DESIREE

Label: Varese Sarabande VCL 0505 1036
Date: 1954
Tracks: 24
Time = 50:40

World premiere release of original soundtrack for 20th Century Fox mini-spectacular with Marlon Brando as Napoleon, Jean Simmons as his love interest, Merle Oberon as Josephine. Alex North score puts pensive ideas, tender melodies in spotlight. Primary grandeur comes from main theme penned by Alfred Newman. North fans may enjoy knowing haunting cor anglais melody during "Proclamation and Desertion" reappears in later BAD SEED score. Interestingly, booklet notes offer delicious tidbits about casting of Brando but provide nothing on Alfred Newman contributions nor details of North score per se. CD Presented in stereo from original master elements, elegantly produced by Robert Townson, Nick Redman.

1. Main Title (Alfred Newman) (1:40) 2. Adolescence (1:01) 3. Desiree & Napoleon (Plaisir D’Amour) (Giovanni Martini) (2:24) 4. La Marseillais (Rouget de Lisle) (1:30) 5. Youthful Diary (:59) 6. Napoleon’s Arrest (1:06) 7. Proposal (3:24) 8. Paris (:12) 9. The Entrance (2:44) 10. Unrequited and Cradle (5:26) 11. Reflections (1:24) 12. Wooed (3:25) 13. Piqued (2:23) 14. Te Deum (Roger Wagner) (2:19) 15. Proclamation and Desertion (3:45) 16. The Medals (1:20) 17. Arrival (:28) 18. Etiquette (1:38) 19. Desiree Waltz (Alfred Newman) (3:53) 20. Montage (1:13) 21. Transition (1:51) 22. Decision (:59) 23. Denouement (2:50) 24. Farewell (1:57)