Quartet Records and Universal Pictures Film Music Classics Collection proudly present the world premiere release of Ennio Morricone’s charming score for Virna Lisi’s 1967 romantic-comedy ARABELLA, directed by Mauro Bolognini and also starring Terry-Thomas (in multiple roles), James Fox and Margaret Rutherford. This was Morricone’s first collaboration with Bolognini, marking the beginning of a long relationship spanning three decades and producing some of the Roman maestro’s finest and most romantic scores.
In ARABELLA, Morricone tapped into the Jazz Age setting to craft a score immersed in the sounds of the 1920s, including the tango and Charleston, all in his own distinctive style. He also provided a silky, elusive love theme that glides along on smooth strings and wordless chorus. Morricone augmented this theme with harpsichord and synth to create a slight feeling of unreality connected with Arabella’s daring intrigues.
Until now, the score of ARABELLA has never been released in any format. Not a single cue was ever included in any of the countless Morricone compilations, and for a long time the music was considered lost. Fortunately, a set of 1/4? tapes with the complete recording sessions was located in the Universal vaults, in mono, and in very good condition. The album was produced by Neil S. Bulk and the GRAMMY®-nominated producer Mike Matessino, sequenced by Dániel Winkler and mastered by Matessino. The package includes detailed liner notes by film music writer John Takis.
01. Main Titles (From Arabella) 3:59
02. Giorgio’s Home 3:52
03. Arabella Arrives Home 2:21
04. Driving Off With The Duke 2:36
05. Visiting Filiberto 2:20
06. Tea-Room Quartet 5:19
07. The Bedroom 1:12
08. The General 0:47
09. Arabella Prepares Graziella / The Attic 1:37
10. Emma Sees Ghosts / The Safe / Emma Meets Saverio 1:04
11. Manager Smashes Toilet / Saverio Attacks Arabella 2:02
12. Arabella Installs Graziella / Saverio Appears 2:52
13. Arabella And The Duke 3:21
14. Arabella Runs After Giorgio 1:30
15. Giorgio Affirms His Love 2:11
16. Arabella Rehearses 2:32
17. Hotel Orchestra 1:08
18. Arabella And The General Swimming 1:34
19. The Casino 1:30
20. Arabella Leaves 1:14
21. Arabella Talks To Granny 1:06
22. The Morning After / The Fire 0:57
23. End Titles (From Arabella) 2:07
Total Disc Time: 49:37