Charlie Chaplin - The Essential Film Music Collection [Soundtrack]

As the previous reviewer pointed out, CHARLIE CHAPLIN: ESSENTIAL FILMS MUSIC does not provide Chaplin's original music transferred directly from his films, but new arrangements by Carl Davis based on Chaplin's original compositions, in order to make the tracks more suitable for CD use.

However, even though the source is not Chaplin's original films, I do disagree with the other reviewer's statement that this lacks "vim and vigor." The other reviewer is entitled to his opinion, of course, but I personally think Davis has succeeded in displaying Chaplin's music in a new light. I don't see how his arrangement of CITY LIGHTS is mainly a "jazz piece." One thing to be aware of is that the customer should not expect this CD to contain the complete music from the titles listed up, as this is rather a compilation consisting of several high-lights from the films. The second disc provides music composed by Carl Davis to the Mutual-shorts, and is very beautiful as well.

I assure you that this collection made me more than satisfied; certain parts are outstanding, in my opinion, such as the ending of the first track, which includes an incredibly beautiful interpretation of the LIMELIGHT-theme. When I first put it in my record-player I was blown away by its beauty, especially when listening to THE KID, THE GOLD RUSH, CITY LIGHTS and THE GREAT DICTATOR, music which I've wanted to own in my music collection for years.

If I have one complaint, it is that some of my favorite compositions from Chaplin are left out, such as the thrilling opening theme of MONSIEUR VERDOUX, or the beautiful finale of THE CIRCUS. Nevertheless, ESSENTIAL FILM MUSIC receives five well deserved stars from me. An excellent collection of outstanding music.

I so much wanted to like this new collection of Chaplin music but ended up quite disappointed. The pacing of the songs is simply too plodding, slow and lacking the excitement of the actual film versions. This is especially true with the overture from "Modern Times" and the thematic music used throughout "The Kid." The dancing segment from "City Lights" is a punchy jazz piece, designed to be played vulgar and loud. Forget it with this arrangement, which sounds like something out of the Hollyridge Strings.

There are many compilations of Chaplin music and though this is the newest offering, it is by no means the superior choice. Opt instead for the actual soundtracks from his films, where you hear the music as it was intended to be heard. I doubt even CC himself would embarce this staid and arthritic collection, where forceful tunes are reduced to wan drivel.

Bringing the scores of Classic Chaplin films can only be described as one of the greatest achievements of film score restorations from the Entertainment Industry ---- a musicians musician composer conductor Carl Davis conducts The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra featuring The Wihan Quartet setting the mood for this serious, funfilled and touching story of our favorite "Little Tramp" (Charlie Chaplin) ---- "CITY LIGHTS", falling in love and helping a Blind Flower Girl(Virginia Cherrill)to regain her sight---but some of the biggest laughs are the scenes with the Millionaire (Harry Myers) who just so happens to be drunk fed up and always trying to do away with himself...each scene is funnier than the previous one...Chaplin and Myers are priceless whenever they grace the screen together.

Chaplin's scores has many counterpoints ---- ranging from comedy, romance and even heartache ---- one of the best known songs is "SMILE", which became a standard by several recording artists such as Nat "King" Cole and Tony Bennett...but back to the scores at hand---"ETERNALLY", is classic Chaplin composition as it captures the heart---"THIS IS MY SONG", longings arrangements with outstanding conceptions hit the mark on this disc one.

The second disc has music composed by Carl Davis for "THE FLOORWALKER" (1916), Charlie is mistaken for the manager of a department store who has just stolen from the cash drawer, and Charlie is completely innocent ---- "THE FIREMAN" (1916), Charlie's a sleepy firemen and is simply amazing in this flick as he rescues the damsel in a burning house, the Carl Davis score fits this to a "T" ---- "THE VAGABOND" (1916), this time Charlie's a wandering violinist who falls in love with a gypsy girl as the tears and laughter follow in this Davis score ---- "ONE A.M." (1916), another good score from Davis as Charlie who is inebriated during the next twenty minutes tries to get into his own house and battles with a hostile Murphy bed, great stuff ---- the balance of Davis work "THE COUNT" (1916), here Charlie is mistaken for royal count, but when the real one shows up watch the fun and the Davis suite is right on ---- "THE PAWNSHOP" (1916), Chaplin in one of his best a masterpiece of humor, the scene with he clock is priceless ---- "BEHIND THE SCREEN" (1916), Charlie is working for a film studio with behind the scenes of how making movies works, it has it moments ---- "THE RINK" (1916), probably one of the funniest shorts with Chaplin on roller skates, this is a downright belly laugh of fun ---- "EASY STREET" (1917), has Chaplin taking money from a Mission, becoming a policeman with some realistic fight scenes ---- "THE CURE" (1917", not playing 'The Tramp', Chaplin has a drinking problem and a revolving door doesn't help, watch out for the man with the broken foot, Davis gives this his best shot ---- "THE IMMIGRANT" (1917), America and the immigrant with Chaplin working his magic is pure genius, sprinkled with almost nine minute suite from Davis is touching ---- "THE ADVENTURER" (1917) , watch Chaplin with the lampshade and the Davis cue brings out all of that and then some ---- this one-of-a-kind Chaplin set has Charlie up to his elbows in laughter and tears ---- and the music fits the bill.

Silva Screen Records has brilliantly brought together a lost score, which has now seen the light of day...thank you James Fitzpatrick (producer) and Reynold da Silva(executive producer) and Paul Wing (associate producer) for sharing this piece of "Golden Age Silent Hollywood" from Actor/Director/Producer/Editor/Scenario/Composer ---- Birth Date: 4/16/1889 in Walworth, London, England, UK and Died: 12/25/1977 - Vevey, Switzerland (natural causes) ---- CHARLIE CHAPLIN and his classic creation THE ESSENTIAL FILM MUSIC COLLECTION of Charles Spencer Chaplin ---- The Little Tramp.

Total Time: 2 CD Set ~ Silva Screen Records SILCD 1198 ~ (4/18/2006)