Masada

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Each classic of Goldsmith from the '70, '80 and '90 has something hidden, waiting to emerge. And thanks to the compilations of Goldsmith I discovered a hidden treasure, the main theme of Masada, a Television series that received critical acclaim in its time, portraying the conflict between Judean Rebels and the Roman Army, shortly after the death of Christ. The score is perhaps overall no classic, but several moments will please a lot of fans, meaning worthy the attention for Goldsmith collectors all over the world. The main theme, received a more bolder orchestral suite on the compilations, but here it receives less the attention, just 2,5 minutes of the five are spend on the glorious main theme, one of Goldsmith's better creations of that time. The other main highlight is found in 'The Road to Masada', consisting of small performances of the main theme and a heroic march, brought to life as Goldsmith would always deliver it, as great inspiring music. The main material perhaps links several other classic scores to Masada, the South Western feel of The Wind and the Lion and The Mummy, but here we don't receive the bold energetic rumble so much loved in those two other scores.

Masada has more emotional soft material, quite interesting and not much of rumbling action moments. People that suspect great action in 'Night Raid' will be deceived rather quickly, the only thing this tracks has worth noticing is a weird, utterly weird sound, god knows what it represents in the series on screen. The final version of the main theme is witnessed in 'No Water' and an emotional moment in 'The Slaves', bringing the best out of the music by Goldsmith. In thematic sense, Masada is no bad score, but it overall lacks the prime main theme found in more variation. The emotional theme, also discovered in the first as in many tracks is equally good but misses one truly spine tingling performance in the entire score. And those that want Goldsmith on his most energetic way should visit the other examples in his list of scoring assignments. Masada is nice, 30 minutes of Goldsmith music bringing the best out of the series, featuring good themes, interesting material and it will surely entertain the main fans. So, Masada is more then likely a soundtrack worth purchasing, if your collection of Goldsmith scores hasn't reached the ultimate limit in numbers yet.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title (5.04) Excellent Track

2. The Old City (3.26)

3. The Planting (2.56)

4. The Road To Masada (6.53)

5. Night Raid (3.29)

6. Our Land (4.40)

7. The Encampment (2.29)

8. No Water (2.30)

9. The Slaves (5.15)

Total Length: 37.29

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Jerry Goldsmith ===