The Magnificent Seven
The robust main theme from Elmer Bernstein's orchestral Western  masterpiece quickly outgrew its source material to become one of the  most memorable musical advertising hooks of all time, and then an  international pops concert staple. But despite its status as American  cultural icon and the stuff of film scoring legend, Bernstein's original  soundtrack to John Sturges' landmark Western remake ofThe Seven  Samuraiironically didn't see an official release for nearly 40  years (and then only briefly). Now back in print with new notes, Elmer's  epochal soundtrack retains its place as one of the all-time greats, a  tribute to both Bernstein's sly scoring genius (watch the film without  sound and one will quickly see how Elmer drives its otherwise  lackadaisical pacing relentlessly forward) and his accomplished, ever  inquisitive training as a classical composer. The touchstone here is  early Bernstein mentor Aaron Copland, but Elmer also wisely turns to the  Mexican folk motifs that inspired much of the former's own landmark  concert and ballet pieces. Though Bernstein has often wryly credited  Copland with an assist, it's indeed pure Elmer -- and a dazzling example  of how the student can sometimes gratifyingly outclass the master.--Jerry McCulley