9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 great soundtracks from 2 great movies, June 13, 2001
Philippe Sarde composed the music of 3 Polanski films, THE TENANT (1976), TESS (1979), and PIRATES (1985). Though PIRATES is not available, these 2 soundtracks are more than enough, in my opinion, to cement Sarde's reputation as a genius film composer. He fills the mantle of Polanski's erstwhile composer Krzystof Komeda (who died quite suddenly in the late '60s) admirably well. Though nothing like Komeda's music from a stylistic standpoint, the proper feel is attained barely in the first strains of THE TENANT's opening title theme. The foreboding cellos, the sinister glass harmonica, the melancholy, slightly goofy clarinet and xylophone (the former instrument, according to Sarde's own liner notes, is meant to represent the main character, Trelkowski) all set up the perfect atmosphere, complementing the movie succinctly; it's scary and slightly comical (in a Theatre-of-Cruelty sort of way). And as far as TESS is concerned, Sarde writes that upon hearing the first pieces he wrote for that film, Polanski had tears in his eyes and told him, "I'm very happy, you know." A great composer offering 2 soundtracks to 2 great movies (one of which, THE TENANT, is my very favorite). Excellent liner notes, also; they contain both the English and the original French texts. Nice packaging, with stills from both films.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost Perfect, February 10, 2002
I was quite enchanted to find a copy of Tess' soundtrack available on CD. The music is as rich and memorable as it was back in 1980, when I first saw and fell in love with the film. The only thing stopping this album from receiving five stars is that I was disappointed not to find the alternate version of the film's main theme that although not in the movie, was on the LP soundtrack.
Also those looking to replace their old LP's need note that the track sequences on this CD differ from the orig. LP version and the titles of the tracks are not the same.
Despite these discrepancies, this CD is well worth having and its packaging is particularly fine.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Underappreciated Composer, March 12, 2002
Finally, music from two of Polanski's finest films by the brilliant and under-appreciated composer Phillipe Sarde ("Quest for Fire", "The Bear")is available for the collector. The music from "Tess" is deeply romantic and filled with melancholy. It seems almost futile to attempt to descibe it. The haunting score from "The Tenant" is vexing with mystery and subtle horror. The use of Ben Franklin's "glass organ" (or is it "harmonica"?)will send shivers up your spine! This disc is a must for Polanski and Sarde fans. I only wish they would release remastered versions of the films on DVD.
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