Composed by Hugo Friedhofer
In 1976, composer Hugo Friedhofer took on the scoring assignment for The Companion, what would be his last big screen assignment. It was a horrifying tale of family greed, jealousy and murder that ultimately became known as Die Sister, Die! The film gave Friedhofer ample room to display his seldom-heard gift for writing with a brittle, challenging harmonic vernacular. Using an orchestra of strings, woodwinds, a modest contingent of brass, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, bell tree, harp, piano and a small percussion section, Friedhofer delivered the requisite shudders and thrills. Even amidst all of the contemporary ideas for strings and the significant number of transparent woodwind solos, Friedhofer’s signature Americana harmonies found their way into the score. The resulting score is a rich meld of classic Friedhofer with an all-new voice.
To present this world premiere stereo release of Hugo Friedhofer’s masterful score for Die Sister, Die!, Intrada was fortunate to have access to the original scoring session mixes made by ace scoring mixer John Richards at The Music Centre on 1/2″ three-channel stereo tape. These had been preserved in flawless condition by Michael Lonzo, the director of cinematography for the picture in 1976. The genuine stereo image is crisp and clear with considerable detail
The plot centers on Edward Price (Jack Ging), who hires Esther Harper (Antoinette Bower) to care for his ailing—but also cantankerous and shrewish—sister Amanda (Edith Atwater). His real intent, however, is to convince the nurse to help him murder his malicious sibling so he can claim the family inheritance. Esther gradually uncovers the family’s nasty secrets—including the existence of a second sister, Nell (Peg Shirley).
World premiere release of original soundtrack from Die Sister, Die!. At tail end of legendary career, Friedhofer scored this independent 1976 Randall Hood horror tale (aka The Companion) starring Jack Ging, Edith Atwater, Kent Smith, tightly written by Theodore Strauss (credited as Tony Sawyer), classily shot by Michael Lonzo. Friedhofer created complex, often frightening score, recorded it in London with members of National Philharmonic Orchestra under orchestrator Carl Brandt. Complete multi-track stereo session masters have been long lost – until now. Surviving in pristine condition after more than four decades, we can all finally enjoy the rewards, intact, presented in dynamic stereo! Though often erroneously credited as a 1972 project, film in fact was shot in 1975, scored in September of 1976 at The Music Centre with veteran John Richards as engineer. Academy Award-winning composer (The Best Years Of Our Lives in 1946) rarely made foray into horror movies but took assignment at personal request of director Hood and cinematographer Lonzo. This gem shows he had natural instinct for genre just the same. Highlights abound but two intense back-to-back cues (“Visitors Of The Mind”, “First Nell, Then Father”) are worthy of additional spotlight. Friedhofer moves between suspense, terror in both lengthy sequences with equal aplomb. “Knife For Jethro”, “Rooftop Struggle” bring excitement into the shudders. Cool extra: For early scene in cocktail bar, Friedhofer invited his dear friend Jeri Southern to write source cue for piano. Southern, an accomplished torch-singer, jazz pianist, teacher and composer (1940’s through 1960’s) wrote terrific source piece for London session pianist, then opted to record it herself back here in her home literally with her own equipment. Incredibly, the master for that cue also survived. A rare treat for her own fans! Highly personalized notes by cameraman Lonzo plus graphic design by Joe Sikoryak wrap up this chilling package. Sad footnotes: Director Hood died during post-production in August 1976 at the young age of 48, just before Friedhofer had finished his score. The news shocked the composer, who was slated to record his music literally just a few days later. Friedhofer continued a period of self doubt, depression, then sadly passed away himself in May of 1981. This CD presents a rare opportunity to hear the work of a master composer nearing the end of a magnificent career. Carl Brandt conducts members of National Philharmonic Orchestra. Intrada Special Collection CD available while quantities and interest remain!
TRACKLIST
01. Main Title (4:55)
02. Find A Companion (1:29)
03. A Taste Of Ivory (Jeri Southern) (1:55)
04. Esther’s Arrival (2:53)
05. Locked Cupboard (1:19)
06. The Word Is Murder (4:29)
07. Visitors Of The Mind (7:01)
08. First Nell, Then Father (6:24)
09. Amanda Is Gone (2:49)
10. The Confessional (2:25)
11. The Ring (2:08)
12. Knife For Jethro (4:43)
13. Rooftop Struggle (3:27)
14. Corpse In The Cellar (2:16)
15. End Title (2:05)
