We are listening to what I think of as being an unconventional event – only a few days ago, on 18^th July, 2014, an album released by Deutsche Grammophon was launched on the international market; it contains the soundtrack of Libertador, a film that will be showing in cinemas in South America starting on 24^th July, 2014.

Just another soundtrack, you might say... not exactly; for the author is Gustavo Dudamel who is known not only as a successful conductor, but also as a composer. Of course, he himself conducts the orchestra that performs the score of the Libertador soundtrack; it is the very same orchestra whose conducting brought him to the attention of the public – the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.

Moreover, the main character in the film is Simon Bolivar, South America’s hero before the 19^th century. In order to portray the life of the famous historic character, Gustavo Dudamel wrote a score he describes as “full of atmosphere, tension, hope and struggle – a post-Mahlerian music”. The post-Mahlerian language entwines with traditional South American music themes; together with the passionate performance of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, they make a real spectacular outcome.

Many of the soundtracks do not last without the visual support - Gustavo Dudamel’s music for Libertador passes this test and remains valid and interesting independently. It is true, Dudamel had some of the best advisers – John Williams, author of the already legendary Star Wars soundtrack, was beside him.

You will be able to listen to the record on Monday, 21^st July, starting at 19:00, during the Music Box programme, with Cristina Comandaşu or to the repeat, on Sunday, 27^th July, starting at 13:20. It is also included in the Vote for the Best Classical Album of 2014 campaign.