Mark Knopfler - Last Exit To Brooklyn (1989)

In addition to adeptly supporting this interesting but difficult film ,this score stands by itself as exquisite, always interesting music. It is for me the most enduringly appealing soundtrack I have heard. The main themes begin very simply, as Knopflers Dire Straits rock songs often are. But here, in a mostly lush orchestral setting, each theme evolves into a far more complex sequence, with wonderful leitmotifs throughout. Instrumentation from contrasting idioms are joined here seamlessly. More than any of his other work, this score reflects Mark Knopflers formal academic musical training -- likely a surprise for listeners who only know him as a fine rock composer and quitarist with Dire Straits. The production and sound quality is excellent. (My 2nd choice for most beautiful film score ever would be Cinema Paradiso. Knopflers Local Hero ranks high as well.)