Customer Reviews

The Film Music of Richard Addinsell

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This cd is one of a series of film music productions by Chandos. Others include the works of Vaughan Williams, Dmitri Shostakovich, Malcolm Arnold, Nino Rota etc. All are conducted by Rumon Gamba with the BBC Philharmonic. If this disc containing the music of Richard Addinsell is any indication of what to expect from the others, then, indeed, the series may constitute a very fine one. The playing is excellent---clear, dynamic, tuneful, just right (sentimentally speaking) and atmospheric in the usual motion picture soundtrack manner. The recorded sound aids significantly in sustaining the favorable overall impression. The Warsaw Concerto (from "Dangerous Moonlight") is probably the best known piece here, however melodies from a number of the other works provide a very welcome measure of enjoyment. The Suite from "Goodbye Mr. Chips" is particularly lovely and memorable. "Love on the Dole" offers a charming elegance. "The Black Rose" , which starred Tyrone Power, has an open air spirit of exoticism and adventure. The wonderful "Scrooge" music restores the vivid memories associated with Alastair Sim's outstanding and deservedly famous portrayal of the title character. There is a moving tune, which is played in the movie during a meeting between Scrooge, as a young man , and his ill fated sister. It also appears when Scrooge visits his nephew to seek forgiveness and acceptance after he has learned a lesson from the three spirits that he will never forget. Though the Suite runs for fourteen minutes, one still wishes for more...The Overture from "Tom Brown's Schooldays" is both pleasantly playful and nostalgic. (Oh how that violin sometimes brings tears to one's eyes.)..."The Admirable Crichton" , for which Addinsell refused to take credit, displays continental flair...Finally, The Flame Tango from "Out of the Clouds" and the Suite from "Blithe Spirit" also give melodic satisfaction. Clearly, Richard Addinsell stands as one of the most engaging movie score composers of a bygone generation, as this cd attests. Most satisfying and warmly recommended.

Richard Addinsell has composed for many, many wonderful soundtracks for some great British films. as a lover of film scores, I am very critical. I had not paid much attention to this particcular composer until recently, but I am so pleased that Ive found him. His score for the 50s film, The Black Rose, is particulally BRILLIANT!!!! I urge lovers of film scores to buy and enjoy.

A great selection of movie themes by Richard Addinsell . . . I highly recommend this recording.
CharleyB

The version of the warsaw concerto was a little shorter even though it is the best piece. It was my reason for buying this album although I have better versions of it on an album called 'film piano concertos'. Most of the other stuff on this album seemed a little too flowery but there are moments I quite enjoyed. Its soft enough to put me to sleep and I personally think that is rare, becasue most classical has too many moments of sudden surprises.

I have been a fan of the book , "The Black Rose" for many, many years. The movie, never seemed to equal the book, except for the music! The "Black Rose" theme repeats throughout the movie. It is a truly glorious piece of music! I never tire of hearing it. This is a wonderful CD!!! I have nothing negative to say about it. I just love hearing track 13 with the "Black Rose theme"! Wonderful music!!! Beautiful music!!! I just set my CD player to repeat track 13! Richard Addinsell was a remarkably gifted composer!

The CD is really great and what made even more enjoyable was the quickness I received it and the price.This is an excellent seller--recommended

I guess I expected more music from the classic SCROOGE, with Alister Syms. But, I did like the music from GOODBYE MR. CHIPS. Otherwise, not very much more on this CD.