The Eiger Sanction: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Released the same year asJohn Williams's Oscar-winning score forJaws,The Eiger Sanctionis a fine example of his true range and impressive malleability as a composer. In fact, those unfamiliar with this work may find its main title and other cues bear striking similarities to the early '70s canon of oneEnnio Morricone. Perhaps inspired by director-star Clint Eastwood's deep musical passions, Williams's modernistic score fuses cool jazz with symphonic overtones, creating a sophisticated pop concerto in the same select league as Michel Legrand'sThe Thomas Crown Affair. A largely unheralded musical gem that's aged much better than the film it was written for, Williams's score forThe Eiger Sanctioncould also be read as prime proto-'90s cocktail-set music; with or without the martinis, it's a cooly sophisticated delight.--Jerry McCulley