Quartet Records, in collaboration with EMI General Music Publishing, presents a meticulously remastered reissue of Ennio Morricone's iconic poliziesco score for Sergio Sollima's Revolver (1973), a violent Italian-French thriller starring Oliver Reed and Fabio Testi. This definitive release brings one of Morricone's most dynamic crime scores back to pristine sonic quality, showcasing the composer's mastery of the genre that would later influence his acclaimed American gangster film work. The film presents a taut narrative of corruption and conspiracy, following a prison warden forced to exchange a French criminal for his kidnapped wife, only to discover themselves entangled in a far-reaching web of deception. This complex thriller provided Morricone with the perfect canvas for one of his most varied and emotionally resonant crime scores.
For Revolver, Ennio Morricone created the unforgettable song "Un Amico," performed by Daniel Beretta - possibly one of the most beautiful melodies ever written by the Roman maestro. This haunting composition gained renewed recognition when Quentin Tarantino featured it in a key sequence of Inglourious Basterds, introducing Morricone's genius to a new generation of film lovers. The song exemplifies Morricone's ability to create music that transcends its original cinematic context to become a standalone work of art. Beyond the iconic main theme, Morricone provides a wistful and playful love theme titled "Anna," showcasing his remarkable versatility in balancing the score's darker crime elements with moments of genuine tenderness. The composer also crafted several background source cues in his inimitable style, demonstrating the attention to detail that made him the undisputed master of film scoring.
The score's most dynamic component is the driving cue titled "Revolver" or "Inseguimento e Fuga" (Chase and Escape). Morricone composed a monumental 12-minute version of this propulsive piece, along with various arrangements tailored to fit different moments throughout the film. This staccato composition for piano and orchestra repeats and builds with relentless intensity, creating the dark, kinetic atmosphere that became Morricone's signature approach to crime and gangster action sequences. The influence of this stylistic breakthrough cannot be overstated. Morricone would later employ very similar approaches in his acclaimed American gangster films State of Grace, The Untouchables, and Bugsy, establishing a musical vocabulary for crime cinema that continues to influence composers today. The "Revolver" theme represents a crucial bridge between his Italian poliziesco work and his later Hollywood achievements.
The release history of this score reflects the challenges of preserving Italian film music heritage. The original LP was released in 1973 by General Music in Italy and reissued in 1977 in Japan. The program subsequently appeared on CD through various labels including Allhambra (Germany), Dagored (Italy), and Seven Seas (Japan), though these editions only presented the original album program. A breakthrough came in 2006 when GDM released an expanded edition featuring virtually all the music recorded by Morricone for the film. This comprehensive release quickly sold out, becoming highly sought after by collectors and Morricone enthusiasts worldwide. The current Quartet Records reissue is based on that expanded edition, supervised by Dániel Winkler and Claudio Fuiano, and completely remastered by Chris Malone from the original master tapes. The package includes comprehensive liner notes by acclaimed film music writer Jeff Bond, providing essential context for both the film's production and the score's place within Morricone's vast catalog. Bond's insights illuminate the compositional techniques that made this score a template for future crime film music.
