Best From France

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The Delerue/Truffaut collaboration celebrated in this outstanding anthology was one of the most memorable composer/director partnerships in cinema history. Many of Delerue's scores have been released on previous CDs, but few can boast the clear, resonant sound, or the inspired and detailed performance of this new recording.The array of styles is highly diverse, ranging from Baroque chorales (DAY FOR NIGHT), to jazzy film noir (SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER) to romantic waltzes (VALSE FOR FRANCOIS F). A bittersweet longing is at work in much of Delerue's music, and its disarming blend of joy and sadness tugs at even the most jaded heartstrings. Delerue seamlessly blends folky and classical styles; even earthy instruments like accordion and banjo are rendered sublime through his deft and engaging writing. Often rapturous, always moving, Delerue's work is among the most inspired -- and affecting -- ever scored for the screen.