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Alhambra Records proudly presents on this CD the world premiere release of Angelo Francesco Lavagnino's complete original score for the 1962 adventure movie LA LEGGENDA DI FRA DIAVOLO. Lavagnino had already tackled the theme of historical brigandage in I BRIGANTI ITALIANI (also available on Alhambra Records) one year before in 1961, but this picture took place more than 60 years later. The Main Title immediately presents the rousing and heroic main theme for full orchestra and male choir accompanied by a galloping rhythm of the snare drums which is a truly fitting march for the Robin Hood-like figure of Fra Diavolo and his indefatigable struggle for freedom and which will recur throughout the score in many variations. For the two women whose characters are so different and who are both in love with Fra Diavolo Lavagnino has composed quite a lot of glowing romantic music which is a pure delight to listen to. Fiamma´s theme is soaring and upwards-stirring whereas the one for the Countess is more tender and introverted and most often has a mournful quality. Besides all these lovely romantic tracks our CD also offers some propulsive action music for the battle scenes as well as some folk music track like for example a lively Neapolitan tarantella dance. We hope that many listeners will enjoy this sumptuous swashbuckling score by one of the masters of this genre.
This exciting CD project – the 12th CD in our Lavagnino series – has only been possible thanks to the generous support of the three daughters of the composer – Bianca, Iudica and Alessandra Lavagnino -, who still had open reel tape copies of the original mono master tapes in their personal archive which we were allowed to use. Our CD edition which contains a 12-page booklet with extensive liner notes and colour stills from the movie will be limited to 350 copies.
- Alhambra Records
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