In collaboration with Warner Chappell Music France, Music Box Records proudly presents the remastered and expanded edition of Maurice Jarre’s score to the 1963 film Les Animaux (The Animals).

Les Animaux, directed by Frédéric Rossif (To Die in Madrid, L'Apocalypse des animaux), is an ambitious wildlife documentary that combined edited shots from other films and new ones shot specifically for this feature film. The documentary is a flowing, teeming narrative divided into nine parts, going from the creation of the world to the rediscovery of an earthly paradise and shines the spotlight on wild and domestic animals. The music plays a significant part, allowing Maurice Jarre to let his imagination run wild along with the animals onscreen. The composer gathers a fantasy instrumentarium, typical of his musical language (Hammond organ, harpsichord, bells, celesta, harp, electric bass, Ondes Martenot…). Characterized by a masterful use of percussion combined with unusual sonorities and surprising instrumental associations, the score reflects above all the composer’s quest for interesting sound combinations.

This expanded edition has been fully remastered by Christophe Hénault from the scoring session elements, featuring previously unreleased cues. The CD comes with an 8-page booklet with liner notes by Sylvain Pfeffer, discussing the film and the score. The CD release is limited to 500 units.

1. Les Animaux (Générique début) (2:18)
2. La naissance des êtres vivants (1:22)
3. La grande évolution (1:56)
4. Les premiers vertébrés (1:13)
5. Les reptiles (1:30)
6. Ballet des éphémères (1:20)
7. L’araignée (0:44)
8. Le rhynchite (1:13)
9. La fourmi parasol (0:36)
10. La larve de fourmilion (1:02)
11. Le scarabée (2:40)
12. Les cigognes (1:28)
13. Le faucon affamé (2:47)
14. Les hiboux (1:22)
15. Les chevaux (2:45)
16. Les plantes carnivores (2:24)
17. Les animaux se guettent (0:34)
18. Les deux bouquetins (1:44)
19. Les félins (0:35)
20. La chasse (1:15)
21. Les aigles (1:36)
22. Les flamants roses (2:14)
23. Pavane des flamants roses (3:02)
24. L’éclosion (1:40)
25. La fête (2:19)
26. Surf des loutres (2:17)
27. Le paradis terrestre (3:44)
28. Surf des loutres (version alternative) (0:56)

Total Time • 49:36