Michel Legrand at Shelly's Manne Hole

This CD contains a fascinating collection of soundtracks by the great composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist Michel Legrand from the early stages of his long career. At the age of 84 at this writing, Legrand has written over 200 film and television scores in addition to many memorable songs. He is best known for his often haunting film music and scores, such as those from the nine movies contained here, which present a good sample of his work. Among the many highlights here is Legrand’s first version of the classic song “Watch What Happens”, which he composed as “Roland Rêve” for the 1960 film Lola.

Quartet Records and MGM are proud to present the world premiere release of Michel Legrand’s complete original soundtrack from the highly sophisticated 1968 thriller The Thomas Crown Affair, the story of a Boston millionaire who puts together an insurance scam by committing holdups against himself. Brilliantly directed by Norman Jewison (Fiddler on the Roof, In the Heat of the Night, The Cincinnati Kid), and starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, the film enjoyed great critical and commercial success and has become an icon of sixties style—known for its agile and surprising editing (by Hal Ashby), Pablo Ferro’s designs, the hot chemistry between Dunaway and McQueen, the costumes, and, of course, the music. Having just moved to Los Angeles after the success of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Michel Legrand (The Young Girls of Rochefort, Summer of ’42, Yentl, Never Say Never Again), infused his music with a new, fresh and never-before-heard style, mixing influences of jazz, pop, Baroque and Stravinsky. It was sophisticated and chic—and worked perfectly with the film.

Michel Legrand was one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. After showing great promise as a jazz arranger — working notably with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Bill Evans — he turned his hand to the French “chanson” genre and composed for Boris Vian and Henri Salvador, Jacques Brel or Maurice Chevalier. He then became probably the most famous composer of melodies for France’s Nouvelle Vague filmmakers — Agnès Varda, Jacques Demy, Jean-Luc Godard —, but it was only the beginning, for he went on to be one of the most illustrious film composers in the world. This 10CD set contains his works during that first great period, devoted to all the music released under his name. Patrick FRÉMEAUX

At Shelly's Manne-Hole (or more completely, Bill Evans Trio at Shelly's Manne-Hole, Hollywood, California) is a live album by American jazz pianist Bill Evans, released in 1963 as his last recording for the Riverside label.

Michel Legrand was one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. After showing great promise as a jazz arranger — working notably with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Bill Evans — he turned his hand to the French “chanson” genre and composed for Boris Vian and Henri Salvador, Jacques Brel or Maurice Chevalier. He then became probably the most famous composer of melodies for France’s Nouvelle Vague filmmakers — Agnès Varda, Jacques Demy, Jean-Luc Godard —, but it was only the beginning, for he went on to be one of the most illustrious film composers in the world. This 10CD set contains his works during that first great period, devoted to all the music released under his name. Patrick FRÉMEAUX

Michel Legrand entered the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 10 and quickly established himself as a gifted musician. 3 Oscars and 75 years later, he performed for the first time at the Philharmonie de Paris in front of an enthusiastic audience. From song to film, this true virtuoso has never ceased to push back the boundaries of his art, collaborating with legends such as Miles Davis, Jacques Demy, Charles Aznavour, Barbra Streisand and Natalie Dessay. His infinite energy makes him one of the most acclaimed composers of the century, whose flamboyant melodies continue to enchant us.

Michel Legrand entered the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 10 and quickly established himself as a gifted musician. 3 Oscars and 75 years later, he performed for the first time at the Philharmonie de Paris in front of an enthusiastic audience. From song to film, this true virtuoso has never ceased to push back the boundaries of his art, collaborating with legends such as Miles Davis, Jacques Demy, Charles Aznavour, Barbra Streisand and Natalie Dessay. His infinite energy makes him one of the most acclaimed composers of the century, whose flamboyant melodies continue to enchant us.