Search - Alfred Newman :: The Robe (1953 Film)

Superb remastering of classic film score

A. Andersen | Bellows Falls, VT USA | 07/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alfred Newman is responsible not only for outstanding orchestrations of musical films but for an array of classic film scores, ranging from HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY through such biblical epics as THE ROBE and THE EGYPTIAN to the haunting ANASTASIA and the rousing HOW THE WEST WAS WON. The orignal "soundtrack" of THE ROBE was not that at all but studio recordings from the score released on a DECCA lp in 1953. This CD goes back to the original musical tracks and gives us far more than that lp did. The sound is superb for the source (early true six track stereo) and the score is nearly complete. A few tracks were recorded in mono but this does not affect the sound quality. A must-buy for the afficianado of film scores. (Now why is his vastly superior score to THE EGYPTIAN not available on CD - this is the most sensual of all his scores and was in my youth a sure-fire turntable favorite for after dinner seductions!!!)."

The best available original recording.

Juan Alberto Diaz Wiechers | Santiago Chile | 07/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very good CD. I have rated it 4 and not 5 only because unfortunately it does not comprise the whole original material, but only the surviving one. But what remains is excellent. As the booklet explains, part of the original recording could not be saved due to time deterioration. Against that nothing can be done. The most important missing track is the crucifixion. But it includes the beautiful "Map of Jerusalem" track (later on re-recorded by Charles Gerhardt). Most of the recording is stereo, though some parts are mono. The CD is the result of a very serious research work.
If you like the music of "The Robe", this CD comprises everything what remains of the ORIGINAL soundtrack (60 minutes). It is a must for you.
You can also obtain, if still available, the Varese CD with the studio recording issued on LP for commercial sale. It is mono, lasts around 49 minutes, and has differences with the original recording, since it is recorded as a suite divided in several movements. Some beatiful parts of the original score are not included (for instance the "Map of Jerusalem"), other are shortened or melt together. Fortunately it includes the crucifixion music, but as a single arrangement together with the carriage of the cross (that in the original recording is a longer separate cue), and with the ambiental noise of the storm and rain, including Jesus' last words.
I cannot say which recording is best. In their style both are good, though essentially different. The sound quality is better in the original soundtrack recording. Hopefully in the future a complete re-recording of the whole score takes place. In the meanwhile, the above referenced recording, together with the music of the LP, are both valuable pieces of music."

They don't make 'em like this any more!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 11/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the fabulous 50's and sensational 60's, before pop music became truly the norm, movies were blessed with magnificent scores that not only provided background effects, they helped to accentuate the developing story onscreen. Herrmann knew about the importance of the score; Rozsa knew it; so did Waxman.

And, also did Alfred Newman, he of the religious epic, know about those little dots on paper. The score to the landmark Cinemascope release stands as much a testament to that period as it does to the fine work of the great composer. "The Robe" features one of the most melodic love themes ever written. It can be heard throughout the album in various forms, but especially in "The Map of Jerusalem", as well as "Marcellus Returns to Capri" along with "Hope". The melody is played whenever lovers Marcellus (Richard Burton) and Diana (Jean Simmons) embrace and it is as passionate a musical structure can get. The only drawback of the album is the fact that most of the cuts are in monophonic sound from the original masters. If any score is in need of restoration, it is this fine one."