Search - Various Artists :: Is Paris Burning

An overlooked Maurice Jarre gem

David C. Veeneman | Lincolnshire, IL USA | 08/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Maurice Jarre is best know for the soundtracks to "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago" from the 1960s, as well as a host of other popular, if less spectacular movies through the 1980s. Most people aren't familiar with his soundtrack for "Is Paris Burning" the 1966 French-American production about the liberation of Paris during World War II. That's probably due the the fact that the movie was unsuccessful in the U.S. on its initial release. American audiences were simply not ready for a predominantly French film about an incident from recent French history, and they stayed away in droves.



But the soundtrack is one of Jarre's best. The main theme echoes "The Longest Day", the 60s war epic that "Is Paris Burning" would most like to be. But the real gem in this soundtrack is "Paris Waltz", Jarre's homage to Paris. Yes it's corny, and it strays perilously close to kitsch, but it captures the city beautifully. If you have ever spent time in Paris, this tune will bring back memories of your favorite parts of the city.



I debated for quite some time over whether to spring the $35 that this CD goes for (most sellers seem to have the 1990s Sony Japan reissue). But after two listenings straight through, I'm glad I did. "Is Paris Burning" and its soundtrack are fading from the scene, and that's a shame. both works deserve better."