Japanese pressing of 1960 soundtrack composed by Elmer Bernstein, starring Yul Brynner & Steve McQueen and directed by John Sturges. Packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Varese. 2004The robust main theme from Elmer Bernstein's orchestral Western masterpiece quickly outgrew its source material to become one of the most memorable musical advertising hooks of all time, and then an international pops concert staple. But despite its status as American cultural icon and the stuff of film scoring legend, Bernstein's original soundtrack to John Sturges' landmark Western remake of The Seven Samurai ironically didn't see an official release for nearly 40 years (and then only briefly). Now back in print with new notes, Elmer's epochal soundtrack retains its place as one of the all-time greats, a tribute to both Bernstein's sly scoring genius (watch the film without sound and one will quickly see how Elmer drives its otherwise lackadaisical pacing relentlessly forward) and his accomplished, ever inquisitive training as a classical composer. The touchstone here is early Bernstein mentor Aaron Copland, but Elmer also wisely turns to the Mexican folk motifs that inspired much of the former's own landmark concert and ballet pieces. Though Bernstein has often wryly credited Copland with an assist, it's indeed pure Elmer -- and a dazzling example of how the student can sometimes gratifyingly outclass the master. --Jerry McCulley
