Rózsa: Three Choral Suites

Album Description

Experience the grandeur of Miklós Rózsa's cinematic genius with "Rózsa: Three Choral Suites," a stunning collection of orchestral and choral suites drawn from his iconic film scores. This album, released on April 26, 2005, by Telarc, showcases Rózsa's mastery in composing for the silver screen, featuring suites from the epic films "Ben-Hur," "Quo Vadis," and "King of Kings."

The album opens with the powerful "Ben-Hur Suite," arranged by David Robbins, which includes the thrilling "Rowing of the Galley Slaves" and the triumphant "Parade of the Charioteers." These pieces capture the epic scale and dramatic intensity of the original film score, which won Rózsa an Academy Award.

Next, the "Quo Vadis Suite," transcribed by John Kershaw, transports listeners to ancient Rome with its majestic "Ave Caesar March" and the enchanting "Marcus and Lygia." The suite concludes with a miraculous finale that underscores Rózsa's ability to evoke wonder and awe.

The "King of Kings Suite," also arranged by David Robbins, is a profound exploration of Rózsa's religious and spiritual themes. From the solemn "Nativity" to the triumphant "Resurrection and Finale," this suite highlights Rózsa's skill in blending orchestral grandeur with choral beauty.

Performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this album is a testament to Rózsa's enduring legacy in film music. With a duration of approximately one hour and one minute, "Rózsa: Three Choral Suites" is a captivating journey through some of the most memorable and powerful compositions in cinematic history.

26 april 2005

℗ 2005 Telarc International Corp., Distributed by Concord.

About Miklós Rózsa

Miklós Rózsa, a Hungarian-American composer, is celebrated for his prolific and influential career in both film and classical music. Born in Budapest, Rózsa's journey took him through Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and ultimately to the United States, where he spent the majority of his professional life. His extensive filmography includes nearly one hundred scores, with standout works for iconic films such as "The Thief of Baghdad," "Ben-Hur," and "Spellbound." Rózsa's score for "Ben-Hur" remains one of the longest and most celebrated in cinematic history. Despite his immense success in film, Rózsa remained deeply committed to concert music, composing several concertos and maintaining what he referred to as his "double life." His ability to seamlessly blend his classical training with the demands of film scoring has left an indelible mark on both industries, earning him three Academy Awards and a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted composers of his generation.