Intrada Soundtrack Forum

_________________
I'm an old cowhand ...

My opinion that the Jerry Fielding's releases are among the very best titles that Intrada has done is again confirmed. Don't know what more to say.

Nightcomers is the first Fielding album I've added to my collection. I haven't seen the film before so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. According to Doug's description on the site and Fielding's reputation for challenging music, I expected a more stark contrast between the proper music and the "violent interior" music, but this is much more intricate than that. I'm surprised - and impressed - at how easily his music segues from Romantic mode to the darker psychological side. He made it seem effortless.

Some things I liked:

The lively piano run in "Quint Has A Kite" & the continuation of it into the "Act Two Prelude" where the orchestra joins in. I can tell Fielding had a real sense of drama. The way that cue closes is like the underscore of a curtain closing for intermission.

And here's something I certainly didn't expect. The lush, romantic material of "Flora & Miss Jessel," "The Flower Bath," and moments of "The Big Swim." At times, the music seems on the cusp of becoming a full Donaggio or Poledouris string theme but then draws back. It's elusive and restrained - but not frustratingly so.

The opening transition in "Burning Dolls" from elegant brass into icy strings finally delivered that stark contrast I'd expected, and I was glad to hear it.

Also I appreciate that the "classical" music is handled without irony. I was afraid it would be kitschy, but it is never pushed too hard onto the score and seems like a natural part of it.

Overall, a surprisingly accessible album. I expected a more challenging and striking listen, but like the original Henry James story, this is classy, subtle, and skillfully written.

In recreating the LP, just figured out that the Bay Cities CD was slightly expanded (Pas De Deux, Act Two Prelude/Myles in the Air).

I much preferred the way side 2 opened on the LP (now track , interestingly the CD split the Bay Cities version of the Prelude/Myles track into 3 tracks (Quint has a Kite (not on the LP), Act Two Prelude/Myles in the Air & An Arrow for Mrs. Grose).

Also, the sequencing is improved, Bedtime at Blye House works better as track 2 rather then The Smoking Frog, and it makes sense to listen to Summer Rowing and Flora and Miss Jessel as one track.

Not bad

_________________
My scores: https://musescore.com/mikeyshooes
I'm learning music online: https://musescore.com/courses/piano