November 1999 Film Music CD Reviews

Film Music Editor: Ian Lace
Music Webmaster Len Mullenger


John MORRIS The Scarlet Letter   Original Televison Soundtrack   SUPER TRACKS STCD 501




  Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic tale has enjoyed several adaptations for screen. This particular TV version hails from 1979, and a time when budgets allowed a composer to employ the likes of The London Studio Symphony Orchestra to realise their creation. The orchestra section that got the most exercise 2 decades ago was clearly winds. There are a huge number of pipes, recorders, and flutes utilised to blow a sympathetic undercurrent beneath the tale (including bagpipes in "The Marketplace")

The letter of the title is an 'A' - burned across the skies by a passing "Comet" (wonderful use of multiple harps). When you learn that the bell which peals a tragic toll through the music is in the chord of A, Morris' music encourages repeat listens to pick up the subtle nuances reflecting the action chronicled in the booklet notes.

A very late album - but first class. In fact, I give it an A (groan).

Reviewer

Paul Tonks


Reviewer

Paul Tonks


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