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Quartet Records, in collaboration with Fifth Continent Music Classics, presents a remastered reissue of the acclaimed 1991 recording of Bernard Herrmann’s classic score for Orson Welles’ CITIZEN KANE (1941), performed by the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Tony Bremner.

Considered one of the best films in the history of cinema, if not the best, this immortal classic was the first film directed by Orson Welles, when he was only 26 years old, and it was also the first film score by Bernard Herrmann, who was 29 at the time. His unique sound and his understanding of the art of music in film immediately made him the “new kid on the block,” and his influence continues to this day.

The score for CITIZEN KANE was never released, except for a terrific suite conducted by Charles Gerhardt in the 1970s for an album devoted to Herrmann, and another, very different suite, arranged and recorded by the composer himself for his series of albums with Decca.

In 1991, producer John Lasher undertook a re-recording of the original score of the film, working directly from the original manuscripts. Although it is not the complete score (another later recording, also excellent, conducted by Joel McNeely and produced by Robert Townson for Varèse Sarabande, was more complete), it was celebrated for its fidelity, sound quality and rendition. It is an honor to bring it back to the market.

The album has been remixed and remastered by Chris Malone on Super Audio CD at 32-bit/96 kHz from high-resolution sources transferred in twochannel stereo. This hybrid SA-CD can of course be played on any standard CD player, although those with an SACD system will be able to enjoy it in DSD.

The lavish, 24-page booklet features an exclusive essay by Herrmann’s official biographer, Steven C. Smith, uncovering new aspects of the relationship between the composer and Orson Welles.

01. Prelude 2:23
02. Susan In Night Club (Rain Sequence) 0:57
03. Thatcher Library (Litany): Ms. Reading & Snow Picture; Mother’s Sacrifice; Charlie Meets Thatcher 3:25
04. Galop 1:01
05. Dissolve To Thatcher; Second Ms.; Bernstein’s Narration 1:42
06. Kane’s News Office; Carter’s Exit; Chronicle Scherzo 3:01
07. Bernstein’s Presto 0:41
08. Kane’s Return; Valse Presentation 1:41
09. Sunset Narrative 2:20
10. Theme And Variations (Breakfast Montage) 3:20
11. Kane Meets Susan; Susan’s Room; Mother Memory 3:10
12. The Trip To Susan’s; Getty’s Departure; Kane Marries 2:10
13. Salaambo’s Aria 4:24
14. Leland’s Dismissal 1:01
15. Susan In Night Club (New Dawn Sequence) 0:54
16. Opera Montage 0:48
17. Xanadu; Jigsaw Puzzles (Perpetual Motion); Second Xanadu 3:52
18. Kane’s Picnic; Susan Leaves 2:02
19. El Rancho (Second Dawn Sequence) 0:39
20. The Glass Ball 1:24
21. Finale 2:27

Total Disc Time: 43:31