Ben-Hur [Film Score]

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0724385278723 Format: Soundtrack Label: Premier Manufacturer: Premier Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Premier Release Date: 1996-07-22 Studio: Premier
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Editorial Reviews: Considered by many to be the greatest score ever written, Miklós Rózsa's music for William Wyler's 212-minute epic Ben-Hur (1959) is an awe-inspiring creation of great beauty. Rózsa was given one year to complete his score, and the extra time shows in the score's quality. Of the three Oscars that he won, Rózsa always claimed that Ben-Hur was the most meaningful. Having researched first century sources, Rózsa discovered that no purely Roman music had survived. Consequently, much of the score is composed in what Rózsa referred to as his "specialised pseudo-archaic style", reflecting his belief of what Roman music might have sounded like. The composer contrasts his military marches and blazing fanfares with earthier music for the house of Hur. These set-pieces include a theme representing Judah's spirit, his love for Esther, and the rowing of the galley slaves. Then there is the theme for Christ, a redemptive composition first heard amongst the brass dissonance of Judah's desert trek. As if this wasn't enough, Rózsa also presents the "Parade Of The Charioteers," which precedes one of film history's great set-pieces--the climactic chariot race. This 75-minute disc represents the most extensive version of the score released yet. (However, the complete original soundtrack on two discs is available in the United States on Rhino Records.) --Kevin Mulhall
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: The greatest film score ever written Comment: Magnificent, monumental music! Miklos Rozsa's Hollywood career spanned 5 decades from working with the Korda brothers on The Jungle Book to the great era of historical epics and beyond. Ben-Hur is his finest work, full of epic melody and grand orchestral spectacle. Any self-respecting soundtrack fan must own this album. More Reviews