Ennio Morricone – Morricone Segreto

A tribute to brilliant composer Ennio Morricone – following his passing four months ago – Morricone Segreto (Secret Morricone) is a compilation by labels Decca Records and CAM Sugar of some of his works spanning from the 60s to the 80s, including seven that have never been released.

The most renowned cinematic composer of the 20^th century, Morricone wrote over 400 movie and television scores in addition to over 100 classical pieces. Having worked with some of the greatest directors in film history, with a six-decade career and over 600 original compositions, he was a massively prolific creator of soundtracks – from classics like Once Upon a Time in the West, Days of Heaven and many more. A songwriter for celebrated artists, Morricone was also a major inspiration for many prominent rock bands. Winner of numerous awards, including three Grammys, six BAFTAs, three Golden Globes and six Oscar nominations, he also won the Academy Award for his accompanying music on Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight.

Too extensive to present in its entirety, Morricone’s list of credits is vast. The objective of the new album was to spotlight the aspects of his work that deeply affected other musicians, being the seed for such genres as alternative rock, hip hop and electronic music.

The seven hidden, never-released pieces on the record range from classic 60s style to psychedelic to offbeat and cutting edge. Vie-Ni (alt. Take) – QUANDO L’AMORE Ė SENSUALITÀ is an experimental and post-minimalist track with a sci-fi vibe, combining disjointed scat and eccentric disorienting vocals repeating “vieni” (“come”), melding Far East sound with atonality and dissonance, brusk piano and strings, almost childlike – ultimately creepy but intriguing. Patrizia (alt. take – con voci) – INCONTRO has a 60s aura, though a 70s piece – and scat vocals, smooth, cool, evoking French New Wave cinema and cycling along an ocean boardwalk on a sunny day.

With Hendrix-style guitar and unusual musical tones, in Psychedelic Mood – LUI PER LEI the instruments seem to sing. A bizarre inclusion, Edda Bocca Chiusa – LUI PER LEI consists of just a few seconds of very eerie humming. Another 1971 track, Beat per Quattro Ruote – L’AUTOMOBILE, also with a 60s vibe, is jazzy, happy and upbeat. Fast-paced, dynamic and fun, Il Clan dei Siciliani (Tema n. 5) – IL CLAN DEI SICILIANI suggests suspense cinema. Sensual, passionate, intriguing Inseguimento Mortale – LA TARANTOLA DAL VENTRE NERO brings to mind The Umbrellas of Cherbourg – characterising European romantic films of the era and French New Wave.

The other 20 tracks include gentle, sultry piano, 60s/70s-style choruses and scat, unusual instrumentals, airy strings, other-worldly synths, bizarre voices, psychedelic wails, pop psych and groundbreaking compositions. An amalgamation of many musical forms and vocals is brilliantly done. Often mysterious, they are difficult to identify and sometimes sound tortured and terrifying. Shifting from church organ to Indian music to jazzy rock, smooth, mellow piano or an exquisite flute solo, the compilation is eclectic.

Ennio Morricone’s prolific genius is so staggeringly immense that to sum it up concisely is difficult. Suffice it to say, Morricone Segreto is compelling, highly enjoyable and an extraordinary album.

Catherine Sedgwick
Photo: Roberto Serra

Morricone Segreto is released on 6^th November 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Morricone’s website here.

Watch the trailer for the album here: