John Scott: Cousteau / St Lawrence, Stairway to Heaven (1982) / Berlin Radio Concert Orchestra

ABOUT THE SCORE: For this feature-length documentary about the St. Lawrence river and its surrounding natural (and man-made) wonders, composer John Scott was handed a larger-than-usual budget compared to his other Cousteau efforts. As with the later “Channel Islands” doc, the composer found himself called upon to write for much larger orchestral forces, and happily stepped up to the challenge. Employing the full Berlin Radio Concert Orchestra, Scott anchors his score with a grand fanfare for the immense St. Lawrence seaway, declared boldly at the onset of this suite with heraldic brass, timpani and strings. It’s an exciting idea that fits more in line with the John Williams-esque pomp the composer lent his popular “The Final Countdown” score two most of his Cousteau themes, and its grandest arrangements accompany aerial shots of Cousteau navigating above the mighty river or establishing shots of the Quebec skyline. Broad gestures abound!
However, this being a Cousteau score, it’s not all fanfares and extroversion, and the composer’s amazingly deft sensitivity and sublime musical touch soon avails itself: see, for example, 5:03’s playfully bustling orchestration of a very original melody as it swirls between horns and strings in a way that recalls the playful exuberance of the aforementioned “Channel Islands” score, or perhaps the forlorn and evocative trumpet cadenza over dramatic string sustains at 8:18, musically depicting the wild horses that are famously found on Sable Island. For this listener the most notable cue is “Wildlife Then and Now” (13:04), a deeply moving piece whose melody is intoned on plaintive oboe beneath circular clarinet tones and dancing high flute ornamentations. The theme is then stated with restrained power by low strings and softly pulsing brass before the full ensemble delivers an expansive, impassioned performance of the music - utterly stirring and distinctive music as only John Scott can write. A marvelous piece that is perhaps my personal favorite from this varied, colorful and utterly majestic score. The suite then concludes with a triumphant statement of Scott’s “Rediscovery Series” signature tune, as bold and expansive a melody as one can hope to find in a documentary. Essential listening, as always with this composer.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the music included in my channel and make no claims as such. All videos have been uploaded for EDUCATIONAL purposes only to make the public aware of obscure and forgotten works by deserving composers who would otherwise find no online audience whatsoever. Please purchase the music on CD or via digital retailers or streamers whenever possible!

[@miguelmorales3016]

Ls música de John Scott nunca defrauda! Te ayuda a soñar con un mundo mejor!
Gracias por compartir!