Search - Franz Waxman, Joel McNeely, Royal Scottish National Orchestra :: Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score]

"I am BIG; it's the pictures that got small"

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 12/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not only can Norma Desmond's quote be applied to the stars of the past, it can be attached to the musical scores of Hollywood's Golden Age, pre-1960. For it was in the early half of the twentieth century when the pairing of film and music was at its apex. For my money, no other score can best exemplify the art of film scoring than Waxman's dynamic accompaniment to Billy Wilder's gem. Part tragedy, part comedy, and dead-on-the-mark attack on the price of fame, the movie needed a score befitting its multi-layered story. Waxman provided just that: a work that is whimsical, deliberate, haunting, poetic, and reflective. There are also elements of American jazz, reminiscent of the music of Gershwin, who himself incorporated that musical form in many of his compositions. It's no surprise that Varese-Sarabande would release such a priceless recording, spearheaded by Joel McNeely, one that obviously respects the work of the film scoring masters. As far as selections go, each one is feast for the ears, with special note given to "The Comeback", the familiar cue heard as Desmond (Gloria Swanson) descends from the top of the staircase in expectation of the "fans" below.

Film historians must consider this among the top ten scores of all time."

"Varese Sarabande Film Classics ~ Franz Waxman"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 04/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Wilder's classic "Sunset Boulevard", filmed in 1950 featured Gloria Swanson and William Holden ~ as a body lies floating in the swimming pool and the story unfolds in back flashes. The body turns out to be Holdens, while Swanson is always looking for "The Comeback" in front of the cameras. Perfection in film making, brought together by a fine cast, director Wilder had to come up with a winning composer ~ what better choice than legendary composer Franz Waxman, an icon of music in the days of film scoring.Waxman comes to mind, recall his work and career with such classics as "Captain Courageous", "The Philadelphia Story", "Rebecca", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "Woman of the Year", "Destination Tokyo", "God Is My Co-Pilot", "A Place In The Sun" and the score we're reviewing "Sunset Boulevard" ~ the last two scores won the Academy Awards for Waxman. Our composers scores are always fresh and original, with tones and counter melodies from one spectrum of comedy, romance, drama, suspense, horror and thrillers ~ capturing every cue with a touch of all the senses. Listen as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Joel McNeely, recreates the masterpiece in its entirety as it was meant to be performed and heard. If anyone has ever read my reviews know what a "film-score-buff" I am ~ just sit back, close your eyes and be transported back to the Sunset Boulevard Mansion ~ and watch the imperious silent film star Norma Desmond descend from the top of the staircase into the realm of film history ~ with the classic score by our favorite composer ~ FRANZ WAXMAN!

Total Time: 69:41 on 25 Tracks ~ Varese Records 302-066-316-2 ~ (11/19/2002)"