I just bought the LA LA Land expanded version of "55 Days at Peking" I know it came out in 2011 so I'm a bid late on this. Anyway, referring to Disc II, the track called "Religious Ceremony" I seem to recall when I first saw the movie that this was accompanied by a chorus. On the disc you only hear the orchestra version. I haven't got the video version at my disposal so can't double check. Anybody out there who can confirm this ? Thanks.
Yes you are correct and I was also very disappointed that the choral overdub was missing. It occurs during the first part of the scene where they are setting off the powder cache. This is especially unfortunate because Tiomkin created an atmosphere that only he could do. Likewise the choral overdub is missing from the scene where Charlton Heston is hiding while a cannon is being dragged through the street.
Fortunately both pieces of music have been beautiful re-recorded with chorus by Richard Kaufman on the BMG film music anthology under the title “High Noon the film music of Dimitri Tiomkin” or something like that.
Fortunately both pieces of music have been beautiful re-recorded with chorus by Richard Kaufman on the BMG film music anthology under the title “High Noon the film music of Dimitri Tiomkin” or something like that.
Lawrence Foster conducted that one. Personally, I've always considered that CD to be lacking in quality because of its stodgy performances and cavernous sound. So it's good to hear it has a redeeming feature in terms of some content not available elsewhere.
The LL album is stills an appreciated release despite this shortcoming. The only downside is that my understanding is that if not for this release Prometheus would have commissioned a re-recording.
