by Alexborn007 on 6/4/2003
favorite track: 17
 
What an amazing CD! Erich Kunzel takes some of the most memorable adventure themes of the past and gives them the best musical salute possible: a breathtaking performance. The Cinncinati Pops are equally spellbinding... some themes just make you want to get out and defend humanity.

The disc opens with the music from El Cid. While I was unfamiliar with the score, it's a nice fanfare. One thing I love about this disc is that it gives us a proper performance of the theme from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Here, it's played with all the gusto and flair it was meant to have. Henry V's opening and closing are very suiting and I find them fascinating. The next highlight for me is Beetlejuice. I've always loved the theme, and while it loses just a bit of the Elfman zanyness, the chorus bring it back pretty swiftly. Total Recall's performance is fine, but this a theme that NEEDS its original electronics (they're not present here).

The next (and best) highlight is "The Anvil of Crom" from Conan The Barbarian. The performance and source material here is simply awe-inspiring. The percussion-driven cue just begs you to take up arms. Red October's hymn is also beautiful and dynamic. The most interesting cue here is The Terminator theme. Kunzel finally treats it well and gives a full out orchestral performance. Its louder moments really show just how memorable the theme is, and makes you question Fiedel's use of it (or lack thereof) with electronics and poor orchestration.

So, in closing, this is a great CD for fans of heroic music. The Telarc label provides sweeping and clear sound. The speakers will reeeeeally rock your room when the cues get kicking. The album is very well put together, and I hope Kunzel will try this again in the near future.