A WALK WITH LOVE AND DEATH

Music composed by Georges Delerue

Arranged by Robert Lafond

Release date: 06-2004

A new recording of one of the finest original score by Georges Delerue, composed in 1969 for a John Huston love drama set in 14th century France. A premiere on CD for this overlooked music. Its strong medieval influence will fascinate every listener in this masterly arrangement by Robert Lafond, using sampled acoustic instruments.
 

 

01. Héron's Journey / Theme & Variations 1 (4:10)

02. Héron's Journey / Theme & Variations 2 (4:07)

03. Héron's Journey / Theme & Variations 3 (3:50)

04. Héron Goes to Dammartin / Theme & Variations (4:34) 

05. Héron Meets Claudia (4:19)

07. Héron at the Gypsy Camp (1:46)

08. Héron Returns to Dammartin (3:02)

09. Young Robert / Theme & Variations (4:33)

10. Asleep Under the Stars (4:03)

11. Reunited / The Wedding / End Titles  (3:50)

06. Peasant's Processional Hymn (4:20)  

  
TT 42:42  

Andrew Keech - Music from the Movies, UK, No 43
This re-recording of Georges Delerue's music for A Walk with Love and Death is a re-interpretation of the score. While some aspects of the original might have been lost, mainly the full orchestral treatment, other aspects have been gained, particularly the powerful organ passages. The rich Delerue themes and sensitive music remain and continue to entertain and thoroughly enthral. Although the baroque setting for the music is unusual for the composer, it is obviously one in which he felt very comfortable. A great score from a great composer.

Robert Schulslaper - Fanfare, USA, Sept-Oct 2008. Issue 32:1
Inspired by the medieval setting of the film, 14th-century France, the score is true to the musical spirit of the age without being slavishly correct. Lafond retained most of Delerue’s instrumental choices: harpsichord, recorder, harp, viola, lute, and oboe, but substituted organ for brass. He added some percussion—very effective in Héron at the Gypsy Camp— and, somewhat oddly to me, used a synthesizer in place of strings (to save money?), not including the viola, of course. The emulations are quite successful, if not perfect.

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