Monty Python's Flying Circus - Monty Python's Flying Circus - 30 Musical Masterpieces From The Infamous Television Series: 1969 - 1974

  by Tommy Gunnarsson

published: 6 / 6 / 2009

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Review

Ever since the Monty Python group first entered our TV screens 40 years ago, there has been a steady stream of records released, both with music and sketches from their series and movies, but also with spin-offs and stage shows. But we have never before been treated to the classical music that was featured within the TV show, with the most famous piece being the theme song, 'The Liberty Bell', by Sousa. Until now. DeWolfe, which is one of the biggest suppliers of library music and production music in the world, is now releasing a 30-track CD compiling some of the best and most remembered classical music pieces in the fabulous show, many of them being more recognised from 'Flying Circus' than for their life previous to their appearance on the TV. Michael Palin once said that he heard 'The Liberty Bell' being played in the background as Diana was interviewed before her big wedding, and that everyone started to giggle as they heard the tune. I would guess that most marching bands have taken the Sousa piece off their repertoire nowadays… Listening to this CD is like watching the 'Flying Circus' show with your eyes closed. Well, don’t take that too literally. But it’s not far from the truth, actually. All the songs bring back sweet memories from various sketches, and some of them are more familiar than others. In general, I haven’t seen a lot from that fourth and last season (even though the DVD is on my shelf, of course), so those tunes aren’t that familiar. But at least it gives me yet another reason to put the DVD in the player and give it a whirl. If you are a big fan of Idle, Palin, Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam and Jones, this is a must! If you’re not a big fan, it’s still a good CD with nice background music.

Track Listing:-

1 A.W. Sherriff- Liberty Bell
2 E. Michael- Eveil A L'Aube
3 P. Reno- Ad Lib
4 P. Willshire / K. Chesher- Eye Of Horus
5 E. Towren- Flute Promenade
6 S. Fonteyn- Bright Lights
7 J. Trombey- Roving Report No. 2
8 D. Laren- David And Goliath
9 K. Papworth- Casbah
10 A. Bonsel- The Hunt
11 E. Towren- Aggression
12 J. Trombey- Man Of Power
13 E. Towren- Pastoralia
14 J. Snow- On The River
15 S. Fonteyn- Man Of Destiny
16 A. Mawer- Theatre Overture
17 S. Nakin- Trumpet Call
18 W. Warren- Hearts And Flowers
19 R. Tilsley- Comedy Set Variation 2
20 H. de Groot- Military Preparation
21 H. de Groot- Peter Pan
22 J. Steffaro- Ripcord
23 K. Papworth- The Long Haul
24 J. Trombey- March Trident
25 I. Slaney- Early Dusk
26 R. Tilsley- Arena March
27 S. Nakin- The Banquet Part 3: Brandle De Bourgogne
28 S. Black- Academy Award
29 J. Reids- Market Research
30 P. Reno- The Poor Soul