John Barry's Magnificent Score for "Mary Queen of Scots"
G M. Stathis | cedar city, utah USA | 03/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In commentary reviewing recent scores for "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: the Golden Age" along with a fleeting word or two about other Tudor film and cable productions, this writer lamented that these efforts did not measure up to music written by John Barry (or Georges Delerue). The focal point of those comments was of course Barry's magnificent 1971 score for "Mary Queen of Scots." Intrada has just issued a limited release version of the original soundtrack. The down side is that it is nothing more than the original LP with no new additions. The up side is that this is the soundtrack produced and conducted by Barry himself which has never been available on CD (another rather obscure and very limited edition came out with Delerue's music for "Anne of the Thousand Days" as well). The production values are noteworthy, and the presentation is grand with ample notes and commentary. Like Intrada's earlier release of Barry's "The Last Valley," this is a little musical treasure. As mentioned in an earlier review of the recent DVD version of the film, Barry's score was one of the most memorable aspects of the movie, so much so that Universal produced the disc with a special soundtrack only option with isolated commentary. Note has also been made that along with Barry's score for "Chaplin" this was a rare instance where Barry's music was nominated for an Oscar but did not win. It should have! This is easily one of Barry's most impressive scores including numerous themes, one as a lovely vocal performed by none other than the film's star Vanessa Redgrave, and of course a number of trademark dramatic cues. Barry favored an orchestral approach rather than broad use of period music (the soundtrack does include two bagpipe renditions, however) and it is simply wonderful on the screen and on this recording.
"
Mary Queen of Scots CD Review
Manny M. Agah | 09/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"John Barry has composed numerous outstanding film scores, especially Mary Queen of Scots and The Last Valley. The Last Valley's complete score was re-recorded by Nic Raine a few years ago. I wish the complete score of Mary Queen of Scots would also be re-recorded, as this new CD of Mary Queen of Scots is the same as the original LP (as the other reviewer has also mentioned). Nevertheless, this newly issued 28-minute CD is still great to own and listen to."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1