Henry Mancini Albums (71)
'Mancini Plays the Theme from Love Story'
Release Date 11/16/2004
Tracks 11
Label Cloud 9
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Six Hours Past Sunset'
Release Date 11/16/2004
Tracks 11
Label Cloud 9
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
If you listen to very many of the easy listening albums by the myriad orchestral pop maestros who collectively sold a vast number of underappreciated albums from the '50s through the '70s, certain band leaders rise up from the supposed schmaltz to assert their artistry. Les Baxter, Ray Conniff, and Henry Mancini are a few of the directors and arrangers who have overcome at least some of the critical bias against the entire easy listening genre to command a measure of respect. Six Hours Past Sunset exhibits Mancini's flair for giving film themes and other melodies brilliant string-laden treatments, but with surprising twists -- like the slightly dissonant chimes that close "Two for the Road," or the string bass solo on "Girl Talk" -- that engage and surprise the listener. Mancini's interpretation of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" was a hit, but, commercially, Six Hours Past Sunset was far less successful than A Warm Shade of Ivory released earlier the same year. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Henry Mancini composed and conducted the score for the 1966 film Arabesque, starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. The soundtrack album contains nine instrumental pieces, including "The Zoo Chase" in three parts and a vocal version of "We've Loved Before" performed by a mixed chorus. As you might expect from music written to serve a film about international intrigue, the moods vary from exotic ("Arabesque," "Facade") to whimsical ("Ascot") to what can only be described as spy music ("The Zoo Chase, Pt. 3"). "Something for Sophia" is a jazzy, rhythmic composition that features the guest trumpet of Jack Sheldon. The most compelling piece is the spooky "Dream Street," written to accompany a bizarre murder scene, which is nearly as ambient and odd as Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airports. The first two parts of "The Zoo Chase," too, find Mancini working in this otherworldly realm of tense, atmospheric music. Unlike many film scores that amount to little more than souvenirs for moviegoers, Arabesque is an intriguing instrumental work of many moods and styles that can be enjoyed on its own merits. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
For reasons unknown, it took over two decades for Henry Mancini's score for the smash 1983 television miniseries The Thorn Birds to earn an official soundtrack release, but Varèse Sarabande's lavish two-disc release proves worth the wait. Nor has time dimmed The Thorn Birds' power -- this deeply romantic, intimate score remains one of Mancini's most stirring, rivaling the composer's most legendary big-screen efforts. Mancini eschews epic drama in favor of smaller-scale nuance, evoking the doomed romance of novelist Colleen McCullough's tale in finely honed strokes. The music is elegant yet understated, rich in variety but amounting to something far greater than the sum of its disparate elements. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'Mancini '67: The Big Band Sound of Henry Mancini'
Release Date 5/7/2002
Tracks 12
Label BMG International
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What The Critics Say
Henry Mancini pulls out all the stops for the 1976 caper comedy Silver Streak. By turns lighthearted, romantic, and suspenseful, it is in many respects the quintessential Mancini score, with each cue bearing his unmistakable stamp. Embracing elements of bossa nova, small-combo jazz, and romantic balladry, the music recalls past Mancini classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Pink Panther but still feels new and original. Themes like "Club Car Rock" and "Scenic Route" count among the composer's most daring jazz cues, while "Something for Jill" incorporates the bicentennial vogue for electric funk in an otherwise vintage easy listening setting. But it's the action cues that command the most attention. The climactic "Runaway Train" is just as gripping as its title portends. Intrada's limited-edition 2002 release assembles the complete mono score as well as surviving stereo fragments. Insightful liner notes round out a must-own package. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'Big Band Sounds'
Release Date 9/12/2000
Tracks 12
Label BMG International
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'Uniquely Mancini'
Release Date 9/12/2000
Tracks 12
Label BMG International
See Album Tracklist and Review
