Maestro Erich Kunzel has died, after a battle with cancer.
Kunzel has been active for many years, but his most noted accomplishment may be his founding of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (comprised of musicians from the Cincinnati Symphony), and the lengthy body of recording work he did with that ensemble. Kunzel’s recording frequently featured film music, and nearly any lover of film music will own at least a few of Kunzel’s recordings. He conducted film music with sparkle and verve, and he will be greatly missed.
Here are a few samples from his baton.
The Magnificent Seven:
The Love Theme from Spartacus:
Gone With the Wind:
“Across the Universe”, by the Beatles (performed by the King’s Singers):
The last few minutes of the 1812 Overture, performed at “A Capitol Fourth”:
Farewell, Maestro Kunzel, and thanks for the music.
Damn, I've started smoking Marlboros again.
OK, no, but I'm old enough to remember cigarette commercials on TV, and Magnificant Seven's tune went with "Come to where…the flavor is…come to Marlbo Country!"