Was watching the other day The Far Pavillions with Amy Irving, Christopher Lee, Ben Cross, etc and thought MR Davis's score was magnificent, any comment on score and composer?
Was watching the other day The Far Pavillions with Amy Irving, Christopher Lee, Ben Cross, etc and thought MR Davis's score was magnificent, any comment on score and composer?
Dan
Most agreed. The mini-series was excellent. Great cast. And, Carl Davis turned in a truly superb score. I have two copies on LP... one for listening, the other is sealed. Yes, I love the score.
I have always found this gifted composer to be a superb craftsman. Lush, sweeping and at times, extremely emotional (CHAMPIONS). There is a score that I would love to see released, but as far as I know, it never has been (unless I am wrong)...
KING DAVID...
Though the movie was a little spotty, but still extremely compelling. The large, supporting cast really makes this movie. Carl Davis' score is amazing. I can only hope to get a hold of this one day.
His 'masterpiece' score music (so far) is for the great documentary series 'The World at War':
You also should try to pick up some of his scores for the restored Thames Silents, such as for Abel Gance's 'Napoleon', Niblo's 'Ben-Hur', and quite a few others all on CD.
Also 'Pride and Prejudice', TV score.
Naxos released a CD of his stuff as a sampler some time ago. He's American born but lives in England, was conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for some time.
He has all the finest skills of the Golden Age composers, is accomplished and fully trained and talented, yet he never quite gets the attention on this Forum. I'm not sure why. In terms of skill, he's second to none.
Love just about everything Maestro Davis does. I had the FAR PAVILIONS LP but lost it in a flood. Sure wish someone would reissue it on CD. Of his wonderful silent film scores, BEN-HUR certainly stands out. Wonderful stuff.
You also should try to pick up some of his scores for the restored Thames Silents, such as for Abel Gance's 'Napoleon', Niblo's 'Ben-Hur', and quite a few others all on CD.
...but sadly not THE GENERAL nor the LP-released HOLLYWOOD tv series. Both I would pick up in a heartbeat.
The French Lieutenant's Woman has been one of my favorite scores since seeing the film. That beautiful sad melody playing against Meryl's walk out on the jetty...gorgeous!
Carl Davis has left an indelible mark re-scoring silent films, BEN-HUR and NAPOLEON are superb examples of resourceful, professional film scoring. His most original silent score though was THE WIND, which I had the privilege of seeing him conduct live at a screening of this marvellous, unforgettable motion picture. Too bad there's not a complete recording of THAT one, only the 10 minute suite on the Virgin collection.
Of his TV music my personal favorite is the subtle, lively chamber orchestra score for FAIR STOOD THE WIND FOR FRANCE, as well as THE COMMANDING SEA. These two are on an old BBC LP, I'm not sure there's a CD of that either. Also enjoy THE FAR PAVILIONS.
I'd agree that THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT's WOMAN is probably his most distinguished feature film score - I am less enamored by some of his other pieces, like CHAMPIONS. For such a prolific and (in England) well-known composer he has scored remarkably few high profile features. Given that he's such a fine craftsman in his niche, I wonder why that is.
He wrote a lot of ballets on the side, too, for dancers and ice dancers - most of them surprisingly unadventurous and, frankly, dull. His recent ballet ALADDIN, available from Naxos - I just couldn't make it through this twofer in one, or even two listening sessions.
Davis was funny and charming and Mary Carewe sang great. They also had a number of cars that were similar to those used in the James Bond films on display outside the concert hall.
He wrote a lot of ballets on the side, too, for dancers and ice dancers - most of them surprisingly unadventurous and, frankly, dull. His recent ballet ALADDIN, available from Naxos - I just couldn't make it through this twofer in one, or even two listening sessions.
Really? I have ALADDIN, and love it! Highly recommended....
Here is one of my favorite Carl Davis themess for the TV HOLLWOOD...
This album needs to be released on CD.
Ford A. Thaxton
The series needs to be released on DVD. Unfortunately, I've heard, correctly or not, that it's tied up in rights issues regarding the clips. A real shame because this is a great, great series.
I love the "Hollywood" theme, and the series scores include the Buster Keaton theme that he later expanded for the follow-up documentary series "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow." Delightful melodies in those.
The series needs to be released on DVD. Unfortunately, I've heard, correctly or not, that it's tied up in rights issues regarding the clips. A real shame because this is a great, great series.
It was an audiophile LP too. Is it on CD? I have the LP, and made a rough-sounding CDR. One of the finest tracks is 'Wagons Roll', especially the part where the orchestra disappears down to diminuendo and changes key, then sparks up again, during the rhythmic ride, and a cheeky little Native American theme too.
Some of the themes in that series he re-used with bigger ensemble for his silent full scores.
