FILM MUSIC REVIEW - The Web Magazine

 CD Reviews - Compilations & Musicals

(November/ December 2004)

All reviewed soundtracks are listed alphabetically and written by Roger Hall or Steven Kennedy.

Some of them are given the designation of "CD of Special Merit" for their outstanding contibution to film music production.  

Also, there is usually one soundtrack that is singled out as "Editor's Choice - Best of the Month."    

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A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores  (2nd revised edition, PineTree Press, 2002)

This expanded and updated guide was written by film music historian Roger Hall.

It has a wealth of information:

*A timeline of film music highlights from 1926 to 2001

*A chapter on suggestions for listening to film music

*A complete list of Academy Award film music from 1934 to 2000

*A complete list of the Sammy Movie Music Awards from 1988 to 2001

*Top100 Scores of the 20th Century

*Comments on Film Music (exclusive interviews with Aaron Copland and Virgil Thomson; quotes from Bernard Herrmann, David Raksin, Dimitri Tiomkin, and others)

*An extensive bibliography and discography.

Throughout the guide are many illustrations of composer autographs, including Johnny Green, Bernard Herrmann, Alex North, Miklos Rozsa,  Max Steiner , Dimitri Tiomkin, and others.  There are also songwriter autographs as well, such as Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn,  Ira Gershwin, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, and Jay Livingston.

The title page of the guide has a rare score page from the end credits of E.T.,  boldly signed by John Williams.

This film music guide is a limited edition and will be numbered and signed by the author.

If you order by 15 February 2004 you'll also receive a Free CDR titled: "Listener's Guide to Film Music."

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* A  Guide to Film Music was mentioned in the March/April 2002 issue of Film Score Monthly.

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 Music Titles from PineTree Press

Review Rundown::

All reviews are written by Roger Hall or Steven Kennedy.

The titles are chosen to cover a broad range of commercial, promotional and vintage soundtracks.  No bootleg CDs are reviewed.  Some CDs are designated for "Special Merit" and one is singled out for "Editor's Choice, Best of the Month"--chosen at any time during the month.

The comments and ratings are based on the whole CD package:  recorded music, booklet notes and art design.   

Ratings:

*****   (Superlative - Highest Recommendation)

****1/2 (Outstanding - Highly Recommended) 

 ****     (Exceptional - Especially Worthwhile)  

  ***1/2 (Very Good - Better Than Average)

  ***      (Good - Okay)

   **1/2  (Fair - Nothing Special)

   **      (Mediocre - Barely Passable)

     *      (Poor - Save Your Money)

Each month soundtracks are selected for Best of the Month and/or Recording of Special Merit.  These soundtracks are chosen on the date of the review, and not necessarily at the end of the month, and are those felt worthy of exceptional merit.

Some selected soundtracks have these headings above them:

Editor's Choice for Best of the Month

CD Release of Special Merit

Past FMR Reviews -

Compilations & Musicals

September - October 2004

January - July 2004

July - December 2003

January - June 2003

July - December 2002 

January-June 2002

Archive of Reviews (1999-2001) 

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CD Reviews - Compilations & Musicals (November/December 2004)

The Film Music of Dmitri Shostokovich, Vol. 2 - **** [CD of Special Merit]

MARY POPPINS (Special Edition - 2 CDs) ***** [Editor's Choice, Best of December]

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - original motion picture soundtrack - *

THE POLAR EXPRESS - ****

CD Release of Special Merit

The Film Music of Dmitri Shostakovich, Vol. 2

20 Tracks [Total Time = 66:08]

Music from:

THE GOLDEN MOUNTAINS (5 tracks = 14:24)

THE GADFLY (12 tracks = 42:20)

VOLOCHAYEV DAYS (3 tracks = 9:16)

Music composed by Dmitri Shostakovich. The BBC Philharmonic conducted by Vassily Sinaisky. Produced by Brian Pidgeon. Music recorded at Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester, UK. Recording engineered by Stephen Rinker. Design by Sean Coleman.

Chandos CD 10183

Rating: ****

Chandos records has been releasing a number of fine orchestral re-recordings of film music for the past few years. They have received very little notice in film music circles which is unfortunate since the ones I have been able to find and hear are generally quite good. Such is the case with this superb second volume of "suites" from two 1930s scores by Shostakovich coupled with an extensive suite from 1955’s music for THE GADFLY.

THE GOLDEN MOUNTAINS (1931) was the composer’s third film score. It has an interesting fanfare reminiscent of the fate motif from the Tchaikovsky fourth symphony. The idea is used stunningly in the opening measures. A unique moment in the score includes the seemingly incongruous use of a Hawaiian guitar for a delightful waltz. A tune from this score later became quite popular as a popular song but Shostakovich did not incorporate this into the published suite and unfortunately it is not included as a bonus track.

Coming after several public denunciations of his music, Shostakovich was "forced" into accepting more film work regardless of the quality of the films. This led to his work on 1937’s VOLOCHAYEV DAYS which is set in 1918 and deals with Russian-Japanese relations. The work comes from the same year that produced the monumental Fifth Symphony. One of the battle sequence cues would find its way into the finale of his Sixth Symphony.

THE GADFLY is perhaps one of Shostakovich’s more familiar film scores mostly from the performances of the "Romance" which was later used as the main title for REILLY, ACE OF SPIES. That performance is given an exquisite run through featuring concertmaster Yuri Torchinsky who makes this a lot less saccharine than it has become of late. Many may be surprised at the accessibility of this score, and even the other music on the disc, if they have found Shostakovich’s more modernist and angular writing not to their taste. Much of the music here would fit well with late 1940s and early 1950s Hollywood drama underscoring even though the level of the work here is in another class entirely. However, there are many orchestrational ideas that find equal parallels in the music of Alfred Newman, especially in the string writing. If you are very familiar with the composer’s works you may also have fun guessing where things either have come from or eventually were re-used in more expanded concert works. The "Folk Festival" hints at the later more popular concert work "Festive Overture" just a bit, for example.

A few years ago London/Decca released a wonderful collection of pieces from a variety of Shostakovich’s film work with Riccardo Chailly conducting. This disc is worth seeking out for fans of that one. More importantly, it is simply some wonderful music making that will find its way into your ears more often than many current discs.

If you are just being introduced to the series on Chandos, you could not find a better way to get you started.

This is highly recommended.

--Steven A. Kennedy, 3 December 2004

Comments regarding this review can be sent to this address: stev4uth@hotmail.com

Editor's Choice for December

MARY POPPINS (Special Edition)

2 CDs [Disc One = 79:48/ Disc Two =74:43]

Songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Music arranged and conducted by Irwin Kostal. Special Edition Executive Producer: Ted Krycko. Special Edition Restoration Producer and Editor: Randy Thornton.  Mastering and Restoration: Jeff Sheridan. Songs digitally mixed by Shawn Murphy, Bruce Botnick, Jeff Sheridan, John Polito. Package Design: David Braucher.

Walt Disney Records 61202-7

Rating: *****

This is a most welcome 40th anniversary release of the original soundtrack of MARY POPPINS from 1964.  The songs are all done with great wit and charm  by the entire cast, but especially its stars-- the beautifully clear voice of Julie Andrews and the comically delightful Dick Van Dyke.

All the things that are wrong with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (see review below) are done right in this MARY POPPINS release.  First, the lyrics to all the songs are included in the extensive, tastefully designed CD booklet. Next, the singing is much better than in THE PHANTOM.  Third, the arrangements by Irving Kostal are more imaginatively handled than the ones on THE PHANTOM soundtrack.

The first disc has the soundtrack and the second disc has over one hour of bonus material.

It's hard to pick out highlights from the soundtrack because there are just so many.  Just to name a few I especially enjoyed, there's the deligthful lively "A Spoonful of Sugar" (track 8, 4:07) and the very poignant "Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)"(track 20, 3:49), both songs beautifully sung by Julie Andrews.  Of course there is also the clever Oscar-winning song, "Chim Chim Cher-ee," which is first heard on "Pavement Artist" (track 9, 2:06).  The song receives its fullest treatment combined with "March Over the Rooftops" (track 24, 6:19).  

There are also new orchestral tracks, such as "The Carousel Horses" (track 13, 4:17) and additional material like "Jolly Holiday" (track 10, 5:22).

The second disc is divided into three main sections: The Mary Poppins Story Meetings (tracks 1-21, 41:05); Hollywood Spotlight Microphone from 1964 (track 22, 17:24); and The Sherman Brothers Reminisce About Their Work on MARY POPPINS, recorded in February 1989 (track 23, 16:07).

This a glorious special edition of tuneful delights and colorful comic songs like "I Love to Laugh" featuring the wonderfully silly comic actor Ed Wynn.

MARY POPPINS  2 CD Special Edition is terrific achievement for all involved.  

It is well worth adding to your film musical collection.  Highest recommendation.

--Roger Hall, 20 December 2004

Another review...

Rating: *****

I confess, I had the MARY POPPINS album as a kid, and it was played a lot. The broadcast of the film was always an event our family looked forward to and I know we managed to see it in the theater at least once in its several re-releases. To coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the DVD release of MARY POPPINS, Disney has also released this two disc set featuring a great deal of previously unreleased underscore and a bonus disc featuring interviews with the Shermans as well as some tapes of the early work sessions. In addition to these attractive additions, the sound is really quite crisp and clear.

Irwin Kostal’s Oscar-nominated arrangements are wonderful to hear finally hear on their own. In particular, fans will take note that finally included is the scene with "The Carousel Horses" which is a marvel of orchestration. The "March Over the Rooftops" appears as well, connected here to the classic song "Chim Chim Cher-ee." All told there is between 25 and 30 minutes of newly added material. Each of the orchestral pieces shimmers and shines without the added nuisance of dialogue. Even the "Penguin Dance" comes complete with tap dancing worked wonderfully into the fabric of the music it is also a great "mickey-mousing" example, no pun intended. If only these moments from this classic Disney score were all there was this disc would still be highly recommendable.

But, what makes MARY POPPINS such a joy are the many amazingly catchy tunes penned by the Sherman Brothers. A personal favorite of mine is the touching "Feed the Birds" which still brings a tear to the eye. [This scene is paid homage to, incidentally, in the scene with the Pigeon Lady in HOME ALONE 2.] The list of great songs is rather large in MARY POPPINS. Even the brief moments such as the "Sister Suffragette" song are classic moments in film. Whether you are a fan of "I Love To Laugh" with the delightful Ed Wynn, or enjoy the rooftop dance number "Step in Time" this is a disc that you will cherish and listen to with great joy.

For the special edition, a second disc has been added. Roughly half of it is devoted to a series of story meetings. From 1964, there is an interview by Dick Tufield with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, the Shermans, and Kostal. And to wrap up the disc, the Sherman Brothers reminisce about the project from a recording made back in 1989. Fans of the film and music will welcome these interviews packaged on their own disc. The booklet comes inserted into an inner sleeve and includes all the lyrics for each song and information on the tracks for the story meetings.

This has been a wonderful year of special releases for the Shermans. Lately we have seen the release of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, and the dual set of TOM SAWYER and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. It is always amazing to me how many of great songs came from this songwriting duo. There is always a sense of hope and love in even the saddest of their songs. Call it the kind of optimism that is often lacking in a lot of children’s film songs. It was the kind of hope that the Shermans instilled in all those who watched these films and heard there music.

One of the best releases of the year, this is makes a great introduction for a whole new generation of film music fans.

Forty years later, the score and songs for MARY POPPINS are pure magic.

--Steven A. Kennedy, 28 December 2004

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (2004)

14 Tracks [Total Time = 63:17]

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics by Charles Hart, additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Abum produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nigel Wright. Music Supervisor and Conductor: Simon Lee. Orchestrator: David Cullen. Recording Engineers: Robin Sellars, Simon Rhodes, Mike Ross Trevor. Music Editors: Michael Parnin, Yann McCullough, Vincint Cirilli. Mixed for record by Nigel Wright and Robin Sellars. Music recorded at Abbey Road Studios and other studios in Surry, Los Angeles and New York.

Sony Classical/ Sony Music Soundtrax SK 93521

Rating: *

First off, I want to suggest that if you want to hear great singing, then get the soundtrack to RAY, featuring 17 tracks of the unforgettable voice of Ray Charles.  That CD is worth your money.  This PHANTOM soundtrack isn't.

I'm aware that my review may not appeal to PHANTOM OF THE OPERA fans.  Even though I'm not a fan of much of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, I did find some of his melodies in THE PHANTOM to be appealing. Yet after listening to this soundtrack, I believe it's a poor representation of this world famous stage musical. The orchestrations are very thin, the singing is medicore and embarassingly bad at times, and the overall CD design is very superficial.  

I'm only reviewing the single CD.  The special extended 2 CD edition is also available.

First off, why waste space (9 pages!) in the CD booklet with color photos from the film, instead of providing the lyrics for all the songs?  What about those who don't already have the songbook? The song lyrics are especially necessary since the vocals are difficult to understand by the singers, especially the weak voice of Emmy Rossum on songs such as "Think of Me" (track 2, 3:40) and "Angel of Music" (track 3, 2:42).

The other female singers, Jennifer Ellison  and Minnie Driver, are better singers but their diction is also not very good. The key role of The Phantom by Gerard Butler is most disappointing.  His attempt at singing doesn't cut it. Where is Michael Crawford when we need him!  Just listen to title song (track 5, 3:34) and hear how he has to belt his voice instead of singing comfortably.  Strangely Emmy Rostum sounds better on that song.

The most famous song from this musical is of course "The Music of the Night" (track 6, 5:38) and here once again Gerard Butler doesn't do the song justice.  That's too bad because the orchestra is led with restraint by conductor Simon Lee while Butler stumbles through his poorly performed solo. However, there are several good cues, such as the opening orchestral "Overture" (2:45), which unfortunately comes to an abrupt end, and "Masquerade" (track 10, 5:30) featuring the full cast in a lively display of frivolity.  

There is one new song written especially for the film, "Learn to be Lonely" (track 14, 2:26).  This song has lyrics by Charles Hart and sounds like it came from some other film.  The song is totally forgettable except for the decent singing of Minnie Driver.

All in all, this soundtrack has its pleasant moments but is mostly a shameless attempt to offer up lackluster singing to the faithful.

This CD fails on just about every level.  It might be of interest to PHANTOM fans who don't care about good singing.  For anyone else, I'd suggest you save your money and stick with the original stage album.

This PHANTOM movie soundtrack should remain hidden in the cellar.  

--Roger Hall, 19 December 2004   

THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)

14 Tracks [Total Time = 46:12]

Music score by Alan Silvestri.  Songs by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Various vintage holiday songs sung by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters, and Kate Smith. Orchestrations by William Ross and Conrad Pope. Executive Album Producers: Tom Whalley, Jeff Ayeroff, Jeff Aldrich and Diarmuid Quinn. Mastered by Stephen Marcussen.  Digitally Edited by Stewart Whitmore.  Art Direction: Jeffrey Kent Ayeroff and Jeri Heiden. Design: Glen Nakasako.

Warner Sunset/ Reprise 48897-2

Rating: ****

Unless you're a real Scrooge and don't like Christmas standards like "Silver Bells" and "White Christmas," this is a wonderful collection of old and new music that should bring enjoyment during the holiday season.

I thought THE POLAR EXPRESS was a charming film with extraordinary animation.  With Tom Hanks as the clock-watching Conductor how can it fail to be a complete delight?  He even gets to talk his way through a few songs: "The Polar Express" (track 1, 3:25) and the extremely clever "Hot Chocolate" (track 5, 2:33).

First off it's the vintage songs...

All of them are Christmas standards.  They include "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" (sung by Frank Sinatra), "Winter Wonderland (The Andrews Sisters), "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" (Perry Como and The Fontane -- with a mention of Hopalong Cassidy, my cowboy hero), and the all-time favorite Christmas song, "White Christmas" --performed by Bing Crosby and the Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter's Orchestra from 1947.  I didn't care so much for Kate Smith's stiff rendition of "Silver Bells" and would rather have the one with Bing and Carole Richards.  The mastering of all these vintage Christmas standards by Stephen Marcussen is exceptional-- as brisk and clear as a cold winter night.

Now for the new songs...

I liked most of them.  The only ones that I didn't find so appealing were the cutesy pop song, "When Christmas Comes to Town" (sung by Matthew Hall and Megan Moore), and the loud and raucous "Rockin' On Top Of The World" (sung by Steven Tyler).  But all the other songs by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard are very good indeed, especially "Spirit of the Season" --with a choral setting sounding somewhat like John Williams yet still good enough to become a holiday song standard, and the best of the new songs: "Believe"-- an outstanding song which is beautifully sung by Josh Groban.

The score tracks are brief yet highly enjoyable.  Track 7 is "Seeing is Believing" (3:47) and begins with what sounds like a celesta and wordless chorus, then it proceeds to grow in intensity and eventually has a wonderfully lively quote of "Jingle Bells," with an abrupt and unsatisfying ending of the track.  The final track has a "Suite from THE POLAR EXPRESS" (6:02) and features full orchestra and wordless chorus restating the major themes and the songs.

The CD booklet has about 20 beautifully detailed pages from the animated film.  Unfortunately,there are no texts for the new songs which is a shame since they are worth reading, unlike many of today's film songs.

All in all, this is one of the best compilations of old and new songs released this year.  

Naturally it's perfect for the Christmas season.  But it would be great to also have a separate CD with just Alan Silvestri's appealing score.

All aboard for THE POLAR EXPRESS.  It's quite a thrilling ride!

--Roger Hall, December 2004   

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