The Age of Innocence (Elmer Bernstein)

(1993)

Despite being a commercial failure, Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 1993, earning five Oscar nominations (winning one, for costume design).  The film was the second collaboration between Scorsese and composer Elmer Bernstein, the two having collaborated on Cape Fear two years earlier.  Bernstein would also work on Bringing Out the Dead and Gangs of New York, although his score to the latter was rejected at the last minute.  The composer recalled The Age of Innocence as his favourite collaboration with Scorsese, and indeed, it is the most enjoyable listening experience of them all.

Bernstein’s score is mainly  string based, with the album starting with the wonderful waltz that is the main theme.  Next are three classical pieces, and after that are a series of Bernstein’s original, very beautiful waltzes, several of which are definite album highlights.

This is certainly one of the best scores of 1993, although of course Schindler’s List was the dominating score of that year, and arguably the 90’s.  Regardless, The Age of Innocence remains one of Bernstein’s best scores of the decade.  I know this is a brief review, but I can’t really think of anything more to say about this one. It certainly comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys Bernstein’s music.

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Track Listing

1 – The Age of Innocence

2 – At the Opera (“Faust” Opera) *

3 – Radetzky March **

4 – Emperor Waltz OP 437 / Tales from the Vienna Woods (Excerpts) ***

5 – Mrs. Mingott

6 – Dangerous Conversation

7 – Slighted

8 – Van Der Luydens

9 – First Visit

10 – Roses Montage

11 – Ellen’s Letter

12 – Archer’s Books

13 – Mrs. Mingott’s Help

14 – Archer Pleads

15 – Passage of Time

16 – Archery

17 – Ellen at the Shore

18 – Blenker Farm

19 – Boston Common

20 – Parker House

21 – Pick up Ellen

22 – Conversation with Letterblair

23 – Archer Leaves

24 – Farewell Dinner

25 – Ellen Leaves

26 – In Paris

27 – Ellen’s House

28 – Madame Olenska

29 – End Credits

* Composed by Charles F. Gounod

** Composed by Johann Strauss I

*** Composed by Johann Strauss II

Credits

Music Composed, Conducted & Produced by Elmer Bernstein

Orchestrations & Album Produced by Emilie A. Bernstein

Awards

Academy Award for Best Original Score (nominated)

Insert Notes

The insert contains credits and a note from director Martin Scorsese.

All images and artwork are Copyright © Varese Sarabande.