SUITE from Laura - David Raksin (Score Only) **DIGITAL DOWNLOAD**

Full Orchestra - Advanced - Digital Download

By David Raksin. Score. 24 pages. Published by Chris Siddall Music Publishing.

Once principal photography had been completed, director Otto Preminger hired David Raksin to score the film. The director wanted to use “Sophisticated Lady” by Duke Ellington for the main theme, but Raksin objected to the choice. Alfred Newman, music director for Twentieth Century Fox, persuaded Preminger to give Raksin a weekend to compose an original tune. Furious, Preminger gave Raksin that weekend, but threatened him with dismissal in case he failed.

Inspired by a “Dear John” letter he received from his estranged wife over the course of that weekend, Raksin composed the haunting theme, also titled “Laura”, for which Johnny Mercer later wrote lyrics. It eventually became a jazz standard recorded by more than 400 artists, including Stan Kenton, Dick Haymes, Woody Herman, Nat King Cole, The Four Freshmen, Charlie Parker, Billy Eckstine, and Frank Sinatra. Spike Jones did a parody version of the song. Preminger was so pleased with Raksin’s score that he not only did not dismiss Raksin, but also collaborated with him on four additional films.

Created from the original manuscript, this release offers a rare opportunity to study film music in its authentic, original orchestration and arrangement. An opportunity not to be missed!