So... Now I have Bernard Herrmann at Phase 4 albums, so I have 2 version of Obsession LP - from Music Box (6 tracks, long suites) and from box-set - same duration, but with 20 separate tracks. Any thoughts, which version is better? Thanks in advance!
The recent Decca master with the individual tracks sounds vastly superior to the old suite versions (Musicbox and Unicorn.) I don't plan on listening to those ever again.
That 6 (or 20) track LP program was *great* to have when that was all that was available, but the first disc (the complete score) on the amazing 2-CD set from Music Box Records surpasses it in every way, plus this release also contains the LP program on disc two:
But if one only wants the LP program, then yes, the Decca takes the cake.
That said... I think this is - without a doubt - the greatest score ever composed for a film, so it is certainly more-than worth collecting every release (including James Fitzpatrick's re-recording).
That said... I think this is - without a doubt - the greatest score ever composed for a film, so it is certainly more-than worth collecting every release (including James Fitzpatrick's re-recording).
It is certainly the apotheosis of Herrmann's film music career. He clearly put his heart and soul into it, and burst into tears when the scoring sessions were finished. He probably knew by then that he didn't have much more time left on Earth.
There are crude cuts and edits in the album version. For one example... Track 5 at around 2:35. Seems no point listening to this chopped-up version when the Music Box score release presents the same cue properly. That said, the Music Box full score presentation has several sound issues of its own. After weighing the pros and cons, I've made the Raine-conducted re-recording my first choice for this fantastic score.
There are crude cuts and edits in the album version. For one example... Track 5 at around 2:35. Seems no point listening to this chopped-up version when the Music Box score release presents the same cue properly. That said, the Music Box full score presentation has several sound issues of its own. After weighing the pros and cons, I've made the Raine-conducted re-recording my first choice for this fantastic score.
Who assembled the original album? Was it still Herrmann or somebody else?
