Search - Ernest Gold :: On the Beach [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

The Wide Range of Ernest Gold

Daniel Waitkoss | St. Charles, Missouri USA | 04/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I firmly believe that one of the major criteria for a soundtrack is how well it plays apart from the film from which it is dervied. If that is the case, then we have a winner here with two different scores from two very different films. The score to the original film version of "On the Beach" (which I have desired for years) goes from romantic to frightening just like the film with its' message of nuclear doom. The themes for Peter and Mary and Moira are gentle pieces fillled with the sense of young love and a woman of the world. While it does seem that "Waltzing Matilda" is used too much, Gold's use of the song is very well done. The second film, "The Secret of Santa Vittoria" stands as well, too. The "Song of SV", again, is used quite a bit, but it is a nice, sweet, lyrical melody that doesn't grow dull with repetition. In short, if you liked the original "On the Beach" or "SSV", then these need to be in your collection. Well worth the price."

Desert Island Disc

G. Hill | Dublin, Ireland | 07/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly the coupling of these two scores while worthy for collectors not possessing either is both a blessing and a curse. While "THE SECRET OF SANTA VITTORIA" is a pleasant listen it undermines the other score on this CD namely "ON THE BEACH" This I truly believe to be Ernest Gold's finest work, even though there is a great deal of whining that occurs amongst the soundtrack community regarding the overuse of "Waltzing Matilda". I think this score really deserves to be preserved on its own. However that small gripe aside I can only say that I was introduced to this score for the first time a couple of years ago when I saw the movie (also for the first time) and was astonished at how good Stanley kramer's movie was and how well the score evoked the complete sadness and indeed terror of the situation.

The highlight of the score is the eerie desolate music for the trip ashore in San diego to investigate the mysterious signal eminating from a huge generating plant. It is left almost entirely to itself without dialogue to convey the hope but yet apprehension of what might be found. Counterpointing that is the wonderful boat race sequence and the music for Dwight's return from the mission.

The sad lyrics of "Waltzing Matilda" ring true as a heartbreaking paeon to humanity and none more so than in the film itself as Dwight And Moira listen to the raucous tones of some inebriated lads bellowing the song until finally just one voice remains and tearfully ends the song on a sweet note.

The score is short but its impact is long. It is sweet and at times sinister but always interesting. Please do yourself a favour and purchase... while there's still time....."