There have been many compilations of World War II songs and speeches, but there is only one World at War, the classic and still unsurpassed...

There have been many compilations of World War II songs and speeches, but there is only one World at War, the classic and still unsurpassed documentary television series that not only occasionally tapped into the vast recorded archive of popular songs of the era, but was elevated to an even higher dramatic plane by superior production values, inspired writing, stirring narration (Laurence Olivier), and by profoundly affecting original music by Carl Davis. Just the theme music alone--dark, foreboding, near-Sibelian in the way its relatively spare melodic idea is masterfully turned into something big and dynamic and unforgettable--is an exemplary study in musical representation. How do you embody the theme of "war"--the monumental, earth-shattering World War II--in music? Just listen to this.

Davis also includes some extended musical selections from several episodes--an 11-minute "suite" from France Falls; music from Episode 11, Red Star (about the siege of Leningrad), followed by a 1940s performance of a song by the Red Army Choir; a selection titled Turkey Shoot, describing "the flight patterns from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific and the long wait for the return of the plane and crew"; and a poignant meditation "Freed Prisoners/Missing People" that reworks the show's theme for chamber ensemble--as well as shorter pieces from the original score.

It's interesting hearing the music out of context--you notice more readily the variety of styles and influences, from '30s and '40s jazz to Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and I would even say there's a nod to Britten here and there. Much of the music is scored for symphony orchestra (but, according to Davis, absent flutes, trumpets, and harp) and the rest is for chamber ensemble. For this project, Davis recorded his score anew, with the City of Prague Philharmonic, and no one should have any objection to the fresh and vibrant performances and full-bodied sound.

The rest of the disc consists of very short excerpts from a few familiar speeches--from Chamberlain, Churchill, Montgomery, and Eisenhower--and an interesting mix of original World War II songs, remastered by Gareth Williams. These include Gracie Fields' "Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye" (a rousing performance recorded in 1939 with the British Expeditionary Force "somewhere in France"), Noel Coward's "London Pride" from 1941, Irving Berlin's surprisingly frank exhortation to new recruits about Army life, "This is the Army, Mr. Jones", and the classic, inevitable "Lili Marlene", sung by Lale Anderson in 1939.

In 2009 Davis began his own label, Carl Davis Collection, which will offer previously recorded and new productions of his work in various genres, including ballet and film (his score for the film Napoleon is among the upcoming releases). Although this current recording will appeal primarily to existing fans of The World at War series, there is much to enjoy for anyone interested in an era that still fascinates and captivates and compels us to never forget.

--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com