Nino Rota's music has always enjoyed great popularity, and this demonstrates that there are numerous compilations of his film work in the record market, to those come to join this one conducted by Riccardo Muti, in his third record devoted to the music of his compatriot (a first one, also of film music, and a second devoted to an string concert). Very surpassed pupil of the own Rota in the conservatory of Bari, this proximity during many years allowed him to know in depth his work; perhaps it may have been this relationship of friendship between pupil and master (aside from Rota's undoubtful musical quality), what has carried Muti to the execution of this second volume of film music. The compilation selected is very known, from The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), until Il Gattopardo (The Leopard, 1963), going through 8 ½ (1963) among others. All the works are performed following faithfully the original score, without arrangements, and this fact is to be thanked taking into account the countless arranged versions that have appeared of Rota's music; suffice to mention his very famous theme for the The Godfather as example. Of all the compilation I would emphasize the suite of Il Gattopardo, since it is a true symphonic poem on which Rota's music emerges in a specific and calculated way, without notes of more, only the just ones. It is a work that would go through as classic music, not to no avail Rota in addition to his cinematographic work has a vast classic musical work (perhaps even more interesting). A unique opportunity to appreciate Rota's music such as conceived, its performance under the baton of Riccardo Muti with the Filarmonica della Scala, together with the sound quality of the CD, make it not another compilation, but one of the best than can be found today. A.M.

The Godfather (Suite) (1972/1974) - 20:18
8 ½ (La Passarella Di Addio) (1963) - 5:32
La Dolce Vita (La Trompa di Polydor) (1960) - 1:48
Prova d'Orchestra (Suite) (1979) - 10:02
Rocco e i suoi Fratelli (Suite) (1960) - 8:55
Il Gattopardo (Suite) (1963) - 23:32
Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala - Conductor: Riccardo Muti
/ SONY CLASSICAL SK63359 / 71'