Search - Elmer Bernstein :: The Magnificent Seven (Re-recording Of 1960 Film Score)

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN score by Elmer Bernstein

gobirds2 | New England | 01/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For several years now I considered the James Sedares recording of the THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN score to be the definitive digital interpretation of Elmer Bernstein's original. I had gotten so used to it that when Elmer Bernstein conducted his own score with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and issued his CD I was not all that enamored with it. However, I have returned to this recording and have compared it to the Sedares recording along with Bernstein's RETURN OF THE SEVEN soundtrack on Ryko. I must say that I now find this recording by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to be my favorite. The differences between the Sedares recording and this one are not as subtle as I had thought. Track 1 Main Titles And Calvera's Visit and Track 5 The Journey, are more faithful to the original and have a certain strength, drive and nobility (particularly in the main title) missing from Maestro James Sedares' recording. This CD has a sound closer to the RETURN OF THE SEVEN soundtrack also conducted by the composer. I can experience the original impressions I had the first time I saw the film and the numerous times I have viewed it since. I am rediscovering what attracted me to Bernstein's music many years ago. I think I sometimes become complacent with films and film scores that I have loved over the years and forget and lose that emotional bond I had made. It is a wonderful thing to rediscover these artistic forms of expression that attract us and grasp at our purpose or being. Being able to relive those moments and savor those times is a bit of happiness I enjoy and am thankful for. The James Sedares recording is excellent but nobody conducts Elmer Bernstein like Elmer Bernstein.

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