Varèse Sarabande
Instrumental, 2002

Like most soundtracks, the original soundtrack to the cable miniseries Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune has one general epic-sounding anthem that is repeated in different variations. There are thirty-six tracks here, and many of them are a variation of an Adiemus-like trance/new age anthem that takes its purest and most beautiful form in the chilling Inama Nushif, sung entirely in Frank Herbert’s fictitious language of the Fremen.

Inama Nushif (“She Is Eternal” – I think) is especially evocative because it is used in the most powerful and emotionally gutting scene in the miniseries. I won’t reveal spoilers here, so let’s just say that the scene really makes Paul Atreides comes alive to me – I have never actually experienced his claustrophobia and the true extent of his frustrations and heartbreak over his feeling trapped by his own destiny until I watch Alec Newman’s sublime portrayal of Paul Atreides in the miniseries, in that scene where Inama Nushif plays. But to those who have never watched the miniseries, Inama Nushif will be a pleasant interlude in between Adiemus CDs – the female vocalist performing a hypnotic chant in her crystal clear soprano over a moody epic anthem should be a familiar concept if you have at least one Adiemus CD in your collection.

The music in this CD actually fits the context of the miniseries beautifully. Here, the Hans Zimmer-like epic string aspirations are made more palatable by the use of the sitar and other musical instruments more typical of middle-eastern music. It sets the right atmosphere for the miniseries as the love of the desert by Paul Atreides and his people is the central theme of the show and the music feels, shall I say, “deserted”. Another impressive achievement by Brian Tyler that composed the music is that he manages to use one fundamental melody in so many different arrangements that while Summon the Worms and Inama Nushif are musically similar, the former evokes trepidation and awe while the latter breaks the heart.

So what can I say? I watch the miniseries, love the soundtrack, and I want to tell Paul Atreides that he’ll be much more happier married to me. You’ll have to gauge for yourself whether this CD is right for you. If you love Adiemus especially, I suspect that this CD will fit your tastes perfectly.