Patton / Tora! Tora! Tora!

Jerry Goldsmith

 
" 2 War classics "

Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release

2 War movies on one disc, courtesy of Varèse and a re recording done under the baton of Jerry Goldsmith himself. Patton is a restrained piece of work (reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan, just listen to the final track "End Title"), and it's only in the stirring main theme or the marching German theme that the score steps out of its tranquil role. That main theme is of course one of Jerry's finest themes, and a favorite for concert performances. The German theme is strong as well, but its in the quieter parts that Patton remains interesting but nothing more. There is enough detail on board to keep it interesting, but also slightly sedated. It's always functioning on the rhythm and drums of the main theme. Plus the movie was largely underscored, so for those few moments it was the theme that was making an impact. And it did several times. Tora! Tora! Tora! does it with even far less material, and does it more or less in the same style. At one end quit serene ("Imperial Palace"), at another quite menacing ("Main Title"). The theme is not of the same quality like Patton, but it gets the job done, and is an equal favorite at concerts. Due to the absence of a lot of material, it's hard to rate Tora! Tora! Tora!. But it's another fine addition, and it's always worth to have more material. Both scores complement each other well, and both scores sort of hold similar strengths. Both the themes are the reason why you would remember them. And in this time where themes do not matter anymore, it's comforting to know that Goldsmith delivered once again.

The main theme of Patton is a doozy, and one for the history books.
The German theme is equally potent.
Even though Tora! Tora! Tora! doesn't have a grand theme like Patton, it's definitely the best piece of the selection.
Both scores do have a lot of eerier calmer tracks. It begs to question what this CD would be like if it wouldn't have had those themes.

Track Listing

Patton
1. Main Title (2.28) Excellent track
2. The Battleground (2.33)
3. The Cemetery (2.53)
4. The First Battle (3.06)
5. The Funeral (1.57
6. The Hospital (3.22)
7. No Assignment (2.08)
8. German March (2.07)
9. Entr'acte (2.18) Excellent track
10. Attack (3.33)
11. German Advance (2.41
12. An Eloquent Man (1.54)
13. The Pay-Off (2.28)
14. End Title (1.22)

Tora! Tora! Tora!
15. Main Title (3.18)
16. Pre-Flight (2.13)
17. On the Way (1.47)
18. Imperial Palace 2.27)
19. End Title (2.05)

Total Length: 46.40
(click to rate this score)  
 
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(total of 3 votes - average 4.5/5)

Released by

Varèse Sarabande VSD-5796 (regular release 1997)

Conducted by

Jerry Goldsmith

Orchestrations by

Arthur Morton

Performed by

Royal Scottish National Orchestra