The Splendor That Was Rome

Quo Vadis and I go back a long way.  About the middle of the last century MGM released two recordings from this film.  One was a dialogue highlights album in which, I admit, I have no interest.  I want Rozsa's score.  MGM also released a 10-in LP, long out of print.  It also came out as a 78RPM album.  I found one at a sale back around 1972 or 1973.  Sadly, the first disk had a small chip on the edge, but the others were in pretty good shape so I was able to make do.
An new recording conducted by Miklos Rozsa with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus released in the seventies or early eighties was, to me, a disappointment.  The poor mixing made it impossible to catch any of the lyrics sung by the chorus and, I seem to recall, the tempo was too slow.
 
Quo Vadis was based on a novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz set during the reign of the Emperor Nero.  Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, and Peter Ustinov.  Genn, as Petronius and Ustinov as Nero stole the show, and what a show it was.  I won't try to describe the movie.  Just go out and look for the two-disc MGM release and let yourself be transported to 68 AD.
 
But, let us return to the music.  After all, that is why we are here.  A reconstruction of Rozsa's original score is now available on Prometheus Records featuring the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Nic Raine.  This recording is the best yet from this team which has been responsible for many excellent reconstructions over the years.  Trying not to go overboard, I will have to say it is their masterpiece.  But, considering I have been waiting for over 40 years for a recording of this quality, I have found this album to be worth the wait.
 
It has been a pleasure hearing this orchestra mature over the years.  Some of the early recordings on Silva had their problems, but City Of Prague has become a world class orchestra.  The addition of the City Of Prague Chorus is a great improvement over the Crouch End Festival Chorus which ruined several earlier projects.  But here, at least, they have been sent away to do no more harm.
 
Nic Raine has done a masterful job conducting this recording as he has done in the past.  His ability to capture the nuances of the various scores has made him one of my favorite people in the field.  Quo Vadis is a powerful recording and Mr. Raine deserves a standing ovation from lovers of film scores, and good music in general.
 
Quo Vadis was Miklos Rozsa's first excursion into ancient Rome and he quickly made himself right at home.  Roza wrote the best Roman marches in movies starting with Quo Vadis, and continuing with Julius Caesar, Ben Hur, and King of Kings.  He captured the splendor of ancient times and also the quieter moments.  One of my favorite tracks on this album is "Dance of the Vestel Virgins", a part of the triumph parade of Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor).  It is such a joyful piece and contrasts nicely with the Triumphal March to follow.  Roza also captured the spirit of early Christianity through the "Resurrection Hymn".
 
Before closing I would like to single out John Langley who performed the songs sung by Peter Ustinov in the film.  While not imitating Ustinov Mr. Langley does a great job capturing the proper feel of the character.  I wish to congratulate Nic Raine and the City of Prague Philharmonic and Chorus for a job well done.
 
So, music lovers, run out and get this recording (also available online from Screen Archives Entertainment) and let yourself be transported to ancient Rome.  It is a wonderful trip. 
 
For a preview of the recording follow this link.  There will be a video at the bottom of the page.  http://www.cityofpraguephilharmonicorchestra.co.uk/miklos-rozsas-quo-vadis-re-recorded-with-coppo/

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