John Barry - The Beyondness of Things (1998)

The Beyondness of Things is composer John Barry’s first non-soundtrack instrumental album, allowing him to explore music free from film constraints. Known for scoring James Bond films, Born Free, and Dances With Wolves, Barry here delivers slow, contemplative, and melodic pieces that evoke emotion and introspection. The album features the English Chamber Orchestra and frequent use of harmonica by Tommy Morgan, with themes reminiscent of Barry’s cinematic work—romantic strings, nostalgic moods, and Western soundscapes.

Tracks like "Kissably Close" and "The Heartlands" mirror Bond love themes, while "Give Me a Smile" and "Meadow of Delight and Sadness" echo Dances With Wolves. There are subtle nods to Barry’s suspense motifs in "The Fictionist" and "Dawn Chorus", and "The Day The Earth Fell Silent" recalls the tension of early Bond scores. The album closes with "Dance With Reality", a jazz-inflected piece featuring alto saxophone, linking back to Barry’s early pop band days.

Overall, The Beyondness of Things is a refined and deeply personal musical work that extends Barry’s emotional storytelling beyond the screen.

Tracklist:
1-1 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - The beyondness of things - Barry: The beyondness of things [4:18]
1-2 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - Kissaby close - Barry: Kissaby close [4:03]
1-3 John Barry;Tommy Morgan;English Chamber Orchestra - The Heartlands - Barry: The Heartlands [5:08]
1-4 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - Give me a smile - Barry: Give me a smile [4:52]
1-5 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - A Childhood memory - Barry: A Childhood memory [5:16]
1-6 John Barry;David White;Tommy Morgan;English Chamber Orchestra - Nocturnal New York - Barry: Nocturnal New York [4:35]
1-7 John Barry;Tommy Morgan;English Chamber Orchestra - Meadow of delight and sadness - Barry: Meadow of delight and sadness [3:55]
1-8 John Barry;David White;English Chamber Orchestra - Gifts of Nature - Barry: Gifts of Nature [4:32]
1-9 John Barry;David White;English Chamber Orchestra - The Fictionist - Barry: The Fictionist [3:50]
1-10 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - Dawn chorus - Barry: Dawn chorus [5:00]
1-11 John Barry;English Chamber Orchestra - The day the Earth fell silent - Barry: The day the Earth fell silent [5:08]
1-12 John Barry;David White;Tommy Morgan;English Chamber Orchestra - Dance with reality - Barry: Dance with reality [4:51]