The Secret of NIMH (1982) (Three stars out of four)
Varese Sarabande VSD-5541
12 tracks - 48:30
Goldsmith's first full-length animated film score is an infectious mix of playful delicacy and heavy, brooding textures linked by a soaring, lyrical melody. The Dark underpinnings of the storyline (which involves who gain increased intelligence due to experiments by the National Institute of Mental Health) are perfect for Goldsmith's moodier techniques (the edgy final confrontation between the hero and villain rat is a beaut), and Goldsmith's early '80s, lyrical impressionism is in full flower (although some may find the Paul Williams-penned "Flying Dreams" song a bit on the saccharine side).
Originally released on LP and later CD by That's Entertainment Records, Varese's first CD (VCD 47231) featured the tracks in quite a different order; the reissue altered the running order to conform more closely to the TER original.