Search - Elmer Bernstein :: Return Of The Magnificent Seven: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD]

RETURN OF THE SEVEN Soundtrack is a Classic

gobirds2 | New England | 11/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Officially this is the soundtrack to the1966 film "RETURN OF THE SEVEN," the sequel to John Sturges' 1960 classic Western, "THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN." Elmer Bernstein's score for "THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" was innovative and groundbreaking ringing in a new era for film scoring. This is a reissue of the original 1966 United Artists album on compact disc and it sounds very good, excellent! This 1966 recording is very much welcomed. With this recording Elmer Bernstein was able to bolster up the strength and power of the orchestra and Leo Shuken and Jack Hayes improved on the orchestrations. This 1966 recording is dynamically more brilliant compared to the 1960 score. In 1994 maestro James Sedares conducted the most complete digital recording of the 1960 "THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" score with the Phoenix Symphony. The Sedares recording is excellent, but I find the tempo of Bernstein's 1966 recording to be more accurate. Also, "In the Trap" is not included on the Sedares recording. The only complaint I always had with the 1966 recording is with Track 1 "The Magnificent Seven." The track comes to a definite end as if it were a concert piece. As heard in the actual films, "THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" and "RETURN OF THE SEVEN," the main title does a smooth transition directly into "Calvera's Visit." The Sedares recording follows the film cue. Unlike with Berstein's 1963 soundtrack "THE GREAT ESCAPE" reissue, I do not care for the dialogue tracks included on the "RETURN OF THE SEVEN" compact disc. There is some excellent dialogue in "RETURN OF THE SEVEN." I saw this film in the theatre in 1966. The audience broke out in applause several times with some of the lines that Yul Brynner had with Warren Oates and Claude Akins. As for Elmer Bernstein's brilliant theme, the tune is immortal, as is this recording. It stands along side Jerome Moross' main title for 1958's "THE BIG COUNTRY," equally immortal. There have never been two greater Western themes from the cinema. Moross' theme is pure Americana and conjures up the American spirit of the individual to persevere against all obstacles and never bend one's principles to satisfy another's. Bernstein's theme is both rousing and reflective and is a statement on bravery and man's defense of the downtrodden, to take up a cause for good when the odds aren't. Both men's musical themes address and define the very essence of what distinguishes traditional American Westerns from other cinematic subjects. One note, since 1966's "RETURN OF THE SEVEN" went to video it has been re-titled "RETURN OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN.""

Elmer Bernstein is one of the best!

Gerald R. Boothe | Lakewood, WA United States | 06/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love western soundtracks and Return of the Magnificient 7 is definitely part of my collection. There is some similarity to The Magnificient 7 but Mr Bernstein uses his masterful technique to change the western sound just a tad, but not to offend the listener. I enjoyed this CD asmuch as I did the movie, as usually the case."