest part of the human soul – the part of us that is
closest to our Creator. I believe Mark shares this aspect of himself without apology. Along with his deft orchestration and emotionally nuanced score, this soundtrack features songs from some of today’s finest contemporary Christian artists whose music complement Mark’s score and encourages faith, hope, and love with tremendous beauty and power.



A note from Composer Mark McKenzie

"My hope is that Michael and Brian’s deeply moving film SAVING SARAH CAIN and this music score will bring some peaceful, tender, meditative beauty as you listen. The Amish have an admirably strong faith in God and commitment to live peaceful, simple and loving lives. For that reason, it seemed most effective to compose peaceful, simple, loving, and almost meditative music with gentle melodies, muted strings, sensitively performed woodwinds, piano solos and a faint, ethereal, child soprano voice which serves as a subliminal reminder of
Sarah’s sister, Ivy.

For more music I’d like to invite you to http://www.markmckenzie.org/"



Los Angeles Studio Orchestra
Recording Engineer: Armin Steiner
Supervising Music Editor: Marc S. Perlman, MPSE
Music preparation: Gregg Nestor
Music Technical Advisor: David Russell
Contractor: John Rosenberg
Conductor: Eric Schmidt
Flute: Steve Kujala
Oboe: Tom Boyd
Piano: Mark McKenzie