CD REVIEW - The Greatest Cinema Choral Classics


The Greatest Cinema Choral Classics
Performed by the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Silva Screen SILKD6040
Disc 1 - 13 Tracks 66:44 mins Disc 2 - 13 Tracks 71:35 mins

Perhaps "The Greatest" is a bold claim, as I can think of a few worthy tracks that are not present in this fine collection of choral/orchestral film music, due for release on 4th September, but nevertheless this is still outstanding stuff, and is pretty faithfully performed by the above-named forces.
Of course much of the material has been released on previous Silva Screen collections, but there are new additions like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Da Vinci Code, Les Choristes and King Kong to bring things right up to date.
There's something for everyone here who appreciates the combination of orchestra and choir, from music for the Star Wars films, to Conan the Barbarian, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, The Mission, Amistad, The Lion in Winter, The Omen, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Edward Scissorhands, The Passion of the Christ, The Last Valley, The Empire of the Sun, How the West Was Won, Saving Private Ryan and Henry V (the Patrick Doyle score), The Double Life of Veronique, The Abyss and The Sum of All Fears.
Unfortunately, but perhaps understandably, classical pieces by Wagner, Barber and the traditional Sanctus from Missa Luba, are also included, commemorating their effective use in film. Still, I would have liked to see three original tracks included in their stead. But this is a minor quibble.
The accompanying booklet features a brief note on each selection.