• Composed by Ennio Morricone
• Quartet Records / 2013 / 56m

A 1974 political drama directed by Mauro Bolognini, Fatti di Gente Perbene is set in early 20th century Bologna, delving into attempts by the establishment to rid the city of its socialists.  The film is one of no fewer than fifteen collaborations between the director and the legendary composer Ennio Morricone and while most of the films have faded rather into obscurity, there seem to be frequent reissues of many of the scores.  This one sees the composer perfectly evoking the opulence of high society at the time, particularly through the oft-heard main theme, introduced in “Accadde a Venezia” – it’s beautiful, but there’s a detached air to the love, almost a snootiness.  It’s a ravishing piece.  It’s heard most frequently on strings (including some exquisite solo violin versions) but the real killer for me, the one that tugs my heartstrings and won’t let go, is the piano arrangement in “L’addio tra Linda e Tullio”.

“La casa di Linda” introduces a brilliant device, previously employed famously in For a Few Dollars More – chimes suggesting the passing of time.  Its use in the middle of the dissonant, suspenseful “Il tema per un assassinio” is pure genius.  There’s a very brief action theme of sorts, the martial “Il tema per il procuratore stanzani”, which doesn’t stick around for long, but does leave an impression.  Even the couple of early source cues are excellent – the exquisite vocal of “Al bar” and elegant Mediterranean flavour of “Le chiacchiere confidenziali”.  Fatti di Gente Perbene is a very fine score, highlighted by that exquisite main theme.  Quartet’s new album almost doubles the playing time of the original release, though sensibly retains the original album programme and adds the new material as bonus tracks; Gergely Hubai’s liner notes are informative and entertaining; and the sound quality is perfect.  Great release.

Rating: ****

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