Search - Franz Waxman, Adriano, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Rebecca: The 1940 Film Score by Franz Waxman

A Classic Romantic Hollywood Film Score

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 11/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some might say that this music by Franz Waxman is soupy and sentimental and I'd say, 'Phooey!' This is a classic big-orchestra, lush, romantic, tuneful, sweeping, in places mysterious score that perfectly fits the purpose for which it was composed. Great melodies just come spilling out throughout the score's entire 72 minutes. I happened to see the 1940 film just recently and was again swept away by the score's power to perfectly accompany and underscore the movie's scenes. Waxman really knew how to do this. And this score influenced film music composers for years afterwards.



What of this performance? It was originally recorded in 1990-91 and issued at full price on Marco Polo, Naxos's sister label. It was acclaimed then, and should be even more so now that it is at budget price. Adriano, the one-named Swiss conductor who specializes in film scores, and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, give this lush score its due. Viktor Simcisko is the excellent solo violinist.



One small detail: For whatever reason, the movie's director, David O. Selznick, didn't like the music for the cue called 'Beatrice,' and he substituted music by Max Steiner. Adriano restores the music written by Waxman.



Scott Morrison"

One of Franz Waxman's Best Scores

acinehermoso | 02/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"REBECCA is one of Franz Waxman's best romantic scores. It is lush and atmospheric. It really fits director Alfred Hitchcock's superb film. The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra performance is superb.

"

Splendid

Marc Bauwens | belgium | 05/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have watched Rebecca more than once, I think I know the movie rather well.

Only, I had never the chance to listen to to music itself, while doing this, I visualize each matching scene of the movie. Being a musician myself, I have the impression that this Franz Waxman score was surely the best movie music ever made..."