...same here robin, Ryko.

serifiot, June 8, 2006; 12:55 AM

Robin,

You have raised an interesting question about one of my all-time favourite scores. I class the movie as "top-notch" - the best of the Westerns - and its legendary score is one of its best features! As a fan of Ennio Morriocone I feel even his best in the genre doesn't match Mr. Bernstein's opus.

I purchased the Sunset vinyl LP ("Return of the [Magnificent] Seven") as a young teenager (approx. 35 years ago) and have subsequently purchased this same recording on CD (Ryko) - Mar 98, the Ryko release of the original score - Oct 98, preceded by the James Sedares / The Phoenix Symphony re-recording (on the Koch label) - Dec 96 and subsequently the Elmer Bernstein / Royal Scottish National Orch (on the RCA~Victor label) - Jan 2000. Hence you will agree I am somewhat besotted by this score! In addition I have several cover versions of the main theme incl. EB's own concert performances - e.g. Filmharmonic '70 with the Royal Philharmonic Orch.

But your query relates to the (complete) score so I shall restrict my comments accordingly.

It is my understanding that the movie did not do well in its home market and hence no original score was released at the time (1960). After much better showings in Europe a follow up movie in 1966 allowed EB to re-visit his original themes (probably part of a cost-cutting exercise!) and from this evolved the LP to which I referred ... or at least an earlier release thereof before the budget label release in the late '60's. Whilst this release includes most of the main thematic material it is (I believe) a re-recording so not the original score from either the first or second movie.

As with many re-recordings it holds together, as an album, extremely well ... very nicely balanced and well performed. But ... once you have heard the other versions you realise it is lacking. The tracks do not have the punch, the body, the whole-being of the material. It is as though they are easy-listening versions.

Whilst nicely presented by Ryko with extensive sleeve notes the album is spoiled to an extent by OST sound-clips (from the second movie). A common fault amongst Ryko releases - their exexcutives were clearly not soundtrack people and couldn't believe we would listen to the score for the music!

So to the OST release, also on Ryko but this time, happily without dialogue clips. An excellent release - this is the original, but: being somewhat older and taken from the original tapes the sound quality, whilst very good, is not first class. Perhaps it is mono - I don't listen out for this - but more importantly it is lacking in warmth. At times it is quite a harsh listening experience especially if played just after a modern recording. As the OST, however, it is unmissable!

So to the re-recordings: The James Sedares' release came first and accordingly was an essential buy. It is top quality and without the others as comparison it will find favour. If you know the score from the movie you will hear differences but then no two versions are ever the same. Sound quality is superb; excellent sleeve notes and EB's own endorsement: "...which makes this recording the definitive interpretation in my opinion" (1994). This is, again, the complete score - as recreated (a few minor omissions) running just short of one hour and the release includes a suite from EB's The Hallelujah Trail - the first half of which is excellent. The vocal chorus lets it down as the Concert Choir are far too polished for this lyric ... it needs a more earthy, common interpretation!

So to EB's own re-recording in April 97 - in many ways the "cheapest" of the collection in that the sleeve notes are almost non-existent, there is no additional material and, to be honest, the recording is lacking! I was, I'm afraid, somewhat disappointed with this release. The recording is vitually the same as the JS recording though slighter faster (as evidenced by the track times) and some of the anomalies of the earlier version when compared with the OST are smoothed away. And, of course, being conducted by the composer, he knew what sound he was after.

I'm no expert but I think the fault lies with the technical side of this release ... the sound is a little flat and lacking in dynamism. Perhaps it was a poor CD transfer rather than a poor recording?

So where does that leave us ... and you, in particular. I have the luxury of four versions to choose from depending upon my mood and I thoroughly recommend all four for their advantages rather than warn off for their disadvantages.

If you're limited to just one you must choose between wanting the OST (and accept the sound difficiencies) and a re-recording. If better sound is your choice then I would urge you towards the JS release - you're unlikley to spot its musical faults unless you have the others as comparison. For a truer version of the original with better sound opt for EB's re-recording - you might not have the same view as me about the lacking in sound.

I'd love to know how you get on.

Mitch, June 8, 2006; 1:13 AM

Oh, my God, now I'm really out of my waters. I'll look at the replies and then compile my response later.

robin.haggett, June 8, 2006; 1:41 AM

robin:
The OST on ryko and since rereleased by Varese I believe is in mono. I have it and yes it is harsh, but so is the movie. Now if only Morgan and Stromberg would rerecord the score....check out their Red River or They Died With Their Boots On for a couple of classic western scores rerecorded that belong in any one's collection.
gary

ragar01, June 8, 2006; 6:32 AM

Hello!
If you want to hear the different albums, you must go to amazon.de (or amazon.com). There you can listen to soundclips from diffrent albums und you can read there some comments from other users. For searching you write simply "Magnificent Seven".

eis221, June 8, 2006; 10:30 PM

I am finding myself being drawn to the Varese Sarabande 2004 release. Any remarks?

robin.haggett, June 8, 2006; 11:25 PM

So the Varese Sarabande recording is the same as the Ryko deluxe?

robin.haggett, June 9, 2006; 7:37 PM