Search - John Addison :: Swashbuckler

One of the most outstanding and memorable attributes of the 1976 film SWASHBUCKLER is the infectious, feisty, and robust musical score by composer John Addison. True to Addison's signature sound common amidst most of his scores, SWASHBUCKLER offers an English sensibility, not unlike that of William Walton and Clifton Parker. Addison composed four key musical themes, the first of which is heard accompanying the pirate's ship, the "Blarney Cock," providing a light-hearted introduction to the proceedings when first heard in the main title. But the music soon turns serious as the second theme emerges with a more sinister, borderline gloomy feel for the Lord Durant character. The third theme appears during the swashbuckling action music which accompanies the antics of the pirates. Finally, no swashbuckling adventure would be complete without a love theme. Addison offers up a sumptuous theme for the romance between Ned and Lady Jane. All told, Addison provided one of his most amusing, sparkling and memorable works for the silver screen, which falls squarely in the tradition of other grand adventure scores. It is an enduing legacy to the talent, inventiveness, and craftsmanship of an extraordinary composer. SWASHBUCKLER was billed as "The biggest, grandest pirate movie ever...", pitting it against the likes of CAPTAIN BLOOD and SEA HAWK. It came decades after the aforementioned films, in an attempt to revive the pirate adventure, with Robert Shaw turning in a colorful, flamboyant performance. The film was designed as an affectionate homage to pirate films of old, with added elements of comedy to keep the mood light. The film also starred James Earl Jones, Genevieve Bujold, Peter Boyle, Beau Bridges, and Angelica Huston. Intrada presents the first release of this rollicking score on compact disc, featuring the original LP program in pristine stereo sound. This release is limited to 3000 units.