Customer Reviews

Franz Waxman: Objective Burma!

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just to get it out of the way, I'll state my bias about film score recordings. It seems to me there is little point in recording film scores independently of their movie unless they can stand on their own. There are any number of film scores, or suites of music from film scores, that do accomplish that and are even sometimes performed in concert. 'Alexander Nevsky' is probably the prime example. And although Franz Waxman was a marvelous craftsman and although his score for 'Objective, Burma!' is skillful and does what it is supposed to do in the context of the film, as independent music it is dull and repetitive. It has three general moods: suspense, dramatic climax, and passages that celebrate the grit, determination and eventual victory of the protagonists. We get umpteen suspenseful buildups followed by dramatic resolution, all of it done with consummate craft, but without anything terribly memorable resulting.

The performance of this restoration by John Morgan of Waxman's score is lovingly done. But, I'm sorry to say, it doesn't come to much. This was previously released on the full-price Marco Polo label, and that is still available. If you hanker to have this music, this Naxos release is the one to get.

Scott Morrison

I you like movies or music from movies this one is right at the top of the list.