Film: Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Composer/Conductor: Victor Young

Original soundtrack: 1957

Genre: Film Score / Orchestral / Classical Crossover

Original label: Decca

CD editions: Several, including this MCA 1990 CD and expanded editions.

This is the memorable orchestral score from the 1956 epic adventure film starring David Niven and Cantinflas. Victor Young's music is one of the great Hollywood adventure scores of the 1950s, combining sweeping orchestral themes with musical references to the various countries visited during the journey.

The famous “Around the World” theme is the centrepiece. It was written by Young with lyrics by Harold Adamson; the instrumental film version became a hit, while vocal versions were subsequently recorded by other artists. Young died in 1956 and received the Academy Award for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture posthumously.

1990 MCA CD

Label: MCA

Catalogue: MCAD-31134

Release date: 25 October 1990

Running time: approximately 43½ minutes

Tracks: 12

Composer: Victor Young

The programme includes “Around the World,” “Passepartout,” “Paris Arrival,” “Sky Symphony,” “India Country Side,” “The Pagoda of Pillagi,” “Temple of Dawn,” “Prairie Sail Car,” “Land Ho” and “Epilogue.”

Overall: A superb example of classic Hollywood orchestral scoring, with a grand, romantic and adventurous sound. The 1990 MCA CD is particularly desirable for collectors of vintage film soundtracks, while the 2007 Hit Parade edition is the superior version if you want the most complete presentation of Young's score.