MacArthur

Jerry Goldsmith

 
" MacArthur signing off "

Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release

MacArthur is known, just like its counterpart in war Patton for its famous march, it's notorious march. The score is so much without, and so much with. So it's not uncommon to say that MacArthur will be enjoyed once you hear that playful optimistic march. Because besides that it's pretty standard, good and effective but nowhere near the grandeur of the march that follows MacArthur everywhere he goes. So be ready to accept that once you start taking MacArthur out for a drive on the minefields and beaches and fields. So opening and closing with that march is all what we want to hear, Goldsmith delivering another classic theme that is equally playful and powerful. Patton was a lot more serious and robust, this one has a kinky playfulness to it, but it suits the general. In between the mines and tanks lies Goldsmith's noble soft side, and it underscores the most of this album. A lot of the film was left unscored, so Goldsmith kept it always sober as well, but it's always with a meaning and an effect. Not a note goes in the trashcan, but it's just not as glorious as that march. The clanging noise of the opening march is heard from time to time, the same for a slight variation on the theme. Basically it's not a lot, but it's still a lot compared to others. You just wish to hear the Patton trumpets continue where the MacArthur one signs off.

The theme is all the hoopla, and a standard standing ovation at concerts around the world.
Just like Patton, the rest is less impressive. Still highly functional but just not that big.

Track Listing

1. MacArthur March (Main Title) (2.48) Excellent track
2. I Shall Return (3.57)
3. The Treaty (2.36)
4. The Tunnel (2.33)
5. Statistics (3.05)
6. Stand By (2.09)
7. A Last Gift (2.26)
8. New Era (3.26)
9. The Landing (3.42)
10. The Minefield (2.38)
11. I Bid You Farewell / MacArthur March (4.14) Excellent track

Total Length: 33.34
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Released by

Varèse Sarabande VSD-5260 (regular release 1990)

Conducted by

Jerry Goldsmith

Orchestrations by

Arthur Morton