I'LL CRY TOMORROW

Label: FSMCD Vol.7 No.13
Date: 1955
Tracks: 27
Time = 75:55

Original soundtrack from MGM drama about torments and alcoholism of actress/singer Lillian Roth, played by Susan Hayward. Alex North spotlights both outer layer of Broadway showbiz glamour, inner struggle of unhappy performer. While jazz color lights up glamour, North anchors with sensitive idea for solo violin against viola counterpoint ("David/How Soon/Help"). Unusually lean string writing is cornerstone. Jagged, four-note secondary motif also gets frequent study, most dramatically by brass during conclusion of "Stood Up/Shattered/Tortured". Throughout, composer makes striking use of various ensemble colors: big band, all strings, woodwind choir, brass with mutes only, so forth. Colors illuminate different parts of outer story, inner subtext. Interestingly, North creates tension through harmonic devices, not instrumental timbre. Orchestral textures are transparent, rarely dense. Complexity comes with multiple lines playing against each other or amidst challenging harmony. World premiere release of dramatic score in stereo includes complete original North compositions, additional pieces by Jeff Alexander, numbers arranged by Charles Henderson for on-screen performances of star, various source cues. Excellent liner notes chronicle film production, scoring, individual track details, more. Johnny Green conducts original score, Charles Henderson conducts vocal numbers, MGM Studio Orchestra plays, Susan Hayward sings.