One of the great covers - Richard Burton in blue diapers and a blond wig (seemingly the same one that Barbara Stanwyck wore in Double Indemnity), contemplating world domination as Claire Bloom looks on admiringly.
What is it about Alexander the Great that makes actors want to adopt elaborate blond hairdos? Colin Farrell came up with a similar look for his turn as the coiffed conqueror in recent years, and hasn't been heard from since. Burton was more lucky, going on to some renown and even infamy as actor and lover both.
I've posted this not to make fun of Burton's look (although I have enjoyed doing that), but because the music was requested and I am pleased to oblige. Back in the vinyl-only days, this was quite a rare record (and I suppose still is). I believe it may have been the first Mario Nascimbene score to be issued on LP (it came out in 1956), and of course he went on to a long and productive career.
The music here is as you might expect from a sword-and-sandal epic, brass fanfares and martial drums interspersed with reflective flute and guitar items. Not really my thing, although I must have liked it at some point because it is, after all, from my collection!
This is a more or less mint copy (except for some odd noises). The sound is bright and a little fuzzy, sort of like Burton's wig.
12 comments:
Hi Buster:
Once again thanx for sharing another rare LP. As I suspected, just as the producer of the Nascimbene twofer CD Barabbas/Alexander left out a couple of tracks and messed with others from the original Barabbas LP, I'm finding out (never having seen the original LP track listing)that one track from the Alexander LP was also left out for the CD transfer. Thanx againg for the post and keep 'em coming! Regarding Burton's look in the film, you forgot to mention those provocative miniskirts!
Forget Burton's diaper and blond wig. I still haven't recovered from the Serge Koussevitzky's recording of "Appalachian Spring." It is, as I hoped, the finest recording I have ever heard. No one that I know of has ever played the opening and closing with such profound tenderness and measured majesty. Bless you for proving that sometimes memory is accurate. Please post more of Mr. koussevitsky's recordings of American music. And thank you for all that you are doing.
It was worth it to read your comment about Burton's blond wig and world domination. Cracked me up.
I second Jim. I was amused also. I love the comments on your blog and enjoy them, also your style is not just educational but also very entertaining. Thanks as usual Buster :)
Thanks Buster - Now that you've focused me on the wig & diapers I notice also that his physique leaves a lot to be desired. Certainly not my idea of a battle scarred commander in chief. Bit more work on the abs & pecs were in order.
Interesting to hear this rarity but i don't think it's going on high rotation.
Buster, please re-up this album?
Thanks in advance.
P.S. The sun at the lp cover , there must be 4 suns, there's no shadow, and the orchestra is playing hidden on the green woods backwards...
Denys P.R.
Remastered version (Apple lossless):
https://mega.nz/#!aYt13CqL!krKsM71CCH4mwwbvpJCHN84MaRwt0DFp8yEbLae6f2A
Ahhh... you guys don't know a 'hunk' when you see one, Liz Taylor and the other 'girls' obviously did!
...funny how the idea of 'attractive' changes with the times!
Thanks again for the share and the witticisms!
anomia - Yes, Claire Bloom seemed to approve as well.
thank you very much. your comments are much appreciated, too. -a.v.
Hi, Buster, thanks twice for the album, I only downloaded it today, a time at the hospital , now all ok.
Hugs from Brazil.
Denys P.R.
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Hi Denys - Hope you are feeling better!
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