Film Director James Cameron, as well as going travelling to the deepest part of the Ocean this week launches the release of his epic box office smash hit Titanic in 3D.
This coincides with the one hundred year anniversary of the Titanic itself setting sail and the opening of The Titanic Centre in Belfast where the ill fated boat was built.
In a crowded field of product to mark these events the release of this special edition soundtrack with its fascinating bonus disc is perhaps the most moving of all these celebrations.
The original soundtrack was memorable with its haunting theme and worldwide hit ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Celine Dion.
As a free standing piece of music the original soundtrack works in its own right.
The remastering has sharpened the sound and added a lushness to the strings which heightens the music’s emotion and impact.
The great treat for me however is the bonus disc which is a recreation of the music that was played on the Titanic itself as she set sail on her maiden voyage.
Legend has it that the band continued to play as the boat went down.
“Song of Autumn” is that last song.
James Cameron is a perfectionist in everything he does and was personally involved in researching The White Star Line music achieves.
In this superbly recorded and performed album we are treated to what entertained the diners as they took their meals, serenaded the relaxed passengers as they took the air on deck and prepared for bed.
Playing music best described as “light classical” the public, like now enjoyed a good tune as ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’,and ‘The Blue Danube’ aptly demonstrate.
In the initial moments of the disaster the band were instructed to “play on” to maintain calm.
This is what they played right to the bitter end.
Fascinating and in no way morbid this record of the music played personalises the humanity of those lost in this famous disaster.
Those 1500 plus souls who were lost were real living people.
It also reminds one that the music that was played was but a distant murmur to those in steerage beneath decks where the majority of the fatalities perished.
A timepiece of the music of one hundred years ago this album acts also as a dignified memorial to that awful night mid Atlantic long ago.
As the conductor put down his baton for the last time he bowed to his players and reportedly said,”Gentlemen it has been a privilege playing with you tonight”.
The pleasure here is all with the listener.
An excellent addition to your music collection.