MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

Label: TFC-1001
Date: 1961
Tracks: 62
Time = 71:27

Wow! World premiere re-recording of complete Bernard Herrmann score for colorful Cy Endfield filming of Jules Verne novel, starring Michael Craig, Joan Greenwood, Gary Merrill. Ray Harryhausen effects inspire Herrmann to augment orchestra with four harps, eight French horns, 4 tubas plus additional players on clarinet, bassoon. Massive percussion section features as well. Herrmann anchors entire score with dynamic three-note motif introduced in opening "Prelude" but gives equal weight to striking harmonic progression underneath: three-note motif actually plays as three fortissimo minor chords. Of near-equal weight throughout are minor chords alternating by tritone intervals into major ones: brass declare idea during opening, another gentle version spotlights strings, woodwinds, harps during "The Volcano", so forth. Entire score is balance of incredible power with delicate nuance - one moment brass, percussion pound with immense fury, the next moment harps play delicate arpeggios under soft string chords. And there are musically vivid portrayals of giant crabs, birds, bees, too! Tribute Film Classics label offers stunning instrumental detail with close-mike recording, enthusiastic conducting, impeccable playing. Tiniest of details become apparent: forte cymbals clashing in pairs, growling bass clarinets, contra-bassoons lingering at bottom of chords, open brass overlapping with muted brass, many other sonorities. What magnificent music! World-class presentation also offers amazing, informative liner notes by Kevin Scott with solid musical analysis, full discussion of score plus extra thoughts from Harryhausen, composer Chris Young, more! Restoration by John Morgan, Anna Bonn, William Stromberg. William Stromberg conducts Moscow Symphony Orchestra. Needless to say, sensational project scores a bullseye!

1. Prelude (1:34) 2. The Battle (1:21) 3. The Gates (0:38) 4. The Stairs (0:24) 5. The Tower (0:31) 6. The Escape (0:38) 7. The Balloon 1 (1:18) 8. Introductions (0:29) 9. The Clouds A (1:06) 10. The Clouds B (0:55) 11. The Clouds C (0:47) 12. The Clouds D (0:41) 13. The Clouds E (1:03) 14. The Balloon 2 (2:09) 15. The Island (0:39) 16. The Rocks (0:36) 17. Exploration (2:27) 18. The Giant Crab (3:02) 19. The Volcano (1:18) 20. The Crater (0:31) 21. The Beach (1:46) 22. The Stream (0:46) 23. The Cliff (1:34) 24. The Cave (2:30) 25. Narration (1:38) 26. R. C. [Robinson Crusoe] (0:15) 27. Elena (0:34) 28. The Shadow (0:40) 29. The Bird (2:43) 30. Duo (1:52) 31. Honeycomb (1:02) 32. The Giant Bee 1 (1:59) 33. The Sail (0:29) 34. The Giant Bee 2 (0:51) 35. The Flag (0:52) 36. The Fire (0:38) 37. The Nautilus (1:38) 38. The Bridge (1:14) 39. The Pirates (1:32) 40. Gunsmoke (0:42) 41. Attack (0:53) 42. The Sinking Ship (1:05) 43. Captain Nemo (0:41) 44. The Bottle (0:31) 45. The Pipeline (1:18) 46. Underwater (1:28) 47. The Smoke (1:39) 48. Danger A (0:20) 49. Danger B (0:23) 50. Lava Flow (1:16) 51. The Octopus (1:31) 52. The Raft (0:26) 53. The Rock (0:39) 54. The Sub Deck (0:35) 55. The Tentacles (0:31) 56. The Fight (2:50) 57. The Divers (1:17) 58. The Air Hose (0:51) 59. The Ship Rising (1:19) 60. The Earthquake (1:04) 61. Finale (1:26) 62. Surprise Bonus Track (2:10)