MAGIC FIRE

"Williams Dieterle's 1955 film biography was the last film to be scored by the great Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Though retired from film scoring since 1947, Dieterle coaxed the master composer into returning in order to adapt and supervise all of the film's music. Korngold would be free to choose repertoire, artists, orchestra, chorus and the recording venue, and Korngold's wishes in musical/dramatic matters were to be adhered to without any interference. So while the music is by Wagner, this is Korngold's baby, through and through. And what a baby it is! Magic Fire is a thrilling tribute from one legendary composer to another. The soundtrack also exhibits Korngold's utter mastery at the piano. The film starred Alan Badel as Wagner, Carlos Thompson as Franz Liszt and also featured both Yvonne De Carlo and Peter Cushing. Even Korngold himself appeared, playing conductor Hans Richter. Magic Fire is a priceless historic document and a truly magical musical creation all its own. The final curtain call of the great Erich Wolfgang Korngold is at last available on CD."(Varese Sarabande)