Composed and Conducted by Bruce Broughton
First of three pictures Broughton scored for Hyams, this one gave composer opportunities to write both strong main theme plus pulse-quickening action. Broughton launches with introspective, transparent four-note motif then moves to lean trumpet figure. Both ideas are reflective, offering cohesion that holds score together. Interestingly, brief trumpet idea is suggested throughout score but finally emerges into fully resplendent theme just once, for richly sonorous ending. But melody steps aside when action takes over. For chase sequences, Broughton creates propulsive rhythmic figures, then adds energetic, zigzagging staccato figures for trumpets in unison. Riveting trumpet parts playing above the fray are literally tour-de-force! Entire score plus alternates are presented courtesy Paramount Pictures. Sessions were made onto 32-track digital tape by Armin Steiner, then mixed directly to both digital and analog two-track stereo tape. Results are incredibly crisp, detailed! Special mention is due Broughton’s recording of Edwin Eugene Bagley’s famous “National Emblem” march. Stirring piece opens the film, Broughton records it outdoors for resounding, patriotic feel. A rewarding “extra”! Bruce Broughton conducts.
Bruce Broughton’s music for 1988 Paramount film The Presidio is pulse-pounding and exciting, balancing orchestra and synthesizers in equal measure throughout the movie’s chase sequences, climaxing with the standout nine-minute action cue. Much of the composer’s music sets out to enhance the movie’s suspense and underscore the investigation, utilizing a central four-note motif that Broughton adapts to varying dramatic effect, characterized by a wide downward leap on the second note. It was that simple and from this tiny anchor he could take the score inward toward suspense or outward toward action—and, most importantly, develop the motif into a fully realized theme finally heard at the close of the score For Broughton, The Presidio marked the first of three collaborations with director Peter Hyams, with Narrow Marginand Stay Tuned following.
This premiere CD featuring the complete score and alternates was mastered from the original session elements, initially recorded on digital 32-track tape at 20th Century Fox Studios by engineer Armin Steiner, then subsequently converted directly into two-track stereo mixes on both digital and analog tape. The resulting audio is crisp, clean and vibrant.
TRACKLIST
01. Main Title – Alternate (2:05)
02. The Lincoln/Patti Jean (1:40)
03. Car Chase (4:32)
04. Sgt. Garfield/Follow Me (1:43)
05. I’ll Call You/Tokarev Slug (0:38)
06. Empty Bottle/Phone Booth (1:15)
07. Chinatown Chase/The Car (3:48)
08. Your Fault (0:45)
09. Donna & Jay – Revised (3:10)
10. Tailing Spota – Revised No. 1 (3:48)
11. Waterhouse Fight (9:00)
12. Impatient To Say Goodbye/End Credits (4:54)
Total Score Time: 37:46
The Extras
13. Main Title – Original Version (2:05)
14. The Lincoln – Alternate (0:12)
15. Donna & Jay (2:00)
16. Tailing Spota – Revised No. 2 (3:48)
17. March “National Emblem” (Edwin Eugene Bailey) (1:11)
Total Extras Time: 9:23
