Veruschka

Music by Ennio Morricone

 

 

 

 

Veruschka (1971) was a "pop drama" customary of its time. A drama on the road starring ubiquitous Luigi Pilstilli and the German model Veruschka von Lehndorff.

Italian actor Pistilli was present in countless westerns and thrillers of the period and the protagonist was one of the top models of the moment (acted on Antonioni´s Blow Up). The narrative, between flash backs and “poetic delirious” sequences, was quite benefited by Ennio Morricone´s soundtrack. In his sensory suspension, Verushcka is a unique experimental work as the soundtrack, unmatched even in the composer´s work. In the main theme, the remarkable voice of Edda Dell'Orso sings a speechless tune in sensual mood, accompanied by bossa nova beat and echo effects. The result is a "psychedelic aria". A musical numbing. The mood of this track serves as model to the whole work with lots of plucked strings in endless echo waves. Quite inventive moments like Poesia Di Una Donna and Magia, with its slow pace and echoing effects, create sound and emotional diffusion. Track Intervallo has circular lines of piano in introspective mood. The general feeling is of extended time. Edda Dell'Orso impresses again in the childish vocalization La Bambola (Veruschka´s childhood memories). While the film is a typical product of its time – trapped on it him and its moods – the music escapes the period and guaranteed its place as one of the most interesting soundtracks of Morricone's career.