This collection of recently remastered soundtracks from the celebrated French composer GEORGES DELARUE (1925-1992) brings to CD his complete scores for Le Mepris (Contempt, Jean Luc Godard, 1963) and the classic Jules et Jim (Francois Truffaut, 1961). Also included on this CD are extracts from two other cult French films L’Insoumis (The Unvanquished, 1964) & the Jules et Jim sequal Les Deux Anglaises et le Continent (1971).
The score to Le Mepris opens the door with a breathy, melancholic orchestration which has occasional glimpses of hope & tranquility. Track 2 Theme de Camille is a flawless exercise in massaging the listeners heart. Track 7 Winter closes this first segment by the introduction of a harpsichord, which lends the whole piece a slightly gothic touch.
The next score to Les Deux Anglaises et le Continent is on the whole a much less sombre affair, with scurrying strings & playful piano. The playfulness is subdued somewhat for track 10 Le desespoir de Murial which brings a reflective, contemplative mood. Window staring stuff. The harp on Le Voyage en Perse is relaxing in the way only a harp can be.
|
Next up is the score to L’Insoumis. The first piece Theme de Thomas is rather dark, reminding me of certain parts of The Planets by Holst. Thomas et Dominique is a multi faceted affair, while the swinging accordion & piano on La fete triste made me want to sit in the shade with a large glass of cognac, tapping my feet absent mindedly.
Finally we have the complete symphony of Jules et Jim in its 26 minute glory. Again we have orchestral sweeping strings, harp, harpsichord & clarinet all expertly arranged, drawing the listener in one direction before changing tack with graceful precision.
A lot of soundtracks suffer without the visuals to back up the music, but this is a collection to savour. Modern classical music at its best.
|
