Customer Reviews

Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score]

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

 

 

Not only can Norma Desmond's quote be applied to the stars of the past, it can be attached to the musical scores of Hollywood's Golden Age, pre-1960. For it was in the early half of the twentieth century when the pairing of film and music was at its apex.

For my money, no other score can best exemplify the art of film scoring than Waxman's dynamic accompaniment to Billy Wilder's gem. Part tragedy, part comedy, and dead-on-the-mark attack on the price of fame, the movie needed a score befitting its multi-layered story. Waxman provided just that: a work that is whimsical, deliberate, haunting, poetic, and reflective. There are also elements of American jazz, reminiscent of the music of Gershwin, who himself incorporated that musical form in many of his compositions.

It's no surprise that Varese-Sarabande would release such a priceless recording, spearheaded by Joel McNeely, one that obviously respects the work of the film scoring masters.

As far as selections go, each one is feast for the ears, with special note given to "The Comeback", the familiar cue heard as Desmond (Gloria Swanson) descends from the top of the staircase in expectation of the "fans" below.

Film historians must consider this among the top ten scores of all time.

This is a glorious recording of one of the most lyrical, haunting scores ever composed for a film. Each succeeding track is a treat for the ears, refreshing and invigorating. Neeley and Varese Sarabande should be congratulated for recording and releasing this hirtherto neglected gem.

In my opinion, though, the only part of the entire CD that doesn't work is the beginning of the "Waxworks" track - the score to this particular moment in the film (when Norma, watching herself onscreen, rises triumphantly to proclaim "I'll be up there again, so help me!") is one of the most powerful and recognizable images in filmdom. In the original, the music is strong, powerful and almost spine-tingling, but this moment on the CD is underwhelming and not fully realized. However, what is one misfire (totalling all of eight bars, at most) compared to the richness and texture of the rest of the recording?!

In short, if you love film music, you most likely love the score to SUNSET BOULEVARD - and if you love SUNSET BOULEVARD, then you will most likely love this recording, too.

I am autistic as such I am always the odd man out. I agree with the other lone reviewer that the Orchestra went a LITTLE OVER THE TOP with its interpretation of this Sunset Boulevard soundtrack reproduction. The difference between myself and the lone reviewer who gave this effort one star is I gave this Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] CD four stars out of five. I feel Mr. Waxmann was the MASTER, the Mistro and this is by far one of his best works in his vast galaxy of best works. What made Waxmann a master is exactly what distinguishes this soundtrack is a good but far from perfect copy of the original work. The original was crafted by the great man Waxmann himself and part of his mastery was he spoke with great controlled subtly in each of the individual pieces of music. The rapport Waxmann had with both the listener and the music was so much more than just personal it was intimate. Waxman created the Sunset Boulevard Soundtrack based on an intimacy he had with the work individually and collectively that no Orchestra no matter how good will ever reproduce with the exacting care and insight of Waxmann himself.

In listening to this version of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] at very best you must always remember you are listening to this orchestra's best effort interpretation of the Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] Soundtrack. Art is not a assembly line of mass produced precision built replica's. Each artist in an orchestra puts a little of themselves in their music. Each artist responds to the limits of their unique gifts. The pure Waxmann version of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] is a work of art frozen in time. No modern day copy of the Mona Lisa will capture the full passion, talent and ethos that is Leonardo's classic masterpiece. Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] is not meant to be an exact duplicate of the Waxmann masterpiece anymore than a laser print copy of the Mona Lisa is meant to be a substitute for the original that earns her keep daily in Paris.

Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] is meant to give a slice of joy in the lives of us who love and treasure the production values, fine acting and most of all the musical score of Sunset Boulevard. I for one am pleased as punch to have this version of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score]. No this version of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] is not perfect but when I play this CD reproduction of the more awesome Waxmann effort I can enjoy and thrill to each part of the Sunset Boulevard film in my mind as if Norma Desmond were standing right beside me. In summary yes I agree this reproduction of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] is over the top in many ways but; to expect otherwise is to unfairly burden the artist who brought us this work with a task they can never do justice to. This effort that gave us Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] Soundtrack must be applauded and valued in its own right. I for one am beyond happy that the people who brought us Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] made the effort. The Original Sunset Boulevard Movie Soundtrack was pure genius and it is the ultimate challenge to try to copy genius for even the best effort usually is a pale comparison to any master work. As a disabled man with autism I know all too well that is not how many times one succeeds that makes them great it is instead how many times one tries against all odds fails and tries again that makes one truly GREAT! Against all odd's those responsible for creating this Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] CD went up toe toe against Mr Waxmann the Wonder-kind with this less than perfect but enjoyable best effort CD reproduction of Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] the treasured result.

Is this Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] a spitting image of the soundtrack heard in the movie NO and only a fool would expected it to be so. Is this Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] CD a best effort interpretation of the masterwork of Mr. Waxmann's Original Sunset Boulevard master work heard in the actual movie I'd say so. I paid top dollar for this Sunset Boulevard [Original Motion Picture Score] CD and I did not feel in the least bit ill used for the outlay of MY hard earned cash. I am honored and proud to have this little piece of Norma Desmond and her Sunset Boulevard Universe grace the equally odd but wonderful precincts of my home.

Billy Wilder's classic "Sunset Boulevard", filmed in 1950 featured Gloria Swanson and William Holden ~ as a body lies floating in the swimming pool and the story unfolds in back flashes. The body turns out to be Holdens, while Swanson is always looking for "The Comeback" in front of the cameras. Perfection in film making, brought together by a fine cast, director Wilder had to come up with a winning composer ~ what better choice than legendary composer Franz Waxman, an icon of music in the days of film scoring.

Waxman comes to mind, recall his work and career with such classics as "Captain Courageous", "The Philadelphia Story", "Rebecca", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "Woman of the Year", "Destination Tokyo", "God Is My Co-Pilot", "A Place In The Sun" and the score we're reviewing "Sunset Boulevard" ~ the last two scores won the Academy Awards for Waxman.

Our composers scores are always fresh and original, with tones and counter melodies from one spectrum of comedy, romance, drama, suspense, horror and thrillers ~ capturing every cue with a touch of all the senses. Listen as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Joel McNeely, recreates the masterpiece in its entirety as it was meant to be performed and heard. If anyone has ever read my reviews know what a "film-score-buff" I am ~ just sit back, close your eyes and be transported back to the Sunset Boulevard Mansion ~ and watch the imperious silent film star Norma Desmond descend from the top of the staircase into the realm of film history ~ with the classic score by our favorite composer ~ FRANZ WAXMAN!

Total Time: 69:41 on 25 Tracks ~ Varese Records 302-066-316-2 ~ (11/19/2002)

Sunset Boulevard has one of the best film scores ever written. It is one of Mr.Waxman's masterpieces (if you consider a man with such a great talent can have many masterpieces).

I didn't like this recording because (in my point of view) it falls into the temptation of making bigger, broader, lusher an orchestra that (in the movie) was tightly conducted and recorded.

The music is beautiful and I am sure it will delight your ears. But call me a purist... I prefer listening to the original recordings in the movie (unfortunately not available on CD). Most film music cannot live outside the film. Sunset Blvd. is NOT one of those. Yet, in the movie, it is subtle, discreet and quiet. On the new recordings from classical Films (such as this) they have a tendency to overdo the music.

That's what I feel about this recording.