This edition of Naxos'
The Classics at the Movies series collects orchestral music from romantic films, including Jean de Florette, Out of Africa, A Room With a View, and Doctor Zhivago. Unlike some releases that feature symphonic music written specifically for the film, the
Classics series gathers its material from the works of renowned composers that have been heard on the silver screen. In this case, pieces from such luminaries as
Verdi,
Mozart,
Schubert, and
Puccini appear. Highlights include
Mozart's Adagio from Clarinet Concerto, with a solo by Ernst Ottensamer of the Vienna Mozart Academy, and pianist
Jenö Jandó's performance of
Schubert's Impromptu No. 4. All of the music on
The Classics at the Movies: Romance is stirring, and could certainly be seen as romantic. But the album works just as well as a collection of pleasant, relaxing classical music. ~ Johnny Loftus