Sometimes it seems that the art of the song has been lost. Between rap and heavy metal, songs have been reduced to little more than rhythm and words – noise without melody, sound and fury signifying nothing. But, there was a time when melody reigned supreme, when popular songs were memorable – no words required. Film composer Victor Young was one of the very best writers of that golden era, capable of creating utterly unique melodies at nearly the drop of a hat.

And who, you ask, is Victor Young? True, he is not as widely remembered as his peers such as Max Steiner, Elmer Bernstein, Alfred Newman, or Bernard Herrmann. But, if Mr. Young's name does not ring a bell, his songs will – “Stella by Starlight,” “Love Letters,” “Golden Earrings,” “My Foolish Heart,” “When I Fall in Love,” and his crowning achievement, the Oscar-winning theme to Around The World In 80 Days.

For over twenty years, Victor Young was a veritable fountain of song, churning out dozens of records as a bandleader (including several Top 10 hits) while composing, arranging, or conducting the scores to over 300 films. He was nominated for an Academy Award no less than 22 times, yet the massive legacy of this musical genius has been poorly served on compact disc – until now!

Hit Parade Records is proud to present Cinema Rhapsodies: The Musical Genius Of Victor Young, collecting 22 of his most famous melodies. While Young scored such classic films as Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, and Shane, it is vital to note that Cinema Rhapsodies contains more than incidental music. These are songs, first and foremost – that was Young's particular talent. He relished his exacting work scoring films, but he respected the art of song.

Hit Parade Records is a new Canadian label dedicated to finding, restoring, and preserving lost treasures like these, and they employ many of the same creative folks who lovingly compile those great Eric CDs – including Greg Adams, whose detailed liner notes (written with film expert John Adey) will fascinate you for nearly as long as the 65-plus minutes of instrumental music contained on Cinema Rhapsodies! And, don't miss Hit Parade's first two releases, Fabulous Fifties Divas and Fabulous Fifties Crooners.

– ALL TRACKS MONO EXCEPT AS SHOWN –
– DIGITALLY REMASTERED FOR HIGHEST QUALITY SOUND –

* Performed by RICHARD HAYMAN & His Orchestra