The Splendor of Alfred Newman: “Love” and “The Seven Year Itch” Due on CD

The music of Alfred Newman’s son Thomas will resound at theatres in the United States this Friday with his score to the blockbuster-in-the-making James Bond film Skyfall.  But what better time to revisit two classic scores from Thomas’ dad, perhaps the all-time dean of the film score?  Following its recent restoration of Alfred’s score to 1951’s David and Bathsheba, the Kritzerland label is turning its attention to two more famous titles from the vast 20th Century Fox library, both from 1955: the romantic drama Love is a Many Splendored Thing and the comical romp The Seven Year Itch.

Adapted by John Patrick from Han Suyin’s autobiographical novel A Many-Splendoured Thing, director Henry King’s film starred William Holden and Jennifer Jones as interracial lovers facing society’s prejudices.  The film was not only a financial and critical success, but received a boatload of Academy Award nominations – eight, to be exact.  It picked up three, including one for its memorable title song by Paul Francis Webster and Sammy Fain, and one for the dramatic score of Alfred Newman.  The sweepingly romantic score by Newman incorporated variations on the Fain/Webster song as well as lush themes crafted by composer/conductor Newman himself.  Love is a Many-Splendored Thing has long been regarded as a highlight in a career filled to the brim with remarkable accomplishments, and you’ll hear why on Kritzerland’s new reissue.  Newman’s score was previously released on CD by Varese Sarabande, but it’s been spruced up for this release.  It’s been fully remastered, and two source cues (one by another Kritzerland favorite, Leigh Harline) have been removed from the main sequence and instead added to the end of the album as bonus tracks.

After the jump: The Seven Year Itch arrives on CD for the first time!  Plus: the track listing and order link!