Arabesque – HENRY MANCINI***

Arabesque/We’ve Loved Before(Instrumental)/Ascot/Dream Street/Façade/Something For Sophia/We’ve Loved Before (Vocal)/Shower Of Paradise/Zoo Chase-Arabesque Theme/Zoo Chase – Aquarium Scene/Zoo Chase-Arabesque Theme (Reprise)/Baghdad On Thames

Arabesque, starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren, was a lesser known film score from Henry Mancini featuring several Middle Eastern flavoured melodies. (US:142)

“One of my favourite Mancini scores, this one contains a number of beautiful, Middle-Eastern flavoured melodies. Along with the title theme, Facade, Shower Of Paradise and especially Baghdad On Thames capture the essence of the film that centres on Mid-east politics in the heart of London in the '60s. There’s an exciting little number Something For Sophia that moves like only Ms. Loren can. The love theme - We've Loved Before - is one of Mancini's most romantic melodies. Highly recommended as a great example of Henry Mancini's talent for unusual orchestrations.”

“This score by Henry Mancini is not as well known as some of his other film work; it's worth a listen if you are a Mancini fan. The title track is the one that gets the most attention, deservedly so. The rest have their moments, but there's nothing that really stands out. The music does a good job supporting the movie, and that may be the best way to enjoy it.”

“I was so completely surprised with the quality of the espionage-spy thriller Arabesque soundtrack. It's a truly excellent score which has variation, orchestration, imagination and scope.”

“As you might expect from music written to serve a film about international intrigue, the moods vary from exotic, Arabesque and Façade, to whimsical Ascot, to what can only be described as spy music, The Zoo Chase. Something For Sophia is a jazzy, rhythmic composition and the most compelling piece is the spooky Dream Street, written to accompany a bizarre murder scene. The first two parts of The Zoo Chase 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.”