| Jerry Goldsmith's powerful and beautiful
score for 'The Sand Pebbles'
is often cited as a major contributor to the film's success. The movie
soundtrack was first released as an LP album (conducted by Lionel
Newman) to coincide with the initial premiere of the film in 1966. An
interesting fact is that Goldsmith wrote two versions of the film's
Overture. Twentieth Century Fox had decided to promote the pop single
"And We Were Lovers" (featured
elsewhere on this site) which required Goldsmith to alter the
original score to include the Love Theme variation. Fortunately
the original Overture which incorporated the 'Chinese Love Theme'
was put on the LP album release.
In 1997, Jerry Goldsmith re-recorded the Sand Pebbles
soundtrack with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for the Varèse
Sarabande label. The reworked arrangements featured on that CD album
added yet another version of the Overture...but once again using the Love
Theme.
Since it is difficult to obtain some of these earlier versions I have provided audio files so you can make your own listening comparisons. Select the version and your preferred listening format below. A new addition is the Overture version from the Jerry Goldsmith - Live in Japan 2003 concert that took place in Yokohama, Japan on March 13, 2003. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra was to be conducted by Goldsmith but because of illness the concert was conducted by Charles Fox. The Sand Pebbles Overture (Theatrical/DVD version) (.mp3) (.ogg) The Sand Pebbles Overture (LP album version) (.mp3) (.ogg) The Sand Pebbles Overture (1997 version) (.mp3) (.ogg) The Sand Pebbles Overture (Jerry Goldsmith - Live in Japan 2003 CD) (.mp3) (.ogg) |