DARK VICTORY

Label: BYU FMA-MS116
Date: 1939
Tracks: 17
Time = 45:44

Original soundtrack from famously sentimental Bette Davis drama, co-starring George Brent, Humphrey Bogart. Max Steiner supplies romantic-ish score with emphasis on gentle lines for strings, often with assist from harp, shimmering vibraphone. Woodwinds appear but Steiner keeps focus on poignant string colors. Several warm cello solos get spotlight, brass generally tacet, except for judicious, climactic cadences. Interestingly, while subject of movie works with death, Steiner points to noble acceptance of same in finale, keeps melodic ideas mostly in major. CD from BYU FMA label offers nearly-complete score in satisfying mono from original acetate reference materials maintained in good condition by composer. Impressive packaging, profuse notes by film authority Rudy Behlmer, music authority Ray Faiola are additional assets. Hugo Friedhofer orchestrates, Max Steiner conducts.

1. Main Title (0:55) 2. The Accident (1:53) 3. Ann’s Concern (2:27) 4. Running Away From the Truth (5:13) 5. Diagnosis (2:46) 6. In Your Hands (1:38) 7. Telling Ann the Truth (3:57) 8. Judy’s Suspicions (2:18) 9. Prognosis Negative (1:53) 10. Oh! Give Me Time For Tenderness (0:28) 11. The Tack Room (2:55) 12. Ann Weeps Over Judy (1:17) 13. Fred Proposes To Judy (3:06) 14. Home In Vermont (1:56) 15. The End Is Near (4:25) 16. Our Victory Over the Dark (8:01) 17. End Cast (0:36)