William The Conqueror [Original Television Score] (1990)

William The Conqueror [Original Television Score] (1990) Composed & Conducted by John Scott Tracklisting: 1. [00:00] Blood Royal 2. [02:00] The Conqueror 3. [06:05] Hastings 1066 4. [10:26] William's Coronation (a) Exultet (b) Crowning Affair (c) Alleluia 5. [16:18] William And Matilda 6. [18:32] The Court at Rouen (a) Rondeau (b) O Admirable (c) Jigue 7. [22:08] Allegiance to King William 8. [25:18] The Devastation of York 9. [29:07] Execution of Waltheof 10. [32:01] Matilda's Death 11. [35:01] O Admirable (a) instrumental (b) vocal (c) instrumental 12. [37:45] Hereward the Wake (Battle in the Fens of Ely) 13. [42:33] Death of William 14. [48:03] The Conqueror (Reprise) Directed by Peter Jefferies, this British made-for-television historical film features an outstanding cast that includes Adam Bareham, Anna Calder-Marshall, Brian Blessed, Marcus Gilbert, Peter Firth, Simon Dutton, Donald Eccles (1908-1986), Julian Sands (1958-2023), Michael Gambon (1940-2023), and Preston Lockwood (1912-1996). Written for the screen by David Butler (1927-2006), the film is an imaginative biography of the early life of William I (expertly played by Michael Gambon), usually known as William the Conqueror or William the Bastard, the first Norman King of England (1066 until 1087). Blending drama with the explanations of passionate historians and specialists, this enriched historical reconstruction traces the life of a man who imposed Norman culture and leadership on England, transformed the Middle Ages and laid the foundation of modern Europe. The best part of this film is perhaps the wonderful music. With the participation of the Gregory Choir of London, English film composer and music conductor John Scott delivers a terrific and authentic sound that transports the listener to the 11th century, but it also divides the soundtrack into three distinct styles: authentic church singing, period music for various instruments, and Scott's own musical material that works around the other two flawlessly, and more specifically dares to deliver something extraordinary as well. It's yet another reminder (as if one was needed) of how great a composer Scott is, and why it's such a shame that he never got the mainstream opportunities and acclaim his talent deserved. Scott himself did so much to preserve his legacy via his own 'JOS Record label, and to ignore it would be criminal. Scott was also a flutist, saxophonist, and harpist, and since the 1960's his music has enlivened and enhanced over fifty-five films and several television documentaries and films, most notable being for the likes of French explorer Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997). He also scored his fair share of major films in his time, including 'Antony and Cleopatra (1972), 'The Final Countdown (1980), 'Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), and 'Shoot to Kill (1988) to name but a few. In addition to major films, he also scored several independent features that had theatrical releases including 'Ruby (1992) and 'The Wicker Tree (2011). This video is for promotional use only. I do not own the rights to the music. All rights belong to the artist / band.