Okay, so the title may be a bit misleading but I did want to share this.
There is an annual festival of classic music at Odeonsplatz here in Munich which usually features, well, classic music. This year, however, it showcased classic movie scores and „The Adventures of Robin Hood“ was among them – much to my surprise as you rarely hear this kind of movie score when they advertise classic movie scores. It‘s usually more in the lines of Star Wars or Harry Potter (which, to us, probably doesn‘t even qualify as „classic“).
Anyway, I wanted to share the video in case you want to enjoy this great live performance in a beautiful setting. „Robin Hood“ starts around 36:00 but of course the whole concert is worth watching.
— Claudia
Karl
July 17, 2022 at 1:36 pm
A RARE Sunday morning treat and flawless arrangement!
shangheinz
July 17, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Shake, Rattle and Errol over the roofs of Munich. Thank you for posting, Claudia!
catschutz
July 18, 2022 at 2:13 am
Totally enjoyed this….thanks
Karl
July 18, 2022 at 6:32 pm
To add this little extra from Wicki:
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
In 1938, Korngold was conducting opera in Austria when he was asked by Warner Brothers to return to Hollywood and compose a score for The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The film, based on a largely fictional English legend, is considered the finest of its kind, with a continuous series of romantic and adventurous sequences propelled by Korngold’s dynamic score. Music historian Laurence E. MacDonald notes that there were many factors which made the film a success, including its cast, its Technicolor photography and fast-paced direction by Michael Curtiz, but “most of all, there is Korngold’s glorious music.” And film historian Rudy Behlmer describes Korngold’s contribution to this and his other films:
Korngold’s score was a splendid added dimension. His style for the Flynn swashbucklers resembled that of the creators of late nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century German symphonic tone poems. It incorporated chromatic harmonies, lush instrumental effects, passionate climaxes—all performed in a generally romantic manner. Korngold’s original and distinctive style was influenced by the Wagnerian leitmotif, the orchestral virtuosity of Richard Strauss, the delicacy and broad melodic sweep of Puccini, and the long-line development of Gustav Mahler.Before Korngold began composing the score, Austria was invaded by Germany and annexed by the Nazis. His home in Vienna was confiscated by the Nazis. And because it meant that all Jews in Austria were now at risk, Korngold stayed in America until the end of World War II. He later said, “We thought of ourselves as Viennese; Hitler made us Jewish.” Korngold noted that the opportunity to compose the score for Robin Hood saved his life.
It also gave him his second Academy Award for Best Original Score and established the symphonic style that would later be used in action films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Modern day epics such as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogies similarly included original symphonic scores. Composer John Williams has cited Korngold as his inspiration in scoring the Star Wars series.
Claudia
July 19, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Happy you all enjoyed it, and thanks for the great addition, Karl. The music to Robin Hood is indeed a work of art and together with the perfect casting, wonderful acting, vibrant colors and exciting screenplay makes this movie a true masterpiece.
David DeWitt
July 21, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Wow! Very nice, thanks!