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 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 9:43 AM   
 By:   wall_crumpler   (Member)

MURDER BY DECREE (HWRCD-062)
Music by Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza
List Price: $18.95
https://www.howlinwolfrecords.com/storemurderbydecree.html



The Jack The Ripper Murders; Sherlock Holmes lifts the veil of secrecy, corruption and terror at the heart of the throne of England itself.

Howlin' Wolf Records proudly presents MURDER BY DECREE by Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza, the world premiere recording of this classic orchestral score. The 1979 film tells the story of Sherlock Holmes' hunt for Jack The Ripper from the dark streets of Whitechapel to the powerful halls of parliament. Bob Clark directed an esteemed all-star cast including Christopher Plummer as Sherlock Holmes and James Mason as Dr. Watson, and features Genevieve Bujold, Donald Sutherland, David Hemmings, and Sir John Gielgud. The original music was composed by Carl Zittrer (CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, DEATHDREAM, BLACK CHRISTMAS, A CHRISTMAS STORY) and Paul Zaza (PROM NIGHT, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, TURK 182, A CHRISTMAS STORY). This rich symphonic score performed by the London Symphony, conducted by Paul Zaza, is layered with dark moods, rousing action, somber regality, and lush beauty, all wrapped in a fog of Gothic atmosphere. The stereo recordings were preserved over the years by composer Paul Zaza, and this album has been carefully constructed by both composers featuring exclusive music from the sessions not heard in the film. In 1980 Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza won the Genie Award (Canadian Academy Awards from 1980-2012) for "Best Musical Score" for MURDER BY DECREE.

MURDER BY DECREE features a 28-page booklet showcasing new cover art by Austin Hinderliter (Creepy Carves) with packaging designs by Howlin' Wolf Records' renowned art director Luis Miguel Rojas. Liner notes are written by John Mansell (Movie Music International) and Tim Ayres (Off The Beaten Soundtrack) including a new extended interview with composers Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza about the score. This is the exclusive world premiere release of what the composers believe is their finest work.

Running Time: 42:19

1. City of the Dreadful Night (2:45)
2 This Bloody Business of Butchery (3:15)
3 Where is Mary Kelly? (3:02)
4 Ghosts of Whitechapel (3:03)
5 A Bunch of Grapes (3:52)
6 A Sordid Episode (1:50)
7 Secret Friends in High Places (2:39)
8 Murder and the Morning After (2:49)
9 The Black Cab (1:46)
10 Psychic Visions (1:20)
11 They? Who Are They? (2:53)
12 221B Baker Street (2:49)
13 What the Fog Knows (2:52)
14 Annie's Theme (1:32)
15 The Madmen Unmasked (3:10)
16 My Last Farewell to Stirling (End Title) (2:42)



 
 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 9:48 AM   
 By:   Michael_McMahan   (Member)

I hadn't heard of this before, but listened to the posted samples. It sounds like a wonderful score - gladly purchased. I was only familiar with their score for A Christmas Story, which I love. Thanks to HWR for putting this together!

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 9:59 AM   
 By:   Prince Damian   (Member)

Really like the film but can’t remember the music!!

 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 10:02 AM   
 By:   MikeJ   (Member)

This is fantastic news! Thank you and congratulations, Wall!


Mike

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 10:15 AM   
 By:   Hurdy Gurdy   (Member)

I remember liking the film and score when I watched it many years ago...

Sounds a bit Donaggio-esque to me...I will buy this CD (hope Intrada stock it)



 
 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 10:21 AM   
 By:   Michael_McMahan   (Member)



Sounds a bit Donaggio-esque to me...


I thought the same thing! There was a woodwind usage that reminded me of Piranha

 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 11:21 AM   
 By:   PollyAnna   (Member)

Wow...gotta get this. Have loved the movie and score for years.

 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 11:37 AM   
 By:   msmith   (Member)

Wow. A 45 year wait.
Good things really come to those who wait.
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 6, 2024 - 2:30 PM   
 By:   villagardens553   (Member)

Fans of the movie might be interested to know that this was the first fictionalized film based on Stephen Knight's controversial non-fiction book: Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution. The graphic novel and film, From Hell, followed many years later. The Knight book, whether true or not, is a mesmerizing read that has captivated a cult following--and some filmmakers.

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 7, 2024 - 12:48 AM   
 By:   alepa   (Member)

Graet release! Too many Sherlock Homes soundtrack are unpublished: Masks of Death (Malcolm Williamson), Ian Richardson' Sign of Four (Harry Rabinowitz), Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother (john Morris)....

 
 Posted:   Jun 7, 2024 - 7:11 AM   
 By:   serya883   (Member)

Here is the full interview with both Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza about their careers solo and together over the years.

I spoke to Carl about his early regional low budget horror films including Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things and Black Christmas, and his use of early synthesizers.

And I discuss with Paul the 80s slasher movies Prom Night, My Bloody Valentine and Curtains, and hear from both about their symphonic score together – 1979’s Murder By Decree.

Link to stream the program can be found here:

https://offthebeatensoundtrack.com/2024/06/05/carl-zittrer-and-paul-zaza/

 
 Posted:   Jun 7, 2024 - 1:02 PM   
 By:   Advise & Consent   (Member)

Wow. A 45 year wait.
Good things really come to those who wait.
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!


WOW! A premiere release from the 70s. Nicely done Howlin' Wolf

 
 Posted:   Jun 8, 2024 - 1:31 PM   
 By:   serya883   (Member)

Wow. A 45 year wait.
Good things really come to those who wait.
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!


WOW! A premiere release from the 70s. Nicely done Howlin' Wolf


Thanks to you both for the support!

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 14, 2024 - 1:24 PM   
 By:   Michael_McMahan   (Member)

I've never been very good at articulating why I enjoy music, suffice to say I've listened to this twice today and enjoy it very much. Classy production of a lovely orchestral score. The finale is particularly beautiful. I'm interested in checking out the film now.

Kudos to Howlin' Wolf -

 
 Posted:   Jun 14, 2024 - 7:45 PM   
 By:   serya883   (Member)

I've never been very good at articulating why I enjoy music, suffice to say I've listened to this twice today and enjoy it very much. Classy production of a lovely orchestral score. The finale is particularly beautiful. I'm interested in checking out the film now.

Kudos to Howlin' Wolf -


Thank you so much! It was top of my Most Wanted list, and the composers' favorite of their work. So happy it is finally available. The film is Bob Clark's best IMO. Tremendous atmosphere, great storytelling and cast. Best, Tim

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 15, 2024 - 4:05 AM   
 By:   funkymonkey   (Member)

Received here in the UK too - really fast service. After listening to it I had forgotten how much ot the score went unused in the film. The sound quality is superb and whole package most welcome. My only observation (and this isn't a complaint) is that because this is obviously an independent release, there are no photos from Murder By Decree in the booklet or case. This is completely understandable, but I am really pleased with the release and that is actually appeared so long after the fact. Well done to Howlin' Wolf!

 
 Posted:   Jun 19, 2024 - 5:23 PM   
 By:   serya883   (Member)

Received here in the UK too - really fast service. After listening to it I had forgotten how much ot the score went unused in the film. The sound quality is superb and whole package most welcome. My only observation (and this isn't a complaint) is that because this is obviously an independent release, there are no photos from Murder By Decree in the booklet or case. This is completely understandable, but I am really pleased with the release and that is actually appeared so long after the fact. Well done to Howlin' Wolf!

Thank you so much for the feedback, much appreciated. Yes, you are correct re the images from the film, but we had to change gears, and I think what can seem to be a big challenge could always become an new opportunity and the cover art by Austin Hinderliter had all the aspects of the complex story represented in it, and the layout and design by Luis Miguel Rojas was superb. It was a chance to make something new for the artwork, which can also be really enjoyable.

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 19, 2024 - 5:44 PM   
 By:   marcmsh56   (Member)

Tim,
This is a most welcome release and the artwork is superb. A holy grail has come to be!!

 
 
 Posted:   Jun 20, 2024 - 1:53 AM   
 By:   Hurdy Gurdy   (Member)

This is in my Intrada cart.
It's cheaper to include it with my next order, than get it direct from the label, where the postage to the UK ($19) is 5 cents dearer than the CD ($18.95).

 
 Posted:   Jun 20, 2024 - 8:55 PM   
 By:   Zoragoth   (Member)

Listening now to the lovely coda of this sadly undersung score - worth the 45 year wait!

 
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