The Car (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Intense action score by Leonard Rosenman for demon auto thriller gets first-ever release on CD! Existential horror tale directed by Elliot Silverstein, with James Brolin, Ronny Cox, offers frightening attacks by automobile run amok in small town. Where did it come from? Why is it here? Little time for questions as sheriff and deputy struggle to protect citizens. Rosenman anchors with powerhouse statements of medieval "Dies Irae" melody, for tuba, trombone. Low brass play major role in score throughout with virtuoso trumpets getting the spotlight in tour de force chase sequences. Woodwinds have their say as well. Action remains keynote, so rhythmic vitality stays front and center. Interestingly, Rosenman offers trademark atonal material to suggest arid desert landscape but imbues action cues with strong tonal flavor, often with major triads in trumpets leading the way. Striking approach! Intrada CD presents entire score from original 35mm three-channel stereo scoring session elements transferred to 1/2" tape by Universal and vaulted in pristine condition. Extras include three unused versions of climactic "Apparition" cue plus Universal promo spots. CD also offers composer's intense attack overlay cue for school band parade sequence both with, without interrupted Sousa march. Trivia for film music buffs: Young hitchhiker in film, seen playing "William Tell" on French horn while thumbing rides, is composer John Rubinstein (Robert Redford's Jeremiah Johnson, Redford's The Candidate). His brief horn "performance" is also included as an extra on CD. Liner notes by Jeff Bond plus dramatic design by Joe Sikoryak completes dramatic package. Leonard Rosenman conducts.