Remastered 4-CD release of magnificent Jerry Goldsmith score! ABC presents mammoth 1981 television mini-series dramatizing Roman siege of Jewish fortress known as Masada in AD 73. Lavish production features Peter O’Toole, Peter Strauss, Barbara Carrera, David Warner, Anthony Quayle. Boris Sagal directs, Joel Oliansky scripts from Ernest Gann novel. Jerry Goldsmith scores first half of film, Morton Stevens tackles second half using Goldsmith thematic material augmented by his own original music. Intrada premiered entire score by both composers in 2011 as 2-CD set, presented from session elements vaulted by NBCUniversal including stereo masters for Goldsmith score, split-mono masters for Stevens score. (Split-mono format means while limited stereo spread can be made, all strings are relegated to one channel, brass on another, etc. for mono mixdown and storage purposes. Ideal stereo listening was never intended.) Now, studio has unearthed and provided brand new transfers of Stevens score from actual 2” multi-track stereo masters, allowing completely new true stereo mix of Stevens’ complete score plus previously unreleased alternate material. New 4-CD remastering of entire Jerry Goldsmith score includes several previously unreleased alternates as well as new presentation of original re-recorded album of Goldsmith highlights issued on record and cassette in 1981 by MCA label. Goldsmith anchors everything with syncopated melodic line in minor-mode emphasizing rhythmic motion, gives theme forward motion courtesy frequent energy in percussion, low brass embellishing string figures. Richly moving love theme another highlight. Standing out as well are riveting action sequences, most of which were missing from 38-minute MCA album. Spotlight goes to several sizzling cues early in first part. Another spotlight goes to magnificent, lengthy “Move On”, (“The Road To Masada” on MCA re-recording), layering dynamic brass fanfare material for Roman army into masterful meld of pulsating march and aggressive action sequence. Original soundtrack performance is arguably much crisper, more exciting than re-recorded take but listeners get both versions in any case! All bumpers, credit sequences included as well (known as “format music” in television jargon.) Morton Stevens score touches on major Goldsmith themes but really shines in spectacular, tour-de-force original action music for fourth and final segment of the film, featuring climactic siege of Masada. Stark, striking music for closing mass suicide scene another emotional highlight. All-new artwork included in this dramatic 4-CD package! Jerry Goldsmith conducts his score, Morton Stevens conducts his score. Intrada Special Collection 4-CD release available while quantities and interest remain!
