Theodorakis, Mikis. (b. 1925)
Autograph Musical Score, "Shadow of the Cat."
Original autograph music score for the 1961 British horror film, "Shadow of the Cat." From the collection of the film's producer, Roy Skeggs, of Hammer Films.The complete working autograph manuscript of the full score. 48 pp. Accomplished entirely in the hand of the composer, in black ink, red and blue pencil. Heavily annotated with cues and revisions and signed by the composer nine times, once on each of the separate scene folios. In fine condition, a remarkable original score from the influential Greek composer.
"A poet, patriot, politician and composer of numerous film scores, Theodorakis was seven years old when he learned to sing Byzantine hymns and Greek folk songs. His first film music of note was for Barefoot Battalion (1954), the true story of Greek orphans’ struggle against the Germans during World War II; an apt theme in view of his own subsequent strife. His other movie scores, during the 50s and early 60s, included Night Ambush, The Shadow Of The Cat, The Lovers Of Tereul, Phaedra, Electra and Five Miles To Midnight. In 1964, the composer’s memorable score for Zorba The Greek contributed to the film’s enormous success. It was to be one of his last projects before his life changed dramatically in April 1967. Following the fascist colonels’ military coup d’état in Greece, Theodorakis, as a Communist, was forced underground, and eventually imprisoned and tortured....After his escape from Greece, the composer was exiled for several years in Paris, and started writing for films again in the early 70s. These included Biribi, Serpico, State Of Siege, Sutjeska, Partisans, Letters From Marusia, Iphighenia and Easy Road. For a number of years Theodorakis was a Member of Parliament in Greece, but in the late 80s he began to give concerts in Europe and elsewhere, and resumed composing for projects such as the Turkish film Sis (1989). In 1992 it was reported that he had resigned his post as a minister without portfolio in the Greek government. He accepted the role of General Musical Director of the Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of Hellenic Radio and Television for two years in the mid-90s, but towards the end of the decade gradually moved into retirement. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2000." (Grove Online) (4747)
Manuscript Music Film