Search - Ennio Morricone :: Chronicle - O.S.T.

Comprehensive Overview of Ignored Aspect of Morricone's Work

James Bunnelle | 01/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This box is a must for the hardcore Morricone fan, especially those unfamiliar with the pop recordings for BMG/Ricordi that he arranged, conducted, and/or composed from 1959 until the early 1990's. The 10-disc set is broken down thematically, although the impressive book is completely in Japanese, except for the title listings and the lyrics, which are in both Japanese and Italian. Before shelling out the big bucks for this set, however, go purchase the Pop Music volume of Bear Family Records' CANTO MORRICONE set. Although only a tiny portion of this box set is represented on the CANTO collection (Mina's SE TELEFONANDO, etc.), it gives a good overview of his early carrer. There are very few remakes of US pop songs, although the few that are present typically surpass their American counterparts with regard to arrangements, the best being a cover of the Shangri-Las' "Dressed In Black" entitled "Non e mai tardi". It will take some close scrutiny to figure out the reasoning behind the set's layout, but the first disc appears to be songs arranged, composed, and conducted by Morricone, while subsequent discs cover each of the areas idividually. There are Italian songs by Peggy March and several by Chet Baker (plays and sings). Others include Miranda Martino, Catherine Spaak, Rossi, Jimmy Fontana, and Rita Monico. Film music is included as well, with the 10th disc devoted entirely to his Western scores for Leone and others. The set also includes an exact facsimile of the 45" "Go-Kart Twist", which is also on the 6th disc. The only drawback to the set is a lack of an english or italian translation for the Japanese book. There are many tracks that I'm very curious about but can't read the copius annotations given for each individual song. Regardless, it's still a great set for those Morricone fans like myself who wanted something meatier after purchasing the CANTO MORRICONE volumes. Grab it now before it's out of print (limited edition of 1,000)."