Looking forward to this. Aside from the Death Hunt cue, I'm not all that familiar with On Dangerous Ground (I never got the FSM) so this will be an interesting experience. I do have to wonder if they'll be recording the Benjamin cantata and the song with regards to Man Who Knew Too Much (which I'm going to have to revisit over the weekend).
Looking forward to this. Aside from the Death Hunt cue, I'm not all that familiar with On Dangerous Ground (I never got the FSM) so this will be an interesting experience.
Oh boy are you in for a treat, my friend. I think all of Herrmann's lovely viola d'amore writing for Ida Lupino's character in this will blow your mind. Herrmann himself was so impressed with soloist Virginia Majewski's gorgeous viola d'amore solos in the original sessions that he insisted she receive a special screen credit on his own main title card: http://www.gutbrain.com/movies/ondangerousground/ondangerousground02.jpg
Pretty much unprecedented in the annals of film music history, at that point anyway. (This was a very different situation from modern superstar soloists like Yo-Yo Ma being credited.) I don't envy the new soloist whoever they may be, stepping into such big shoes for this.
This is one of Bernard Herrmann's greatest scores and it absolutely deserves to be newly recorded in great modern sound, rather than stuck existing only from old scratchy acetates (and I say that as someone who's gratefully cherished the FSM album and listened to it numerous times).
I do have to wonder if they'll be recording the Benjamin cantata and the song with regards to Man Who Knew Too Much (which I'm going to have to revisit over the weekend).
I wonder that too. I'm sure William Stromberg would do a great job with that cantata. But it was originally written for Hitchcock's earlier 30s version of the film of course (which Arthur Benjamin scored), and maybe Intrada will prefer to stick to a Herrmann-only program for this, particularly if they want everything to fit on a single disc. Does anyone know whether Herrmann re-arranged the Benjamin concert piece for new/larger orchestral forces in the remake, when he conducted it? Or is the piece identical to the version in the 30s film?
My goodness, we’re incredibly lucky that there are still talented people who can put a dream project like this together. Sign me up!
There’s a great preview of ON DANGEROUS GROUND in Tribute’s recording of BATTLE OF NERETVA/THE NAKED AND THE DEAD. If you haven’t picked up a copy I strongly recommend it.
I'm thrilled beyond words. Oh, to have the chance to witness the recording sessions. After being in Prague for KING OF KINGS, I'm eager to repeat the experience.
Anyone who follows William Stromberg on Facebook would have seen him dropping hints for weeks. Clearly he’s going to conduct and a better choice there isn’t.
I have already told Mr.Stromberg on Facebook this morning that I am in for contributing to this release. It will be very nice to have in my hands and to listen to. He's a good man at what he does. Looking forward to it.
Just to add that the Stromberg re-recording of BATTLE OF NERETEVA features Herrmanns revisit of this famous 'Death Hunt' cue and followed by another cue based on the ON DANGEROUS GROUND score. Just to give you an idea of that tour de force recording. If you want o get a flavour of whats to come then just have a look. Highly recommended.
I'am absolutely thrilled by this venture and have been a long time fan of this score ever since it appeared on the FSM label(which of course wasn’t in pristine condition) This re-recording was a holy grail project of mine. I can’t believe it’s going to finally happen.
While THE GHOST AND MRS MUIR was Hermann's own favourite score the ‘Death Hunt’ cue from ODG was one of his favourite cues. Charles Gerhardt conducted a thunderous performance for his Classic Score series in the Herrmann album And Benny was there during the sessions.
There is also a splendid recording of a suite on Silva Screen label which shouldn’t be missed either.
Does anyone know whether Herrmann re-arranged the Benjamin concert piece for new/larger orchestral forces in the remake, when he conducted it? Or is the piece identical to the version in the 30s film?
I’m fairly certain he did to take advantage of a larger orchestra and better sound reproduction. I’ll check but I think Smith’s Herrmann biography mentioned this.
There are three fine recordings of Arthur Benjamin's Storm Clouds Cantata: Elmer Bernstein with the Royal Philharmonic on Milan, John Mauceri and the Danish National Symphony on Toccata Classics, and Rumon Gamba and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on Chandos.
I do have to wonder if they'll be recording the Benjamin cantata and the song with regards to Man Who Knew Too Much .
NOT the song...Please!
Fortunately Bill Stromberg has confirmed it will be Herrmann only.
Probably because of space. But honestly if the kickstarters makes more money they record something extra like... suite from KING OF THE KHYBER RIFLES !!! (Im just wishing..)
