FAHRENHEIT 451 / WALKING DISTANCE

At last! World premiere re-recording of complete Bernard Herrmann score for Francois Truffaut film from classic Ray Bradbury tale. Sensational album showcases composer's incredible gift for strings, with assist from twin harps, melodic percussion (xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, marimba). Fascinating score often relies on descending series of chords, small shifting blocks of shimmering sound, other "minimalist" devices yet avoids dissonance, density in creating bleak future world. Harp arpeggios, minor chords are name of the game! While much of score showcases deliberate pace with sustained motivic ideas playing over undulating arpeggios, dramatic contrast comes from moto-perpetuo-ish passage for strings, xylophone that accompanies firetruck scenes. Minor chords still prevail but Herrmann avoids strong key center, instead creates harmonically neutral device with cascades of descending string runs. Here, harmony takes backseat to motion. Score also reveals interesting architecture: as cues progress, major chords appear, melodic warmth increases. Celebrated final sequences offer pastorale feel with incredibly sensitive rising, falling melodic lines over shifting major-minor chords. Just one of many album highlights: haunting 3/4 romantic tune during "The Bedroom" becomes gentle, quietly yearning idea for "The Monorail". CD also has new recording of Herrmann score for TWILIGHT ZONE episode "Walking Distance" with orchestral similarities in color. Top drawer production by Tribute Film Classics label offers reading of music that negotiates challenges of being tempo-accurate to original film performance while offering "rubato" feel of conductor & musicians actually making their own music. Bravo! Incredible notes by Kevin Scott add rich layer of icing to cake. Restoration by John Morgan, Anna Bonn and William Stromberg. William Stromberg conducts Moscow Symphony Orchestra, hits another bullseye!