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The Duellists/Riddle Of The Sands
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Topic: The Duellists/Riddle Of The Sands
BMikeJ
Oscar® Winner
One of the great joys that comes from handling the soundtrack section over at Super Collector is getting the first look (and listen) at new releases. In this particular case, we got a few advance copies in of our latest release which couples two long sought after scores by one of filmmusic's best kept secrets, Howard Blake. The two scores are The Duellists and Riddle Of The Sands. There is a rerecorded suite from The Duellists that's been available for a couple of years now on Silva's Mark Of Zorro compilation. And eDel's Best Of Adventure 2 CD had a rerecording of Blake's theme for Riddle Of The Sands. Neither of those recordings had prepared me for the sheer beauty of the original recordings... Especially in the case of Riddle Of The Sands. Those familiar with that performance will be stunned to know there is a choral accompaniment for it. I was... These are both terrific scores, written by a classically trained composer at the top of his game. The liner notes are absolutely fantastic. They include comments by directors Ridley Scott and Tony Maylam, as well as actor Michael York. Complete with good quality stills from both films, as well as pictures of all the release posters, these notes were clearly put together by someone who loves the material. And the sound quality is stunning. Mike, the guy at Super Collector says you ought to buy this disc, which should be available towards the end of this month.
I also got to hear an advance copy of Silva Screen's upcoming John Barry disc, Walkabout. Once again, Silva NAILS a John Barry score. I was initially concerned about how the percussion would be handled on Walkabout but my concerns were misplaced. Couple that with great performances of They Might Be Giants, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, The Betsy, The Corn Is Green, and a suite from Seance On A Wet Afternoon and you have another great Barry disc from Silva Screen. And I better not forget a performance of Until September, one of my favorite love themes from JB. Just... beautiful.
posted 10-05-2000 12:28 AM PT (US) Swashbuckler
Oscar® Winner
If the guys at Super Collector are releasing the original soundtrack recording of The Duellists then they certainly deserve many, many kudos.That score is georgeous, and long overdue for release. I strongly recommend it to anybody unfamiliar with it.
I don't know Riddle of the Sands, but I definitely am eager to hear it.
posted 10-05-2000 07:21 PM PT (US) BMikeJ
Oscar® Winner
quote:
Originally posted by Swashbuckler:
If the guys at Super Collector are releasing the original soundtrack recording of The Duellists then they certainly deserve many, many kudos.That score is georgeous, and long overdue for release. I strongly recommend it to anybody unfamiliar with it.
I don't know Riddle of the Sands, but I definitely am eager to hear it.
I have ALWAYS wanted to have The Duellists on CD and I never thought it would happen... And as good as it is, I think the real gem is Riddle Of The Sands. After hearing it, I think people will be surprised and I have a hunch that it turned up on MANY temp tracks in the 80's.
posted 10-05-2000 10:21 PM PT (US) Swashbuckler
Oscar® Winner
Well, I'm converted. The Riddle of the Sands is an amazing score, large in scope and lush in orchestration. Blake's detailed and flowing style give this score and The Duellists a classic panache that is very rare.NP - Howard Blake The Duellists/The Riddle of the Sands
posted 11-03-2000 11:45 PM PT (US) Old Infopop Software by UBB