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Spectacular find! Frank Cordell's magnificent Oscar-nominated score for lavish Ken Hughes movie about Oliver Cromwell, King Charles I, bloody English Civil War of 1600's and starring Richard Harris, Alec Guinness, was buried beneath an all-dialog LP on Capitol label in 1970. For years our interest in bringing album out on CD was muted by this sad anomaly. Then, in wonderful stroke of fortune, complete stereo session tapes were found in EMI vaults, labeled with other film audio elements (foley work, sound effects, etc.) and seemingly lost forever. Release of powerful score was possible at last! Intrada world premiere 2-CD set features entire score in stereo, including rare "Intermission" music dropped from prints of film! Highlights are many but of particular note are dynamic sequences for orchestra plus massive chorus throughout. Action cues are exciting. Climax that brings close to part one of film (Battle Of Naseby) is also magnificent. Towering above all is powerhouse coda to entire score, with fortissimo orchestra & chorus ringing triumphant major chords to bring masterful score to spectacular close. Disc 2 presents complete 1970 Capitol LP in stereo from original album masters, offering admittedly compelling dialog (with music excerpts underneath) spoken by two masters of their craft. Spectacular package features original album cover plus exciting alternate "flipper" cover, handsomely designed by Joe Sikoryak. Informative notes by Frank De Wald complete nice set. Frank Cordell conducts. Intrada Special Collection release available while quantities and interest remains! |