ROZSA. EPIC FILM SCORES. Nuremberg Sym- phony Orchestra / MiklOs R6zsa. Cloud Nine/Harmonia Mundi 0 CN7013. Recorded in 1967. First UK release.

Including selections from Ben-Hur, El Cid, King of Kings and Quo Vadis.

No one writes resplendent, full-blooded accompaniments for bulging screen spectaculars quite like MiklOs ROzsa. His flair for underscoring, with equal dexterity, not only the grandiose set-pieces but also the more spiritual moments is demonstrated in this diverse and well-chosen collection of themes from four of his most distinguished epics. Although the bold performances ultimately lack the passion and finesse of the original soundtracks, and the 1967 Capitol recording occasionally reveals its age, this issue is highly desirable for its lavish new packaging alone; the gate-fold sleeve being literally crammed with colour stills and informative notes. Following on from their highly praised LP of Bax film music (CN7012, 6/86), Cloud Nine are obviously setting themselves admirably high standards as they implement their policy of producing new recordings of unjustly neglected film scores and reissues of rare collections. With such enthusiastic presentation their future releases are eagerly awaited.

ROBERT SEELEY.