At last a re- issue of the TV soundtrack from Granada televisions The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by composer Patrick Gowers I have had the LP record since it was first released back in1987, but I never got around to buying the CD and each time I did they seemed to vanish. The original vinyl release was issued by That’s Entertainment records, and presented as a gatefold it was this label that released the CD edition in the same year, which was the norm at this time, because CD’s were relatively new.
However, Varese Sarabande in the States released the score onto compact disc in 1987 but it had different art work. Same tracks just a different picture on the front of the release. The soundtrack was in essence a compilation and covered music from several of the episodes in the series. It is also now available on digital platforms, and I recommend that you take a listen, I know once you do you will want to purchase the CD.
At one time this series was essential viewing in the UK, as we Brits sat and watched Jeremy Brett every week portray the super sleuth to perfection, in fact its probably one of the best performances by an actor in the role, with the exception in my opinion of Christopher Plummer in Murder by Decree which was released in cinemas in 1979.
Patrick Gowers composed a wonderfully atmospheric score for the series, and for a television score it was also very powerful and rather epic sounding in places.
During the 1980’s there was a certain amount of snobbery towards television scores from soundtrack collectors, but in this case I have to say that I myself was surprised at the way in which the series was scored, with dark and ominous interludes that were accompanied by ominous sounding strings and driving percussive elements, accompanied by urgent brass for the scenes that leaned more towards action, but there was also another side to the work, with Gower’s providing a sensitive and melodic sound performed by solo violin and strings with woods.
It is a typically English sounding work, and could easily be from any Hammer horror, or a classic British movie as it has a style and sound akin too many of the great composers of the Golden age of British films and film music, such as Bax, Parker, Walton, Alwyn and their like. because of the way in which it is written and also the flawless playing of many of the soloists involved., these included The Wren Orchestra, The Gabrieli String Quartet and The St.Pauls Cathedral Choir who were brought together specially for the recording which was made at The Abbey Road Studios in Digital.
The soundtrack will be released on JAY records, (part of the TER family) and is produced by Jon Yap, who was responsible for the original release all those years ago. There is conflicting release date info on the internet now, with some sites saying buy now and others asking you to pre order ready for shipping at the end of May,
I was determined not to miss out this time so mine is paid for and it says will be here in a week. I cant wait. Worth adding to your collection. Please take a listen.
MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL. (MMI) . 