Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood [SOUNDTRACK]

William Alwyn (Composer), Klaus Badelt (Composer), John [1] Barry (Composer), Elmer Bernstein (Composer), John Debney (Composer), Patrick Doyle (Composer), Ernest Gold (Composer), Jerry Goldsmith (Composer), James Horner (Composer), Maurice Jarre (Composer), Bronislaw Kaper (Composer), Erich Wolfgang Korngold (Composer), Jerome Moross (Composer), Ennio Morricone (Composer), Mario Nascimbene (Composer), Alfred [1] Newman (Composer), Alex North (Composer), Carl Orff (Composer), Basil Poledouris (Composer), Miklos Rozsa (Composer)

Product Details

• Composer: William Alwyn, Klaus Badelt, John [1] Barry, Elmer Bernstein, John Debney, et al.
• Audio CD (September 6, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Silva America
• ASIN: B0009KIYCW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,039 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~ 60 years of film scores", September 6, 2005

By	J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The History of the World According to Hollywood., January 7, 2008

By	Argjennings "Tony Jennings. Kauri tree." (New Zealand.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This wonderful album would have to be the jewel in the crown of my collection. Never before have I heard such passion and precision from this wonderful orchestra, once again they demonstrate their versatility. The movies are timeless, most are from my era, they can be relived.
The huge depth of sound from The Prague Philharmonic fills ones room, yes they have a big voice but for those who have a love of music which is truly inspirational and uplifting it doesn't come any better than this.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great concept, but a disappointing performance and mix, March 16, 2008

By	Studio Pro (California, USA) - See all my reviews

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.