The Egyptian [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Soundtrack]

Alfred Newman (Composer), Bernard Herrmann (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Alfred Newman, Bernard Herrmann
• Audio CD (January 11, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Film Score Monthly
• ASIN: B0006SSPX0
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,076 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Prelude / The Ruins

2. Crocodile Inn (Newman) / Thebes

3. Chant for Dead Pharaoh

4. The Chariot Ride / Persuit / Akhnaton (Newman) / Put Them in Chains

5. The Throne Room

6. Taia

7. Party's End / The Offering / The Harp Player

8. The Deed / The Harp and Couch

9. The Perfection of Love / Violence

10. The House of the Dead / The Burial

11. Valley of the Kings

12. The Homecoming

13. Hymn to Aton

14. Nefer's Farewell / Sights, Sounds, and Smells (Newma)

15. You've Been in My Prayers

16. Live for Our Son [From "The Egyptian"]

17. Am I Mad?

18. The Princess / The True Pharaoh / The Tomb

19. Danse Macabre

20. Death of Merit

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true, enduring masterpiece!, September 1, 2005

By 

R. L. Pulliam "no lemming, I" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Egyptian [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

There have been many milestones in film music history that have resonated through the decades finding new audiences and inspiring new recordings.

Unique among them is "The Egyptian," a major collaboration between uber-composers Bernard Herrmann (to whom the film was assigned) and Alfred Newman (20th Century-Fox Music Department head and all-time great composer/conductor). While Herrmann got the initial assignment, the allotted time was inadequate for him to do justice to the film. Newman stepped in and developed thematic materials which Herrmann incorporated into his own desginated sections of the film, while Newman the rest.

In my opinion, "The Egyptian" -- as a film -- stands well above most epics of the 50s, but it has some serious detractors who, for whatever reasons, find no value in the authentic atmosphere, fantastic sets, stunning cinematography and brilliant music underscoring. Add to that some solid performances from Victor Mature, Jean Simmons, Peter Ustinov and Michael Wilding (plus a stolid, if uninvolving leading performance by Edmund Purdom) and you really get a stunning piece of entertainment that holds the attention, dazzles the eyes and ears and becomes emotionally involving. Wilding, as the pharaoh, has the film's -- and one of filmdom's -- best moments near the end of the film. Newman's underscoring for that scene -- called "Death of Akhnaton" -- is an example of what film scoring is all about. It also heightens awareness of what seems to be missing from many of today's film composers resumes -- intensive education in music theory, counterpoint, harmony and exposure to all forms of music. The scene is breathtaking, heartbreakingly performed and musically overwhelming, although the music is always "under" the scene rather than rampaging over it.

There are so many wonderful pieces of music in this film that I acknowledge my inadequacy to present a case for them. The proof is in the listening. From the awe-inspiring opening to the exquisite theme for "Merit" to the sinuous, hypnotic theme for "Nefer", Herrmann and Newman have created a musical palette of stunning splendors. There is no other soundtrack album like it.

I cannot overstate its importance, the splendiferousness of its performance on this recording by the 20th Century-Fox Studio Orchestra as conducted by Alfred Newman, and the glorious choral work of Newman's right-hand man, Ken Darby.

This is film music history. Any collection without it is hollow.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Egyptian - Soundtrack, January 27, 2009

By 

Roberta Klimovich "Fan of Truth" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Egyptian [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

I remember seeing this movie as a young girl and falling in love with it. I don't know if it was the story that attracted me or the music that haunted me. Eventually able to find the book, the movie, and a cassette of the soundtrack. I listened to the music so much I wore out the tape. When I found this CD I was thrilled. It is a sound you can listen to for a long time and often and still find hidden attractions. One of my best purchases of all time and a jewel of my music collection.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Go With The Old Decca LP, October 24, 2011

By 

Robert Hyde - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Egyptian [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

While interesting and beautiful, it doesn't compare with the Decca LP launched 10,000 years ago, which will put you in a trance.