OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT, THE

Premiere CD release of magnificent Michel Legrand score for Charles Jarrott filming of Sidney Sheldon novel, starring Marie-France Pisier, John Beck, Susan Sarandon. Opulant, ravishing beauty of France locale, lush romanticism of story tinged with overtones of murder, generous montage sequences relying on music all inspire Legrand to create one of his all-time most sweeping, lovingly melodic film scores. Richly orchestrated by composer, individual cues both support, sometimes even lead action of film itself. 20th Century Fox movie captured a certain profile by being released into theaters right after debut of Fox's Star Wars. As with the latter's mega-watt score, the studio's own label released The Other Side Of Midnight on generous, lengthy LP, beautifully produced by composer to spotlight virtually every major thematic idea. To present that program on CD, Intrada was given access to original stereo album masters vaulted in pristine condition by UMG. All 12 tracks appear in exact sequence as sumptuous 1977 album. Legrand fashions lush waltz in "Chanson Pour Noelle", classically drawn strings for "Late Dinner At Demeris'" & "Demeris' Party", but no matter how far he takes music, magnificent main theme stays close by. Now epic, now tender, always memorable. Striking original album artwork appears on booklet cover, Jim Lochner offers informative liner notes inside. Keith Grant, Peter Mews record score in London, Lionel Newman supervises for Fox, Michel Legrand conducts.