KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE/KING'S THIEF

Label: FSMCD Vol.6 No.7
Date: 1953 / 1955
Tracks: 45
Time: 148:55

2 CD set offers complete soundtracks from MGM's KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE starring Robert Taylor plus THE KING'S THIEF starring Edmund Purdom, Roger Moore, David Niven. Rozsa gives KNIGHTS requisite splendor but anchors it with unusually dramatic, angular main theme for Lancelot. Emphasizing downward fourths, this motif is chisled from solid rock, adds edge to the pomp and flourish. Mingled within are tender themes for love, heavenly chorus in tritones for the "Holy Grail", resplendant fanfares for the knights, rousing action music for the battles. Interesting musical device: Rozsa develops numerous ideas, weights score towards main theme, then dismisses Lancelot and wraps with proud music for Percival instead. KNIGHTS is historical Rozsa at his most stirring. Film Score Monthly presents actual film cues in stereo from original session elements recorded at MGM under Miklos Rozsa and John Green - not to be confused with much shorter Varese Sarabande release of simultaneous (but unused) sessions made in England under Muir Mathieson. Complete score from KING'S THIEF also premieres, highlighted by rousing main theme, spirited background music. THIEF also appears in stereo from original session elements, conducted by Rozsa. Rounding out spectacular package are bonus cues from KNIGHTS, lavish booklet notes, regal graphics. Magnificent album earns a solid bullseye!