Mussolini Ultimo Atto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

“Mussolini Ultimo Atto” (Last Days of Mussolini) is a dramatic 1974 movie directed by Carlo Lizzani; as its title suggests, it tells about the fascist dictator’s last days. The cast includes actors Henry Fonda, Rod Steiger and Franco Nero.

In 1974, only two tracks were taken from this soundtrack, composed and orchestrated by Ennio Morricone and conducted by Bruno Nicolai, and released solely on a 45rpm single. Only in 2007 the entire work was finally released on CD: therefore, this is the first LP edition ever of this score!

Given the ‘militaristic’ feel of the film, Morricone created an orchestral/symphonic accompaniment that is however charged with tension: when the strings don’t screech, producing very dissonant frequencies and chords, melodies are always accompanied by percussion sounds that are typical of military marches. Once again, the Maestro managed to blend peculiar elements of his compositional style into something unique.

First ever LP edition on blue vinyl. Audio remastered by Claudio Fuiano.