The Abominable Dr Phibes

Music by Basil KIrchin

Dr Phibes Rises Again

Music by John Gale

 

 

 

Horror film classic, released in its time as the 100th film of Vincent Price, The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) became one of the most loved and entertaining cult movies of cinema. Following the cult status of the film, the soundtrack of Basil Kirchin eventually also be worshiped.

Kirchin avoided sound excesses and opted for an evocative accompaniment that guides the humor in some passages. The approach proved the perfect to the film´s tone, as in the nostalgic atmosphere Dr. Phibes' Waltz, the theme heard on the dance with Vulnavia while the animated puppets (The Clockwork Wizards) perform the tune. Strings lead the music, sometimes in plucked performances (Cage Full of Bats) others traditionally (Phibes Preparations, Vulnavia), always variating over Dr. Phibes' Theme. The CD includes the waltz Charmaine (violin solo) and the organ piece War March of the Priests (by Felix Mendelshon) that opens the film. The release also brings a great suite (11 minutes) of unused material. The Vulnavia theme was composed by John Gale based on Bachiana # 5 of Villa Lobos, by request of director Robert Fuest. Gale was comissioned to the music for the following film.

The restoration of the soundtrack used masters of various origins, so sound quality of the set is not constant, but the release of Perseverance Records is unquestionable of historical importance for the soundtrack market. It includes an excellent color booklet, with movie posters, photos and even reference to the ten biblical plagues that guided the Phibe´s revenge.

The cult heritage of The Abominable Dr Phibes would naturally orient britsh composer John Gale on Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972). In this follow-up the musical accompaniment shines from start to finish in a multiple irreverent musical quotes. Vulnavia Theme, for example, from a beautiful aria for voice evolves into a jazz-pop theme for organ. Gale introduced various musical foms, often with humor and referencing nostalgic (and oddly) romantic atmosphere. In a sequence of brief themes are detachable, the foxtrot Dance on the High Seas, or the beautiful theme for solo guitar in To Egypt. Epic climates (typical of epic Hollywood movies) are added in Into the Catacombs and Main Title. The show is completed with the vocal performance from none other than the good and old (and immortal) Dr. Phibes himself in Somewhere Over the Rainbow, concluding another essential release of Perseverance label.