Spartacus

Music by Alex North

 

 

 

 

 

 

Considering that the from the 60s onward the soundtracks were more focused on pop music, the work of Alex North for Spartacus (1960) can be considered as symbolic end of cycle for the symphonic tradition in cinema.

But Spartacus is not in this position only for its date, its music was really a expansor of the symphonic expression in a nuanced music. With Spartacus, Alex North injected subtlety and psychological depth in the genre of notable superficiality: the epic film. The thunderous opening theme (Main Title) gives the barbaric tone without heroism. Hearing the intricate instrumental writing of this theme it´s obvious that the composer did not intend to the conventional. The instrumental group selected by the composer included exotics as kythara (a Roman lyre), sousaphone (like the tuba and more powerful), dulcimer and ondioline (forerunner of the Moog Synthesizer). This instrumental alternatives are evident in the musical interludes of Beside the Pool, Blue Shadows and Purple Hills.

And the music displays the touch of the composer according to the needs of each moment and the evolution of the drama: The Gladiators Fight To the Death (the fight scene between Kirk Douglas and Woody Strode in the arena), works splendidly as a suite of percussion effects without a music center setted. Spartacus Love Theme is one of the most beautiful romantic themes of cinema, those who filled the audience hall and overwhelm the senses with the best that cinema had in his broad effect. Homeward Bound is hopeful and optimistic, Hopeful Preparations loads of heroism, while Goodbye My Life, My Love ends the adventure with the Love Theme in resigned tragedy sense. Supporting one of the best epic productions ever filmed, the Spartacus soundtrack has more than one meaning when it comes to say "historical spectacle".

Spartacus  1960

Alex North

40 min.

MCA