If you have been collecting film music since the 1960’s it is probably true to say that you have heard the name of composer Peter Thomas mentioned or even listened to some of his infectious musical themes for TV and motion pictures. He is without a doubt one of Germany’s most prolific composers of music for film. Thomas has created numerous soundtracks for a wide and diverse variety of both movies and television projects. His scores being filled with drama and romantically laced properties but also containing a pop orientated background which acts as a foundation for his compositions. I am so pleased that ALLSCORE MEDIA the German premier soundtrack label has released a compilation which in effect pays homage to composer and his collaboration with Czech film maker Zbynek Brynch on three movies THE FEMALES, OH HAPPY DAY and ANGELS WITH BURNT WINGS all of which were released in 1970. All three movies were themselves as original and innovative as the music that the composer penned to enhance and support them but sadly all were flops at the box office. Although the scores are all fundamentally similar in style and overall sound and all carry the unmistakable musical fingerprint of Thomas they all contain something that is fresh and effectively original and unique which is a testament to the talent and creativeness of Thomas as a composer, arranger and orchestrator. The compilation which is a two disc set, boasts a total of 59 tracks of which fifty percent were previously unreleased. We are also treated to two bonus tracks which are adaptations of the composer’s original compositions and interpreted by the MUFUTI TWINS which were originally released in 2007. According the promotional material that came with the release Thomas was and still is referred to as the WIZARD OF FILM MUSIC, and after listening to the music contained on this compilation alone it is easy to understand why. I think my favourite score within the compilation is OH HAPPY DAY, the composer has created an upbeat and highly energized collection of themes for this rather controversial coming of age movie that are filled to overflowing with rhythmic and charismatic thematic material which oozes class and is alluring as well as infectious. The composer’s music is filled with smouldering and steamy grooves which range from pure erotica through to soulful sounding cues and upbeat march infused compositions which at times add a touch of comedic light relief to the proceedings. Many say that Zbynek Brynych was a filmmaker who lacked direction and any continuity within his projects but just as many observe that he was a director who was way ahead of his time and many of the audiences in the early 1970’s were not equipped or ready to take in his insightful and somewhat chaotic nightmarish interpretations. The music that Thomas composed for the movies was too a little offbeat but listening to it today it still remains fresh, inventive and contemporary.
This is a compilation that you should invest in, well presented with a twenty-four-page booklet that contains exhaustive and highly detailed liner notes by Christopher Klaese (in English and German) a filmography and a multitude of colour stills from movies, this one is for you. Highly recommended.
MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL. (MMI) . 