Begun in May of 2020, At the Movies’ series of Ennio Morricone thematically-themed collections reached its conclusion at the end of January 2021. Just in in time for Valentine’s Day comes Theme V: Passion, a collection that once again reminds us that everything in Italian life is approached with gusto, energy, and passion.
Never has there been a finer collection of tracks with which to woo the film lover in your life, as Passion not only pulls from some of the Maestro’s lesser-known works, but ones that reflect a central theme of music for the heart, written from the heart. While there are many of the songs come from comedies movies such as A Lydia from 1968’s Scusi, Facciamo l’Amore? (Listen, Let’s Make Love) or the theme to 1979’s Viaggio con Anita (Lovers And Liars), Passion also finds romantic themes in everything from the Gothic horror of 1965’s Amanti d’Oltretomba (Nightmare Castle) to the giallo of 1971’s The Cat O’ Nine Tails and 1972’s Cosa Avete Fatto a Solange? (What Have You Done to Solange?).
It really demonstrates just how ably Morricone can find delicate moments or a great, sweeping melody within even splatter scenes of brutal crime that drama, horror, and comedy all sit side-by-side on this double LP compilation. The beauty of these tracks is what really shines through, and while there might be the occasional moment of melancholy, they are counterbalanced by tracks that manage to evoke some hip shakes or erotic moods.
Passion is a limited edition of 3000 copies on pink and purple marbled 180-gram vinyl, each individually numbered. As with the four prior instalments, included is a four-page insert with Claudio Fuiano’s liner notes. Each of the other Themes records have featured a special spot-varnish image on the cover, but this one goes even further, as the gatefold sleeve’s lips are an eye-catching diamond glitter foil against a pink background.
