Conan The Barbarian (Complete 2 CD Rerecording) [Soundtrack]
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Author: Basil PoledourisEdition: Music CD
Music reviews of Conan The Barbarian (Complete 2 CD Rerecording) [Soundtrack]
Music Review: Not so fast...
Rating: 3 Stars
I, like many others, am a genuine fan of Poledouris' original score to the film. I grew up on it. I think we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the original recordings just because we now live in a Hi-Def society. It is true that the original had flaws.... some precision problems with the orchestra, tuning issues from time to time. I will even acknowledge those who report that Poledouris himself said that he was unhappy with the final product due to limitations in players and orchestration editing. Here's my take on the new recording...
THE PROS...
Obviously, the quality of sound here is EXCELLENT. The fidelity in which the music was recorded is second to none. Advances in audio engineering, microphones, and production allow us to hear each section of the orchestra with immense clarity.
It is also a gem to finally hear EVERY measure that was composed brought to life in this 2-CD set. Before the release of this recording, the only obtainable recordings of the original unreleased tracks were bootlegs of very poor quality (it would be SOOO nice to have all the original tracks remastered). Tracks such as "Pit Fights", "Discipline of Steel" (here called "Prologue") are now displayed with the same clarity and fidelity as every other track. Even some of the music that seemed during the film to be incidental... it's all here.
The orchestrations of Greg McRitchie also give a new glimpse as to what the original intent of each track was to be. Sometimes, right online with what was recorded for the film, other times, slight variations that add a touch of color never heard before. Click tracks have been the cause of many scores being edited. It is refreshing to have those restraints removed here.
THE CONS...
In many ways, this recording reflects that of a symphony orchestra performing the work of one of the great classical composers. I can listen to a recording of Beethoven's 5th played by Chicago, New York Phil, Cleveland, and St. Louis orchestras, and each rendition will sound different. I'll even say there are noticeable differences in that same work by the SAME orchestra under different conductors. Each interprets the music in a different way. Such is the case here, but because it's a film score, I feel it's a bit of a violation. Raine's tempi are sometimes rushed and hurried, which in my opinion, ruins the dramatic effect of the scene the music was written for (Gift of Fury, for example was almost a BLUR because Raine rushed through this selection). The original interpretation (conducted by the COMPOSER mind you), drew out the emotion of the scene in a way that truly gave it LIFE. The music for the decapitation of Thulsa Doom (newly named "Head Chop") is the same. There is a deliberate accent for each note that, in the original version, was drawn out to convey the gravity of the scene. Raine runs through the entire sequence in the blink of an eye (I almost didn't recognize the music because he conducted those accents so quickly).
Another is the spotlight on thematic materials. Although the tracks contain the original music, in some places, the instruments are balanced in a way that completely dulls the original intent. Lines that were once signature are hardly heard. Other parts that were secondary are now, at times, overbearing. Again, the original interpretation (again, by the COMPOSER CONDUCTING) should have been the blueprint here). A few liberties were taken that just don't equate to the interpretation of the original.
Some instruments could not be reproduced. The "Wheel of Pain" section, for example, used a very convincing scraping metallic effect in the percussion section. On the new recording, it is a HORRIBLE rendition of a gong scrape combined with bowing the edge of the instrument... NOT EVEN CLOSE. If the score is to be re-recorded, research for this effect should have been more thoroughly researched (this is 30 years later, there are numerous resources available to achieve this).
Even though the music is being re-created, the tempi, balance of parts, and expressive interpretation of the original should have been retained. In defense of this new recording, much of it is. It's just that a number of significant sections of this score have been altered creatively, which lessens the original intent of the music and scene it accompanied. Decades have sealed these interpretations in our minds and ears. It does not help the fact that Poledouris had passed away before this project was undertaken. Had he conducted both renditions, it would be easier to accept.
I will even defend, for a moment, the imperfections found in the original recordings. Again, we all grew up on this score. Every detail has stuck in our minds. Even the sprinkling of wrong notes, intonation, and precision have come to define the score. I think of comparisons to the jazz great Miles Davis. Many of his solos are riddled with cracks, wrong notes, and blanks of air pockets. To many who hold him in high regard, that was part of his style. His rawness at times was what gave those phrases LIFE. Many have transcribed his solos and played them with an execution that was polished and perfect in every way... and as a result PALES in comparison to the original solos Miles played. I hold the original recordings of the Conan score in the same regard. In some ways, it works better for me, because the story itself takes place before "civilization" was widespread. The instruments in the original recording sound a little more "raw" at times, which, for me, is appropriate.
All things considered, I am VERY thankful for this release, but it will never replace my desire to play the original recordings. If anything, it is a curious exploration to compare the two side-by-side at times, to hear the differences in the writing. This new set is definitely worth getting, just don't toss your original version. You'll be missing it over time if you do.
Description of Conan The Barbarian (Complete 2 CD Rerecording) [Soundtrack]
Nic Raine conducts the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. * 2 CD Set WITH 24-PAGE FULL COLOR BOOKLET * Featuring for the First Time the COMPLETE 100-Minute Film Score * The Original Greig McRitchie Orchestrations * Over 2 Hours of Music * Includes Previously Unreleased Music * Newly Recorded in Stunning and Dynamic Digital Sound * Performed by the Acclaimed and Award-Winning 96-piece City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and 100-voice CPPO Chorus Conducted by Nic Raine * Bonus Material including alternate cues and music from CONAN THE DESTROYER * Informative and Expert Sleeve Notes by Frank K DeWald * Booklet introduction by Zoe and Alexis PoledourisSoundtracks CDs
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