The 1970’s were a very fruitful time for composer John Williams. In those ten years he took home no less than three Academy Awards and scored blockbuster after blockbuster (or should we say he helped them becoming blockbusters, after all?). Between his well-known scores we can find his name also stuck with movies, which are not too widely known. 1979’s “Dracula” is one of those, although the score is deeply appreciated by many Williams-aficionados. Through the last decade more and more is gladly being said or heard about this work: In 2018 we happily received the complete film score finally published in a superb presentation by Varèse Sarabande Records. In 2019 Williams rearranged and recorded the “Night Journeys” for Anne Sophie Mutter, her violin and orchestra for the album “Across the Stars”. The movie itself is, of course just one among ‘count’less (got it?) incarnations about the famous Vampire and is known to take its liberties in comparison to the novel, but it is a fairly good and original adaption. Besides that, and I am sure you will confirm, it is worth watching just for Williams magnificent romantic and haunting score. Enjoy!
Really a Hollywood picture and badly corrupts the book, nonetheless a scary, sexy, sizzling entertainment and a crowd pleaser. I love the chemistry between langella and nelligan. The picture also expertly points up the contrast between Dracula's charm and majesty, and the way he ruins people's lives.
Soundtrack Fred: Heartwarming to read your comment from a musician who knows what they're talking about. MY FAVORITE, bar none, of John Williams's scores. I went from the Vinyl LP when young, recorded it on an audio cassette, then the CD, then the Double CD-so I have never been without this score, through the decades. Wildly Romantic, shamelessly so. I once put on an Amazon review: John Williams's Inferno. Think of the "Fire Tornado" described by witnesses to the infamous Hamburg bombing in WW II. Or a jet of fire plasma ejected from the Sun's corona. In the featurette with the movie, mention was made of Tristan und Isolde- being on JW's mind during composition. I will end with John Williams tragically loosing his beloved wife- I think she died in 1974. In 1979 he composed this Ultra- Romantic music score. In 1980, he marries a second time, to a woman he's still married to. You do the math.
I just love the John Williams movie scores. You will recognize his style but they are always unique and not repetetive like the scores of many other movie composers.
This soundtrack is one of his absolute finest and is often overlooked or is not well known to most people. I think it is stunning and a personal favourite of mine.
Ah the gothic horror side of John Williams. This is one of my 2 favorite Dracula scores. The other being Wojciech Kilar’s for the Coppola version. They truly capture that mix of the romantic and shockingly horrific nature of the story.
John Prudent: Thanks for your comment! It has been said that this Dracula score was John Williams only foray into straight horror. I disagree. The horror, even terror, is there, all Right- but combined with a passionately romantic score. For REALLY straight horror, go to John Williams music score for The Fury ( that even had movie critic Pauline Kael go into raptures about it). Not a touch of romantic love in it, either. Or as my husband said, when he heard it "You're right, Colleen. I can feel Satan in there."
Underrated by some but deeply appreciated by people who like Williams and like excellent scores. I loved this film (saw it on TV as a kid). Score, Frank Langella, the whole deal. I especially like the dinner party where Dracula refuses a glass saying, "I never drink... wine."Then his eyes when the old servant cuts himself while serving the roast. Good movie, fantastic score and another great suite.
Fun fact. That "drink" line came directly from the original 1931 Bela Lugosi version... which is admittedly very dated by now, especially since half of it is virtually silent. I've never seen this version, and I very much need to !
Proper Acknowledgement, Thank You!!! Sir John Williams for your incredible musical contributions of all the music that you contributed throughout your entire lifetime to mankind, Bless You!!! Mr. John William in Infinitum!!! Music is a Treasure!!! Thank You!!! I pay with my heart in perpetuity, forever!!!
I have the original vinyl for this movie. One of my fave soundtrack albums and Dracula movies. This suite is perfect! I so love how you create these amazing suites! Thank you, Soundtrack Fred! 🥰
I used to buy soundtracks in the mail in the 80s, and this one came as free bonus with my order. But it didn't do much for me and I probably only put it on once. Hearing it here for my 2nd time ever, I have no memory of it.
Me viene a mi mente el recuerdo cuando acudimos al estreno de la película al cine ATENEA un gélido domingo de ENERO de 1980,tuvimos que hacer una larga fila para adquirir los boletos de entrada enmedio de un gran frío,ingresamos a la función de las 7:00 p.m.
I hear so much Star Wars episode IV A new hope and can definitely tell the rest of the Star wars movies that came after use assets from this sound track as well. Such good sounds from from all these movies.
A great rich deep score, still got the opening taped from bbc radio 2 film program when the film came out, I think it was the LSO? Marvellous thanks for uploading all this ( I would never watch a Dracula picture, except the Leslie neilsen one)
Also in 1979: Alien and Star Trek-TMP by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith and The Black Hole by John Barry. And now what do we have? Hans Zimmer. Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous.
I perceive it as the most stormy of all John Williams creations, as one would expect from a character like Dracula. I suppose he tried to mimic that sour, heavy emotion on the "Revenge of the Sith" soundtrack, but to no avail in my opinion. This music is heavily influenced by the bombastic and dark tone of Richard Wagner's operas. This is one of the masterpieces when it comes to film music. The film does not match him in the least. Thanks you, Fred.
I said this before, but the poster is awful. She looks like a CPR dummy, not Kate nelligan. BTW the so called love scene, done with simple seventies fx and Williams great music, blows me away.
I think the poster was designed before Kate Nelligan was even cast, and the studio just didn't bother to change it. After all, Frank Langella was the big "get" for the studio, having triumphed in the part on Broadway.
A PIOR interpretação de DRACULA até hoje produzida este ator deve ter vergonha de receber o nome de ator pois a sua atuação é MEDÍOCRE , PÍFIA , SEM NOÇÃO , SEM GRAÇA e SEM CONTEÚDO
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
It should be noted that John Willians said he had never seen a vampire movie in his life before scoring this treasure.
Correct! The album which I own has a real nice storyline about this
The 1970’s were a very fruitful time for composer John Williams. In those ten years he took home no less than three Academy Awards and scored blockbuster after blockbuster (or should we say he helped them becoming blockbusters, after all?). Between his well-known scores we can find his name also stuck with movies, which are not too widely known. 1979’s “Dracula” is one of those, although the score is deeply appreciated by many Williams-aficionados.
Through the last decade more and more is gladly being said or heard about this work: In 2018 we happily received the complete film score finally published in a superb presentation by Varèse Sarabande Records. In 2019 Williams rearranged and recorded the “Night Journeys” for Anne Sophie Mutter, her violin and orchestra for the album “Across the Stars”.
The movie itself is, of course just one among ‘count’less (got it?) incarnations about the famous Vampire and is known to take its liberties in comparison to the novel, but it is a fairly good and original adaption. Besides that, and I am sure you will confirm, it is worth watching just for Williams magnificent romantic and haunting score. Enjoy!
Superb score - waited years for an expanded release so was delighted with the Varese Sarabande Deluxe Edition!
💌💝
Really a Hollywood picture and badly corrupts the book, nonetheless a scary, sexy, sizzling entertainment and a crowd pleaser. I love the chemistry between langella and nelligan. The picture also expertly points up the contrast between Dracula's charm and majesty, and the way he ruins people's lives.
Williams also scored not one but TWO of the biggest, most iconic disaster movies of the 70s: "Earthquake" and "The Towering Inferno".
Soundtrack Fred: Heartwarming to read your comment from a musician who knows what they're talking about. MY FAVORITE, bar none, of John Williams's scores. I went from the Vinyl LP when young, recorded it on an audio cassette, then the CD, then the Double CD-so I have never been without this score, through the decades. Wildly Romantic, shamelessly so. I once put on an Amazon review: John Williams's Inferno. Think of the "Fire Tornado" described by witnesses to the infamous Hamburg bombing in WW II. Or a jet of fire plasma ejected from the Sun's corona. In the featurette with the movie, mention was made of Tristan und Isolde- being on JW's mind during composition. I will end with John Williams tragically loosing his beloved wife- I think she died in 1974. In 1979 he composed this Ultra- Romantic music score. In 1980, he marries a second time, to a woman he's still married to. You do the math.
A grandiose score to an underrated film but a favourite with me
Yes, I agree with you. This is my favourite movie about Dracula, and this beautiful music...a masterpiece! 🖤
I just love the John Williams movie scores. You will recognize his style but they are always unique and not repetetive like the scores of many other movie composers.
This soundtrack is one of his absolute finest and is often overlooked or is not well known to most people. I think it is stunning and a personal favourite of mine.
An absolutely monumental achievement!! Incredibly atmospheric, romantic and operatic!
BLACK SUNDAY, THE FURY, and DRACULA --- my three favorite lesser known Williams gems from those bygone days. Thanks so much!
Fascinating and beautiful score. One of the best from Mr. Williams.
Ah the gothic horror side of John Williams. This is one of my 2 favorite Dracula scores. The other being Wojciech Kilar’s for the Coppola version. They truly capture that mix of the romantic and shockingly horrific nature of the story.
John Prudent: Thanks for your comment! It has been said that this Dracula score was John Williams only foray into straight horror. I disagree. The horror, even terror, is there, all Right- but combined with a passionately romantic score. For REALLY straight horror, go to John Williams music score for The Fury ( that even had movie critic Pauline Kael go into raptures about it). Not a touch of romantic love in it, either. Or as my husband said, when he heard it "You're right, Colleen. I can feel Satan in there."
One of my favorite Williams scores!
Underrated by some but deeply appreciated by people who like Williams and like excellent scores. I loved this film (saw it on TV as a kid). Score, Frank Langella, the whole deal. I especially like the dinner party where Dracula refuses a glass saying, "I never drink... wine."Then his eyes when the old servant cuts himself while serving the roast. Good movie, fantastic score and another great suite.
The bit I really like is when Laurence Olivier is holding up a crucifix, quoting the Bible, and Langella roars back "SACRILEGE!"
Fun fact. That "drink" line came directly from the original 1931 Bela Lugosi version... which is admittedly very dated by now, especially since half of it is virtually silent. I've never seen this version, and I very much need to !
@@teddibearsworld It was good. Somewhat dated but good.
Proper Acknowledgement, Thank You!!! Sir John Williams for your incredible musical contributions of all the music that you contributed throughout your entire lifetime to mankind, Bless You!!! Mr. John William in Infinitum!!! Music is a Treasure!!! Thank You!!! I pay with my heart in perpetuity, forever!!!
If ever a movie would be made about Dracula, Lando Calrissian and Indiana Jones having adventures together, this would be the music for it!
I didn’t even know this John Williams score during his “prime” period (mid-1970s to early-90s) existed! Thanks so much for uploading.
Really impressive the Ending credits with the figure/flag flying in the sky and the Theme sounding with calm....
I have the original vinyl for this movie. One of my fave soundtrack albums and Dracula movies. This suite is perfect! I so love how you create these amazing suites! Thank you, Soundtrack Fred! 🥰
I used to buy soundtracks in the mail in the 80s, and this one came as free bonus with my order. But it didn't do much for me and I probably only put it on once. Hearing it here for my 2nd time ever, I have no memory of it.
This is rad ⚡️
Part of it sounds like bespin
Exactly, except the other way around😉
Excellent soundtrack, better than the Hammer Dracula's music before!
Me viene a mi mente el recuerdo cuando acudimos al estreno de la película al cine ATENEA un gélido domingo de ENERO de 1980,tuvimos que hacer una larga fila para adquirir los boletos de entrada enmedio de un gran frío,ingresamos a la función de las 7:00 p.m.
I hear so much Star Wars episode IV A new hope and can definitely tell the rest of the Star wars movies that came after use assets from this sound track as well. Such good sounds from from all these movies.
Jhon williams es inigualable Vendiciones a todas sus obras musicales Qué son únicas...
John willames ,john barry and henry mancine are the best !!!
A great rich deep score, still got the opening taped from bbc radio 2 film program when the film came out, I think it was the LSO? Marvellous thanks for uploading all this ( I would never watch a Dracula picture, except the Leslie neilsen one)
I like it 👌
I like it maybe better than the Star Wars score. Its big bombastic,romantic piece with a nod to the old golden era sountracks.
Also in 1979: Alien and Star Trek-TMP by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith and The Black Hole by John Barry. And now what do we have? Hans Zimmer. Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Hans Zimmer is not all bad, he have his moments. Listen to his Hannibal or Thin Red Line score.
Another good version of Dracula.It had a very gloomy atmosphere,and it got the feeling that Satan walked among us in the cinema.
Little vampire bats make great pets they are sweet and affectionate and blood is easy to get
The desmoplastic in their saliva prevents stroke and their saliva holds cure for rabies they can live for decades
Very interesting 🧐
I perceive it as the most stormy of all John Williams creations, as one would expect from a character like Dracula. I suppose he tried to mimic that sour, heavy emotion on the "Revenge of the Sith" soundtrack, but to no avail in my opinion. This music is heavily influenced by the bombastic and dark tone of Richard Wagner's operas. This is one of the masterpieces when it comes to film music. The film does not match him in the least. Thanks you, Fred.
Give “Witches of Eastwick” a listen.
When you tell a vampire to take a dirt nap it's a compliment anyone else it's an insult
Fangs for the memory.
Ha ha
the blood is the life
What happened langella looked great and handsome now he resembles one of the things he buried
I know a very strange true story about Satan' s opinion regarding this big music: "this is like a song dedicated to me", he said.
Nelson: Nope. You need The Rolling Stones for that
🧛♂️ ☠️
Our last president was a more devilish than dracula who was never arrested
Current president is more like Lt. Frank Drebin; a complete bafoon.
I said this before, but the poster is awful. She looks like a CPR dummy, not Kate nelligan. BTW the so called love scene, done with simple seventies fx and Williams great music, blows me away.
I think the poster was designed before Kate Nelligan was even cast, and the studio just didn't bother to change it. After all, Frank Langella was the big "get" for the studio, having triumphed in the part on Broadway.
In the words of Father Jerome you can catch the devil but you can't hold him lony
Long
The music was a lot better than the film....
Disagree. Great movie which rearranged the book.
A PIOR interpretação de DRACULA até hoje produzida este ator deve ter vergonha de receber o nome de ator pois a sua atuação é MEDÍOCRE , PÍFIA , SEM NOÇÃO , SEM GRAÇA e SEM CONTEÚDO