Patton

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Patton is no early entry in Jerry Goldsmith's career but is also no little project which he scored without much interest. It became in fact a classic which had more impact than people think these days and had a theme that is Goldsmith worthy from begin to end. It was scored after such undeniable classics as The Sand Pebbles and The Blue Max and was a career development which had everything. Also it gave the master another nomination and proved very accurately the difference in style between this nominated score and the earlier one (Planet of the Apes). But if people will explain why Patton is classic, it is because of the main theme and nothing more. The middle part, which underscores the spiritual side or something like that (know nothing of it because neither saw the movie nor read something historically about this guy) is of course appropriately for the movie but on album it doesn't suffice, and when the main theme does start to show itself, it does it more than before, making it a bit overused at the end. But Patton still remains such a release to have, for the fans at least.

The begin is instant classic, used by others, inspired so many times and returning in other Goldsmith scores like The 'Burbs and Small Soldiers, it is the singular trumpet that makes the connection between score and fan. The Patton theme is introduced with style in the first track 'Main Title', receives its best performance in track 9 'Entr'acte' and from then on shows its face more than once, frankly a bit too much. The German march is the other theme and receives lesser attention, it also receives more dangerous tones and a slightly menacing mood with it in the track 'German March' but is still enjoyable for all its worth. But when speaking alone of themes, that's it when it concerns Patton. The middle part which uses moody underscore, dark downbeat music (like in 'The Funeral') or heralding trumpet figures, it still doesn't entertain me and nor will do it for the mainstream fans. Of course die hard Goldsmith fans or people loving the '60 and '70 will see it more as an interesting thing than an enjoyable thing, either way it will deliver something of a reaction.

With 35 minutes, Patton runs somewhat dead the first part and blows smoke during the second. Of course, the second part is much more bolder with the two themes and even 'Attack' with its variations on the theme and 'An Eloquent Man' (which even shows sings of John Williams' sounding trumpet playing) are welcome inclusions. Patton is also found on several releases. One having a re recording, another one found along with Tora! Tora! Tora!, it all makes you show that Patton as a release is generally considered to be a strong classic with high esteem for the fans. And true, the theme alone makes the score interesting and important. But I recorded this score and it somewhat makes me wonder if I would have been satisfied with it if money would have been spend. I hardly listen to it so it might explain something. Still, compilations deliver the theme ample in scope and hardcore fans will always and forever see it as classic Goldsmith in classic movie scoring style.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title (2.24) Excellent Track

2. The Battle Ground (2.30)

3. The Cemetery (2.49)

4. The First Battle (3.03)

5. The Funeral (1.52)

6. The Hospital (3.18)

7. No Assignment (2.04)

8. German March (2.03)

9. Entr'acte (2.14) Excellent Track

10. Attack (3.30)

11. German Advance (2.38)

12. An Eloquent Man (1.50)

13. The Pay - Off (2.24)

14. End Title (1.14)

Total Length: 34.49

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

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