Italiani Brava Gente (1965)

Composer(s):
Armando Trovaioli

Released in:
1965

Reviews

ITALIANA BRAVA GENTE/LE SOLDATESSE - Travaioli/Nascimbene
by David Anthony (May 28, 2004)
Usually, like most collectors, I don't like dialogue in soundtrack recordings, but for some reason it works on ITALIANA BRAVA GENTE, (the dialogue is used sparingly). It adds to the overall atmosphere of the work. Having said that there are times when the mix of music could be louder. Anyway for those that do not know this superb CD on the RCA OST Series, it contains a relatively rare symphonic effort by Armando Travaioli, and a Greek tinged score by Nascimbene (LE SOLDATESSE).
ITALIANA BRAVA GENTE was a war film from 1965 and originally released on a rare Italian LP. The music has a very authentic Italian feel about it, the main instrument is the accordion. The main theme has a nostalgic feeling and is one of those themes you will not be able to get out of your head, (in a good way), it is repeated alot in the score and also in a vocal version. At times it reaches an emotional peak, a kind of march for full orchestra and choir, absolutely fantastic! There is also some action type music as well as some quieter chamber like tracks. The music has been edited so that many of the cues are quite long and interrupted by the previously mentioned dialogue, but also sound effects directly from the movie. But don't let this put you off, it works really well and adds to the ambience of the listening. The overall impression of the score, not having seen the movie, is that Travaioli has perfectly captured the emotions of Italian soldiers caught up in a violent conflict, haunted by the fear of death, but at the same time hopeful of the future and nostalgic of the past.
LE SOLDATESSE by Nascimbene is a nice score ,again for a war themed film, that is quieter and more reflective that his usual efforts in the epic field. The instrumentation at times sounds like authentic Greek music.
www.intermezzomedia.com have had this CD on sale for ages at EUR 4.91, I find that incredible considering how great a score ITALIANA BRAVA GENTE is.

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