Erich Kunzel - Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1993)

In their second volume of Hollywood classics, Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra present a broad sampling of movie themes in familiar styles by some of the most celebrated composers to write for film. Excerpts from Miklós Rósza's Ben-Hur, Elmer Bernstein's The Ten Commandments and Bronislaw Kaper's Mutiny on the Bounty are fine examples of the thunderous, epic style associated with historical blockbusters. Also in the heroic mode are the themes from John Barry's Dances With Wolves and James Newton Howard's Grand Canyon. Many sentimental melodies are included, such as Alex North's Love Theme from Spartacus, Dimitri Tiomkin's Thee I Love from Friendly Persuasion, and Michel Legrand's indefatigable I Will Wait for You from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Perhaps the loveliest of all the romantic selections is Charlie Chaplin's Smile from Modern Times, in an unabashed performance that suggests the orchestra was especially fond of this sweet song. Of a lighter, jazzier tone is George Duning's swank arrangement of Will Hudson's Moonglow from Picnic, and a little international flavor is provided by Mikis Theodorakis' Zorba the Greek and Victor Young's Around the World in 80 Days. Well-programmed and vibrantly played, this collection is among the orchestra's most solid and satisfying efforts.

Review by Blair Sanderson