Conducted by Paul Bateman

Performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic and the Crouch End Festival Chorus

Produced by James Fitzpatrick

Release Date: March 13, 2001

            Silva Screen Records

     Even though I have yet to see the Godfather trilogy (though I certainly will sometime in the near future thanks to this album), I was at least aware of the main title from the first film, having heard it in countless variations and parodies over the years. In an attempt to ride the wave following the release of the DVD versions a few years ago, this album, which features musical selections from all three films, attempts to bring the wholeness of the musical contributions of the series to a more appreciable bearing on the world. Given that I am not familiar with the original scores, I can’t compare and contrast this new recording with the actual soundtrack releases. However, the performances are quite solid and the recording top-notch, so I’m sure only film score purists will pass on this for general purpose reasons.

     Of the three composers, Nino Rota’s contributions are the most prevalent and with good reason. His score for the first film set the high standard of the music behind the series and developed the themes that would be heard throughout the trilogy. The music is heavily Italian in construction (of course) and runs the gamut from upliftingly depressing to darkly romantic and even though in a few moments of whimsy to boot. These precedents are faithfully carried through all three scores, and the element of having one orchestra and one conductor throughout on this album helps to keep all the selections unified and all three scores flow well through one another.

     Ultimately, the scores flow more classically (as scores from this period often do) than most contemporary ones, and the throwback is a much needed shot in the arm for a time when films about gangsters had some element of class to them. Given Rota’s beautiful compositions that are developed throughout the fifty-minute running time of this CD, it stands as a wonderful representation of the music behind the Godfather films.

     For some fans of the series, only the original recordings will suite them. But for those who are looking for a nice compilation that offers some wonderful new performances of this music, this album is the way to go.

The Godfather

1 - The Godfather - Waltz (3:44)

2 - Love Theme from The Godfather (2:45)

3 - Sicilian Pastorale (1:33)

4 - The Pick-Up (2:07)

5 - The Godfather - Tarantella (3:12)

6 - The Godfather - Mazurka (2:47)

7 - The Godfather - Finale (4:00)

The Godfather - Part II

8 - The Immigrant (2:48)

9 - Kay (2:43)

10 - Marcia Stilo Italiano (1:53)

11 - The Godfather Part II - End Title (4:12)

The Godfather - Part III

12 - Marcia Religiosa (4:22)

13 - Marcia Festa (1:38)

14 - The Immigrant / Love Theme

       From the Godfather - Part III (2:29)

15 - The Godfather III - Intermezzo (3:22)

16 - Preludio From Cavalleria Rusticana (6:11)

17 - Coda - The Godfather Part III Finale (2:04)