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Doug,
How much actual Maurice Jarre music, do you figure, is in THE LONGEST DAY score? My memory is that it is a sparse Jarre score. I remember the 'victory' motif from the Ninth Symphony, some exciting massed percussion, and an orchestral piece that played (I think) as the invasion armada was embarking for French shores. Bits of this piece were re-recorded, in both an orchestral and choral setting, by Silva, on THE LONGEST DAY - THE ULTIMATE WORLD WAR MOVIE THEME COLLECTION. Credit is given to Jarre, but it is the primary theme - "The Longest Day March" - by Canadian composer and songwriter, Paul Anka, (who also starred in the film, and was a pop singer of that era. He's still alive, still performing, and is a flamboyant interview.) that is featured most prominently.
I suspect that it is the Anka song that is remembered, mostly, by folks who express an admiration for the LONGEST DAY score. Mitch Miller, contemporaneous to the film being in the theatres, had a version of the Anka tune on the hit parade of the day. It achieved the status of one of his greatest hits. The Anka march, "The Longest Day" is also popular with marching and military bands. In Canada, the Longest Day March is a regimental march for several Canadian infantry units and a military training unit at Trenton.
I suppose I really must go back and have another listen to THE LONGEST DAY score. I remember, as a youngster, buying the old Fox lp, hoping to find the Jarre music score (this was before seeing the film), but finding dialogue highlights, mainly.
I agree with your assessment of Jarre's early scores. I have tracked his career since the early days. The orchestral statement of THE COLLECTOR theme, in the conclusion of that movie, was gorgeous, but I am also a fan of his tightly composed small ensemble scores, where his originality really shines.
I have BIG GAMBLE on order, and am really looking forward to hearing it. Thanks for getting this one into the marketplace.
BB
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