Davis,Carl Ben Hur CD

The Royal Liverpool Orchestra became identified with Carl Davis's score for the 1925 Ben-Hur after several performances in Liverpool and Cardiff in 1988. So well received were the shows that this recording was made in 1989. In the Olympic year of 2012 the Philharmonia decided to screen the film, on the 9th June at the Royal Festival Hall, prompting this re-release, which has been re-mastered by K&A Productions. The album was previously available on the Silva Screen label. The score written by Carl Davis is based on a Straussian 'Natur Tema' and he also wanted to quote a well-known part of the liturgy choosing the simple phrase which is well known as the Dresden Amen. The booklet comes with a short history on the making of the film, with stills from the film and Carl Davis explains how the music paints a picture showing how the story unfolds bringing the silent film to life.

1. Opening Titles 2. The Nativity: The Cave of David 3. The Nativity: Star of Bethlehem 4. The Nativity: The Adoration of the Magi 5. Esther and the Young Prince 6. Roman March and Disaster: Gratus' Entry Into Jerusalem 7. Roman March and Disaster: Storming the Palace and Arrest 8. Galley Slave 9. Pirate Battle 10. Iras the Egyptian 11. The Chariot Race: The Gathering of the Chariots 12. The Chariot Race: The Race 13. Ben-Hur's Return: The Palace of Hur 14. Ben-Hur's Return: Lepers 15. Via Dolorosa: The Way of the Cross 16. Via Dolorosa: Miracle 17. Earthquake and New Dawn: Collapse of the Senate 18. Earthquake and New Dawn: The Resurrection