Search - Mario Nascimbene, Elmer Bernstein, Vangelis :: Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood

"Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 09/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I think of the "Golden Age of Hollywood", many composers come to mind...you gave the usher your ticket in the theater and sat down, knowingly you were going to get your moneys worth...when the curtain opened and you heard those first few notes...you sat back, watched and listened as the film score and orchestra worked their magic...now we have the ultimate from Silva Screen Classics "EPICS:THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD", featuring a four disc set of the essential film scores of the past 60 years...covering several decades right and up to the present 2005.



There are compilations and then there are "Compilations" beginning with a classics that even the youngsters today recognize...sweeping scores that capture the drama, mystery, adventure, action and romance...one great cue after another, it doesn't get any better than this...many nominated and winners by the Academy for Best Original Score...



Silva Screen Classics as usual, has put quality into this 4-CD-Set featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Mario Klemens and Nic Raine. Recorded in "Dolby Surround" with the new technology of "HDCD", this is a "film-score-buffs" dream, one to treasure now and years to come...this collection is aimed directly at the "Serious Film Score" music fans and collectors...Silva is as always, perfect in every way...just the way we like 'em!



Total Time: 4-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1170 ~ (9/6/2005)"

Great concept, but a disappointing performance and mix

Studio Pro | California, USA | 03/16/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The selection of most of the tracks I would have to agree include some of the very best moments from Epic Hollywood film scores. The conception is a solid one.



The problems are in the execution. In many cases the orchestra seems under-rehearsed, and not understanding the music they are playing. The conductors' lack of direction is evident.



Comparing these recordings with the originals you notice how badly balanced the Prague orchestra was. Control of the balance is in the hands of the conductor, recording engineers, and mix engineer. Awareness of what instrument(s) had the melody seems non-existent. That's something the old hollywood engineers knew.



For example, there are tracks like the "Spartacus Love Theme" where the melody in the strings is barely heard compared with the other instruments, and that is a beautiful melody. The strings also seem quite low in volume in "Ave Caesar" from "Quo Vadis", so when the brass enter they are too loud. The exciting "Prince Valiant" prelude had a few sloppy moments, and was awash in reverb. (Compare this track with the original bravura performance in the soundtrack recording by Waxman.)



To sum it up, it's too bad so much effort went into what could have been a greater series of performances with a bit more care and perspective on the material. Low budget doesn't have to mean you rush through everything. If anything, taking more time to get it right is justified."

EPICS THAT DO NOT DISAPPOINT

Richard R. Riley | MEDIA, PA | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA TO TAKE HOLLYWOOD'S COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL EPIC MOVIES, EXTRACT THE BEST PORTIONS OF THE SCORES AND COMBINE THEM FROM THE DAWN OF MAN TO THE RECENT PAST. I PARTICULARLY ENJOY THE SUITES FROM GLADIATOR, BRAVEHEART AND THE VIKING. THE REPRODUCTION OF THESE SCORES BY THE CITY OF PRAGUE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS IS BRILLIANT, AND THE RECORDING WAS EXCELLENT. I ONLY WISH THERE WERE EIGHT DISCS INSTEAD OF FOUR TO COVER THE VOLUMES OF SCORES THAT COULD NOT BE INCLUDED. LET'S HOPE FOR A VOLUME II."