Shackleton - Channel 4 Music

THOSE who followed the adventures of Ernest Shackleton and his motley band of diehards over the New Year are certain to remember Adrian Johnston's haunting theme music.

Channel 4 surpassed itself with some gripping boy's own tales of derring do.

Although Shackleton and his party failed in their bid to reach the South Pole, it is nonetheless an inspirational story of indomitable courage and resolve.

Johnston's fine score captures to perfection the mood of this brilliant two-parter that enthralled the nation for four hours.

Anticipation, expectation and desolation shine through this well-worked and totally atmospheric work.

To listen to the disc immediately brings back strong memories of the drama and pathos which Kenneth Branagh brought to the title role.

The party set out in the month that the First World War was declared.

Their ship Endurance was caught in the polar ice of the Weddell Sea and in 1915 the vessel was crushed and sank.

The 28-man party dragged themselves and what lifeboats and supplies they could take with them across the ice.

They eventually took to the ocean and rowed to an uninhabited island where the main body of men were left while our hero and five men rowed 700 miles to South Georgia in the Falkland Islands.

Once there they climbed a mountain range to reach help. Eventually Shackleton went back for the others and the rest, as they say, is history.

The story itself is so thrilling that it hardly requires significant musical enhancement.

Even so, Johnston with The Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Terry Davies, have done their work well.

The main theme lingered in my memory for hours after I viewed the film and the CD's effect on me was no less. Without doubt this is 48 minutes of stirring stuff.