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{{distinguish|Godfather (soundtrack)}}
{{Distinguish|Godfather (soundtrack)}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = The Godfather
| name = The Godfather
Line 10: Line 10:
| venue =
| venue =
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = [[Soundtrack]]
| genre = [[Film score]]
| length = 31:31
| length = 31:31
| label = [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount]] (original) / [[MCA Records|MCA]] (CD)
| label = [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount]] (original) / [[MCA Records|MCA]] (CD)
Line 19: Line 19:
| next_title = [[The Godfather Part II (soundtrack)|The Godfather Part II]]
| next_title = [[The Godfather Part II (soundtrack)|The Godfather Part II]]
| next_year = 1974
| next_year = 1974
⚫
}}
⚫
{{Album ratings
⚫
| rev1 = [[Allmusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>[{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r84339|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic review]</ref>
⚫
| rev2 = Filmtracks
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/godfather.html|title=Filmtracks: The Godfather (Nino Rota)|website=www.filmtracks.com}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''''The Godfather''''' is the [[soundtrack]] from the [[The Godfather|film of the same name]], released in 1972 by [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount Records]], and in 1991 on compact disc by [[MCA Records|MCA]]. Unless noted, the cues were composed by [[Nino Rota]] and conducted by [[Carlo Savina]] (who was credited on the LP, but not the CD). The song "I Have but One Heart" is sung by [[Al Martino]], who performed it in the film as character Johnny Fontane.
'''''The Godfather''''' is the [[soundtrack]] from the [[The Godfather|film of the same name]], released in 1972 by [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount Records]], and in 1991 on compact disc by [[MCA Records|MCA]]. Unless noted, the cues were composed by [[Nino Rota]] and conducted by [[Carlo Savina]] (who was credited on the LP, but not the CD). The song "I Have but One Heart" is sung by [[Al Martino]], who performed it in the film as character Johnny Fontane.


The score was nominated for an [[Academy Award]]; however, the Academy withdrew the nomination after determining that the "[[Speak Softly, Love|Love Theme]]" was a rewritten version of Nino Rota's music from the 1958 film ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2012/03/15/the-anniversary-you-cant-refuse-40-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-godfather/slide/the-films-music-was-honored-then-rejected-by-the-oscars/|title=The Anniversary You Can’t Refuse: 40 Things You Didn’t Know About The Godfather|first=Gilbert|last=Cruz|publisher=|via=entertainment.time.com}}</ref>
The score was nominated for an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]; however, the Academy withdrew the nomination after determining that the "[[Speak Softly, Love|Love Theme]]" was a rewritten version of Nino Rota's music from the 1958 film ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2012/03/15/the-anniversary-you-cant-refuse-40-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-godfather/slide/the-films-music-was-honored-then-rejected-by-the-oscars/|title=The Anniversary You Can't Refuse: 40 Things You Didn't Know About The Godfather|first=Gilbert|last=Cruz|magazine=Time |date=14 March 2012 |via=entertainment.time.com}}</ref>


==Background and recording==
==Background and recording==


Coppola hired Italian composer [[Nino Rota]] to create the underscore for the film, including the main theme, "[[Speak Softly, Love]]".{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}}<ref name="TDH">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471263/the-daily-herald/|newspaper=The Daily Herald|page=5|date=March 28, 1972|title='The Godfather'Based On Best-Selling Novel|author=|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In October 1971, Coppola flew to [[Rome]] with a copy of the film to give Rota to view and create the score accordingly.<ref name="THA">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53487192/the-honolulu-advertiser/|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|page=F-7|date=October 28, 1971|title=San Francisco|author=Herb Caen|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> For the score, Rota was to relate to the situations and characters in the film.{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Scott Cain of ''The Atlanta Journal and Constitution'' reacted to Rota's work with the movie's score by saying that regardless of how the movie turned out, "it will be worthwhile just for Rota's contributions."<ref name="TAC">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471213/the-atlanta-constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal and Constitution|page=4-F|date=January 2, 1972|title=For Bogdanovich, An Earful of Old Hits|author=Scott Cain|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Rota synthesized new music for the film and took some parts from his ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]'' score, in order to create an Italian feel and evoke the tragic film's themes.{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}} Paramount executive Evans found the score to be too "highbrow" and did not want to use it; however, it was used after Coppola managed to get Evans to agree.{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Coppola believed that Rota's musical piece gave the film even more of an Italian feel.{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Coppola's father, [[Carmine Coppola|Carmine]], created some additional music for the film,{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=355}} particularly the music played by the band during the opening wedding scene.{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}}{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}}
Coppola hired Italian composer [[Nino Rota]] to create the underscore for the film, including the main theme, "[[Speak Softly, Love]]".{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}}<ref name="TDH">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471263/the-daily-herald/|newspaper=The Daily Herald|page=5|date=March 28, 1972|title='The Godfather'Based On Best-Selling Novel|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In October 1971, Coppola flew to [[Rome]] with a copy of the film to give Rota to view and create the score accordingly.<ref name="THA">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53487192/the-honolulu-advertiser/|newspaper=The Honolulu Advertiser|page=F-7|date=October 28, 1971|title=San Francisco|author=Herb Caen|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> For the score, Rota was to relate to the situations and characters in the film.{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Scott Cain of ''The Atlanta Journal and Constitution'' reacted to Rota's work with the movie's score by saying that regardless of how the movie turned out, "it will be worthwhile just for Rota's contributions."<ref name="TAC">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471213/the-atlanta-constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal and Constitution|page=4-F|date=January 2, 1972|title=For Bogdanovich, An Earful of Old Hits|author=Scott Cain|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Rota synthesized new music for the film and took some parts from his 1958 ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]'' film score, in order to create an Italian feel and evoke the tragic film's themes.{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}} Rota also based the piece Main Theme (The Godfather Waltz) off the opening melody of Jean Sibelius' [[Symphony No. 1 (Sibelius)|Symphony No. 1]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Classical Hour: Sibelius' First Symphony |url=https://ofo.no/en/concerts/2020-10-14/classical-hour-sibelius |website=Oslo Philharmonic}}</ref> Paramount executive Evans found the score to be too "highbrow" and did not want to use it; however, it was used after Coppola managed to get Evans to agree.{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=107}}{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Coppola believed that Rota's musical piece gave the film even more of an Italian feel.{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}} Coppola's father, [[Carmine Coppola|Carmine]], created some additional music for the film,{{sfn|Phillips|2004|p=355}} particularly the music played by the band during the opening wedding scene.{{sfn|Welsh|Phillips|Hill|2010|p=222}}{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}}


There are nine instances within the film where incidental music can be heard,{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}} including:
⚫
There are a total of nine instances within the film where incidental music can be heard,{{sfn|Lebo|1997|p=191}} including [[C'è la luna mezzo mare]] and Cherubino's aria, ''Non so più cosa son'' from [[The Marriage of Figaro|Le Nozze di Figaro]]. There was a soundtrack released for the film in 1972 in vinyl form by [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount Records]], on CD in 1991 by [[Geffen Records]], and digitally by Geffen on August 18, 2005.<ref name="Editions">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/godfather-original-motion/id61948057 |title=The Godfather (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |accessdate=April 16, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720014803/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/godfather-original-motion/id61948057 |archivedate=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album contains over 31 minutes of music coming from the film, with most being composed by Rota, along with a song from Coppola and one by Johnny Farrow and [[Marty Symes]].<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301 |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] |last=Curd |first=Zach |work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network, LLC |accessdate=July 20, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720150218/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301 |archivedate=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] |work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network, LLC |accessdate=July 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720151523/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |archive-date=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FT RV">{{cite web |url=http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/godfather.html |title=The Godfather |work=Filmtracks |publisher=Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications) |date=October 3, 2009 |accessdate=July 20, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720150807/http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/godfather.html |archivedate=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> There were 29 recordings of Nino Rota's music on the market by April 1972, specifically the songs recorded were "The Godfather Waltz", "Speak Softly Love," and "Love Theme from The Godfather."<ref name="FdLR">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471302/the-shreveport-journal/|newspaper=The Shreveport Journal|page=6-C|date=April 29, 1972|title='Godfather' Music Starts Landslide|author=|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="CST">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471360/cumberland-sunday-times/|newspaper=The Cumberland Sunday Times|page=34|date=May 14, 1972|title=29 Recordings of 'Godfather' Music Listed|author=|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471302/the-shreveport-journal/|newspaper=Fond du Lac Reporter|page=9|date=May 1, 1972|title='Godfather' Music Recorded 29 Times; More Expected|author=|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> It was expected more recordings would be hitting the market as the year went on.<ref name="FdLR"/><ref name="CST"/><ref name="TSJ"/>
* "[[Manhattan Serenade]]"
* [[C'è la luna mezzo mare]] and Cherubino's aria, ''Non so più cosa son'' from [[The Marriage of Figaro|Le Nozze di Figaro]]

⚫
There was a soundtrack released for the film in 1972 in vinyl form by [[Paramount Records (1969)|Paramount Records]], on CD in 1991 by [[Geffen Records]], and digitally by Geffen on August 18, 2005.<ref name="Editions">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/godfather-original-motion/id61948057 |title=The Godfather (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |access-date=April 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720014803/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/godfather-original-motion/id61948057 |archive-date=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The album contains over 31 minutes of music coming from the film, with most being composed by Rota, along with a song from Coppola and one by Johnny Farrow and [[Marty Symes]].<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301 |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] |last=Curd |first=Zach |work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=July 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720150218/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301 |archive-date=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] |work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=July 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720151523/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-original-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |archive-date=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FT RV">{{cite web |url=http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/godfather.html |title=The Godfather |work=Filmtracks |publisher=Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications) |date=October 3, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720150807/http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/godfather.html |archive-date=July 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> There were 29 recordings of Nino Rota's music on the market by April 1972, specifically the songs recorded were "The Godfather Waltz", "Speak Softly Love," and "Love Theme from The Godfather."<ref name="FdLR">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471302/the-shreveport-journal/|newspaper=The Shreveport Journal|page=6-C|date=April 29, 1972|title='Godfather' Music Starts Landslide|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="CST">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471360/cumberland-sunday-times/|newspaper=The Cumberland Sunday Times|page=34|date=May 14, 1972|title=29 Recordings of 'Godfather' Music Listed|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471302/the-shreveport-journal/|newspaper=Fond du Lac Reporter|page=9|date=May 1, 1972|title='Godfather' Music Recorded 29 Times; More Expected|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> It was expected more recordings would be hitting the market as the year went on.<ref name="FdLR"/><ref name="CST"/><ref name="TSJ"/>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{Listen
|filename=Love Theme From The Godfather.ogg
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|title=Love theme from ''The Godfather''
|description=The famous theme, composed by [[Nino Rota]].
|format=[[Ogg]]
|pos=right
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}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Side one
| headline = Side one
Line 86: Line 77:
| writer6 = Nino Rota
| writer6 = Nino Rota
| length6 = 3:50
| length6 = 3:50
| all_writing =
| total_length = 31:31
| title7 =
| length7 =
| title8 =
| length8 =
| title9 =
| length9 =
| title10 =
| length10 =
| total_length =
}}
}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
⚫
{{Album ratings
⚫
| rev1 = [[Allmusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="allmusic" />
⚫
| rev2 = Filmtracks
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="FT RV"/>
⚫
}}
⚫
The soundtrack was well received by music critics. The [[United Press International]]'s William D. Laffler wrote that the "Main Title" was a "haunting piece of music which generates nostalgic longing for things past and a foreboding underlying theme."<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53470965/the-sentinel/|newspaper=The Evening Sentinel|page=13|date=June 17, 1972|title=Godfather music is so popular|author=William D. Laffler|agency=[[United Press International|UPI]]|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He felt that the soundtrack grows on the listener with each play and predicted it would become one of the biggest sellers in the calendar year.<ref name="Sentinel"/> William J. Knittle Jr. of the ''Daily News–Post'' felt Rota's titular theme was why ''The Godfather'' was "close to being the perfect American film."<ref name="DNP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471030/daily-news-post/|newspaper=Daily News–Post|page=3|date=October 3, 1972|title=Version is a knockout|author=William J. Knittle Jr.|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He continued by stating Rota broke from his "usual lush string tour de force."<ref name="DNP"/> He felt the music was "meaningful and involving," while the use of [[cello]] and [[cornet]] solos demonstrated the isolation and insulation of the [[Corleone family]].<ref name="DNP"/> He closed by saying the music showed Italian influence and had a natural progression.<ref name="DNP"/> The ''Journal and Courier'''s Bernard Drew felt Rota's musical pieces were haunting and "bridged gaps and served as a reminder of how things were."<ref name="JNC">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471193/journal-and-courier/|newspaper=Journal and Courier|page=C-6|date=March 22, 1972|title='Godfather' Rated Rousing Crime Show|author=Bernard Drew|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
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Harry Haun of ''The Tennessean'' described Rota's score as "baleful," but felt it kept with the pace of the movie well.<ref name="TT">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471245/the-tennessean/|newspaper=The Tennessean|page=56|date=March 30, 1972|title=A Family That Preys Together|author=Harry Haun|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
⚫
Peter Barsocchini who wrote for ''The Times'' wrote that ''The Godfather'' soundtrack was able to stand on its own.<ref name="TheTimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471323/the-times/|newspaper=The Times|page=15|date=April 18, 1972|title=Three Soundtracks Worth Obtaining|author=Peter Barsocchini|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He elaborated on the soundtrack stating it was "extremely evocative" and that it kept with the time period the movie was set.<ref name="TheTimes"/> He did state that the soundtrack was "rich and interesting, without, except for one cut (the vocal by Al Martino), being at all typed."<ref name="TheTimes"/> He felt the "Main Title" was the best track on the album because: "It is at once chilling and plaintive and nostalgic, but it also evokes the humanity of The Godfather, gives the image of a man instead of a ruthless monster, which is a brilliant composition."<ref name="TheTimes"/> Barsocchini wrote that "The Halls of Fear" explored the concept of fear well in an a-melodramatic way.<ref name="TheTimes"/> He summed up the album by stating it was worthy of one's attention even if not interested in the film.<ref name="TheTimes"/> ''Detroit Free Press'''s Bob Talbert described Rota's score as "right on the money" and "[captured] the feel of the '40s and the power of [[Marlon Brando]]."<ref name="DFP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471274/detroit-free-press/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|page=6-C|date=March 26, 1972|title=For Film Fans, Godfather' Soundtrack|author=Bob Talbert|access-date=May 19, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He generally commented that the instruments used in the movie matched the intensity of Brando and [[Al Pacino]].<ref name="DFP"/> He also described Martino as "a thinly disguised Frank Sinatra."<ref name="DFP"/> [[Allmusic]] gave the album five out of five stars, with editor Zach Curd saying it is a "dark, looming, and elegant soundtrack."<ref name="allmusic" /> An editor for Filmtracks believed that Rota was successful in relating the music to the film's core aspects.<ref name="FT RV"/>


⚫
Rota's score was also nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media|Grammy Award for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture or TV Special]] at the [[15th Grammy Awards]].<ref name="SHT G">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys' |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |date=March 5, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730305&id=xXIjAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292,1858045 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |page=11–A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730305&id=xXIjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rmYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292,1858045 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TSR G">{{cite news |author=Edward W. Coker Jr. |title=Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys' |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |date=March 9, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19730309&id=6h1OAAAAIBAJ&pg=6364,4343285 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19730309&id=6h1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6364,4343285 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rota was announced the winner of the category on March 3 at the Grammys' ceremony in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="SHT G" /><ref name="TSR G" /> Rota had received a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]] at the [[45th Academy Awards]].<ref name="TB Os">{{cite news |last=Russell |first=Bruce |agency=Reuters |title='Godfather' Gets 11 Oscar Nominations |newspaper=Toledo Blade |date=February 13, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Vc9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=7352,3061459 |access-date=September 2, 2014 |page=P-2}}</ref><ref name="TMD Os">{{cite news |agency=United Press International |title=Godfather Gets 11 Oscar Nominations |newspaper=The Michigan Daily |date=February 14, 1971 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19730214&id=OQtbAAAAIBAJ&pg=2552,1412143 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |page=3}}</ref> Upon further review of Rota's [[Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather)|love theme from ''The Godfather'']], the Academy found that Rota had used a similar score in [[Eduardo De Filippo]]'s 1958 comedy ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title='Godfather' Song Used Before |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Star |date=March 2, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19730302&id=fE4fAAAAIBAJ&pg=708,398081 |access-date=July 15, 2014 |page=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19730302&id=fE4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=otEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=708,398081 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Montreal Gazette |agency=Associated Press |title=Godfather, Superfly music out of Oscars |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uscuAAAAIBAJ&pg=871,1907982 |date=March 7, 1973 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |page=37 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uscuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=f6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=871,1907982 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kris Tapley">{{cite news |last=Tapley |first=Kris |url=https://www.variety.com/blog/890000489/post/370020437.html |title=Jonny Greenwood's 'Blood' score disqualified by AM-PAS |work=Variety |date=January 21, 2008 |access-date=March 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915120909/www.variety.com/blog/890000489/post/370020437.html |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> This led to re-balloting, where members of the music branch chose from six films: ''The Godfather'' and the five films that had been on the shortlist for best original dramatic score but did not get nominated. [[John Addison]]'s score for ''Sleuth'' won this new vote, and thus replaced Rota's score on the official list of nominees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paramount.com/paramount-academy-awards/tags/143/the-1970s |access-date=June 16, 2013 |title=100 Years of Paramount: Academy Awards |publisher=Paramount Pictures |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604233242/http://www.paramount.com/paramount-academy-awards/tags/143/the-1970s |archive-date=June 4, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫
The soundtrack was well received by music critics. The [[United Press International]]'s William D. Laffler wrote that the "Main Title" was a "haunting piece of music which generates nostalgic longing for things past and a foreboding underlying theme."<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53470965/the-sentinel/|newspaper=The Evening Sentinel|page=13|date=June 17, 1972|title=Godfather music is so popular|author=William D. Laffler|agency=[[United Press International|UPI]]|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He felt that the soundtrack grows on the listener with each play and predicted it would become one of the biggest sellers in the calendar year.<ref name="Sentinel"/> William J. Knittle, Jr. of the ''Daily News–Post'' felt Rota's titular theme was why ''The Godfather'' was "close to being the perfect American film."<ref name="DNP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471030/daily-news-post/|newspaper=Daily News–Post|page=3|date=October 3, 1972|title=Version is a knockout|author=William J. Knittle, Jr.|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He continued by stating Rota broke from his "usual lush string tour de force."<ref name="DNP"/> He felt the music was "meaningful and involving," while the use of [[cello]] and [[coronet]]] solos demonstrated the isolation and insulation of the [[Corleone family]].<ref name="DNP"/> He closed by saying the music showed Italian influence and had a natural progression.<ref name="DNP"/> The ''Journal and Courier'''s Bernard Drew felt Rota's musical pieces were haunting and "bridged gaps and served as a reminder of how things were."<ref name="JNC">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471193/journal-and-courier/|newspaper=Journal and Courier|page=C-6|date=March 22, 1972|title='Godfather' Rated Rousing Crime Show|author=Bernard Drew|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
⚫
Harry Haun of ''The Tennessean'' described Rota's score as "baleful," but felt it kept with the pace of the movie well.<ref name="TT">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471245/the-tennessean/|newspaper=The Tennessean|page=56|date=March 30, 1972|title=A Family That Preys Together|author=Harry Haun|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
⚫
Peter Barsocchini who wrote for ''The Times'' wrote that ''The Godfather'' soundtrack was able to stand on its own.<ref name="TheTimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471323/the-times/|newspaper=The Times|page=15|date=April 18, 1972|title=Three Soundtracks Worth Obtaining|author=Peter Barsocchini|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He elaborated on the soundtrack stating it was "extremely evocative" and that it kept with the time period the movie was set.<ref name="TheTimes"/> He did state that the soundtrack was "rich and interesting, without, except for one cut (the vocal by Al Martino), being at all typed."<ref name="TheTimes"/> He felt the "Main Title" was the best track on the album because: "It is at once chilling and plaintive and nostalgic, but it also evokes the humanity of The Godfather, gives the image of a man instead of a ruthless monster, which is a brilliant composition."<ref name="TheTimes"/> Barsocchini wrote that "The Halls of Fear" explored the concept of fear well in an a-melodramatic way.<ref name="TheTimes"/> He summed up the album by stating it was worthy of one's attention even if not interested in the film.<ref name="TheTimes"/> ''Detroit Free Press'''s Bob Talbert described Rota's score as "right on the money" and "[captured] the feel of the '40s and the power of [[Marlon Brando]]."<ref name="DFP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53471274/detroit-free-press/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|page=6-C|date=March 26, 1972|title=For Film Fans, Godfather' Soundtrack|author=Bob Talbert|accessdate=May 17, 2020|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> He generally commented that the instruments used in the movie matched the intensity of Brando and [[Al Pacino]].<ref name="DFP"/> He also described Martino as "a thinly disguised Frank Sinatra."<ref name="DFP"/> [[Allmusic]] gave the album five out of five stars, with editor Zach Curd saying it is a "dark, looming, and elegant soundtrack."<ref name="allmusic" /> An editor for Filmtracks believed that Rota was successful in relating the music to the film's core aspects.<ref name="FT RV"/>

⚫
Rota's score was also nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media|Grammy Award for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture or TV Special]] at the [[15th Grammy Awards]].<ref name="SHT G">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys' |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |date=March 5, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730305&id=xXIjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rmYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292,1858045 |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |page=11–A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730305&id=xXIjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rmYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7292,1858045 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TSR G">{{cite news |author=Edward W. Coker Jr. |title=Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys' |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |date=March 9, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19730309&id=6h1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6364,4343285 |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19730309&id=6h1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DO0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6364,4343285 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rota was announced the winner of the category on March 3 at the Grammys' ceremony in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="SHT G" /><ref name="TSR G" /> Rota had received a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]] at the [[45th Academy Awards]].<ref name="TB Os">{{cite news |last=Russell |first=Bruce |agency=Reuters |title='Godfather' Gets 11 Oscar Nominations |newspaper=Toledo Blade |date=February 13, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Vc9OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-AEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7352,3061459 |accessdate=September 2, 2014 |page=P-2}}</ref><ref name="TMD Os">{{cite news |agency=United Press International |title=Godfather Gets 11 Oscar Nominations |newspaper=The Michigan Daily |date=February 14, 1971 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19730214&id=OQtbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K04NAAAAIBAJ&pg=2552,1412143 |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |page=3}}</ref> Upon further review of Rota's [[Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather)|love theme from ''The Godfather'']], the Academy found that Rota had used a similar score in [[Eduardo De Filippo]]'s 1958 comedy ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title='Godfather' Song Used Before |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Star |date=March 2, 1973 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19730302&id=fE4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=otEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=708,398081 |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |page=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19730302&id=fE4fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=otEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=708,398081 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Montreal Gazette |agency=Associated Press |title=Godfather, Superfly music out of Oscars |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uscuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=f6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=871,1907982 |date=March 7, 1973 |accessdate=July 16, 2014 |page=37 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121195947/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uscuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=f6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=871,1907982 |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kris Tapley">{{cite news |last=Tapley |first=Kris |url=https://www.variety.com/blog/890000489/post/370020437.html |title=Jonny Greenwood's 'Blood' score disqualified by AM-PAS |work=Variety |date=January 21, 2008 |accessdate=March 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915120909/www.variety.com/blog/890000489/post/370020437.html |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> This led to re-balloting, where members of the music branch chose from six films: ''The Godfather'' and the five films that had been on the shortlist for best original dramatic score but did not get nominated. [[John Addison]]'s score for ''Sleuth'' won this new vote, and thus replaced Rota's score on the official list of nominees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paramount.com/paramount-academy-awards/tags/143/the-1970s |accessdate=June 16, 2013 |title=100 Years of Paramount: Academy Awards |publisher=Paramount Pictures |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604233242/http://www.paramount.com/paramount-academy-awards/tags/143/the-1970s |archive-date=June 4, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 116: Line 103:
| [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Dramatic Score]]
| [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Dramatic Score]]
| [[Nino Rota]]
| [[Nino Rota]]
| style="text-align:center;"| Revoked{{refn|name=Academy|group=N|Following it's nomination, ''[[The Godfather]]'s'' main score, "[[Speak Softly, Love|Love Theme from The Godfather]]," was found similar to Rota's previous score from the 1958 film ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''. This led to the Academy placing the theme into a new ballot with five other movie's main scores that missed the original cut for nominations to determine who would hold the final spot for the [[Academy Award]] category for [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Dramatic Score]]. The theme lost the vote and was replaced by [[John Addison]]'s score for ''Sleuth''.}}
| style="text-align:center;"| Revoked{{refn|name=Academy|group=N|Following its nomination, ''[[The Godfather]]'s'' main score, "[[Speak Softly, Love|Love Theme from The Godfather]]," was found similar to Rota's previous score from the 1958 film ''[[Fortunella (film)|Fortunella]]''. This led to the Academy placing the theme into a new ballot with five other movie's main scores that missed the original cut for nominations to determine who would hold the final spot for the [[Academy Award]] category for [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Dramatic Score]]. The theme lost the vote and was replaced by [[John Addison]]'s score for ''Sleuth''.}}
|-
|-
| [[26th British Academy Film Awards]]
| [[26th British Academy Film Awards]]
Line 137: Line 124:
==Credits==
==Credits==


{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
*Composer: Carmine Coppola
*Composer: Carmine Coppola
*Composer: Johnny Farrow
*Composer: Johnny Farrow
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*Composer and primary artist: Carlo Savina
*Composer and primary artist: Carlo Savina
*Composer: Marty Symes
*Composer: Marty Symes
⚫
Source:<ref name="allmusic Cred">{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-music-from-the-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] – Credits|work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=July 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615152242/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-music-from-the-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{col-end}}
⚫
Source:<ref name="allmusic Cred">{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-music-from-the-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |title=Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] – Credits|work=Allmusic |publisher=All Media Network, LLC |accessdate=July 20, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615152242/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-godfather-music-from-the-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0000263301/credits |archivedate=June 15, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Release history==
==Release history==
Line 190: Line 174:


===Footnotes===
===Footnotes===
{{reflist|group=N}}
{{Reflist|group=N}}


===Citations===
===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Lebo |first=Harlan |title=The Godfather Legacy: The Untold Story of the Making of the Classic Godfather Trilogy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MNi9qYe-ZUsC |accessdate=September 26, 2016 |year=1997 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=London, England |isbn=978-0-684-83647-8 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last=Lebo |first=Harlan |title=The Godfather Legacy: The Untold Story of the Making of the Classic Godfather Trilogy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MNi9qYe-ZUsC |access-date=September 26, 2016 |year=1997 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=London, England |isbn=978-0-684-83647-8 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=Gene D. |title=Godfather: The Intimate Francis Ford Coppola |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6XBHAgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |year=2004 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |isbn=978-0-8131-4671-3 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=Gene D. |title=Godfather: The Intimate Francis Ford Coppola |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6XBHAgAAQBAJ |access-date=July 15, 2014 |year=2004 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |location=Lexington, Kentucky |isbn=978-0-8131-4671-3 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Welsh |first1=James M. |last2=Phillips |first2=Gene D. |last3=Hill |first3=Rodney F. |title=The Francis Ford Coppola Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3m5SrXs42YEC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=July 15, 2014 |year=2010 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |location=Lanham, Maryland |isbn=978-0-8108-7651-4 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |last1=Welsh |first1=James M. |last2=Phillips |first2=Gene D. |last3=Hill |first3=Rodney F. |title=The Francis Ford Coppola Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3m5SrXs42YEC |access-date=July 15, 2014 |year=2010 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |location=Lanham, Maryland |isbn=978-0-8108-7651-4 }}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}


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*[http://www.discogs.com/Nino-Rota-Godfather-Oryginal-Soundtrack-Recording/master/64122 Track List at discogs.com]
*[http://www.discogs.com/Nino-Rota-Godfather-Oryginal-Soundtrack-Recording/master/64122 Track List at discogs.com]


⚫
{{Godfather}}
{{Nino Rota}}
{{Nino Rota}}
⚫
{{Godfather}}
{{Navboxes
⚫
|title = Awards for ''The Godfather'' soundtrack
|list =
{{Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media}}
⚫
}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Godfather}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Godfather}}
[[Category:The Godfather soundtracks|Soundtrack 1]]
[[Category:The Godfather soundtracks|Soundtrack 1]]
[[Category:1972 soundtracks|Godfather (soundtrack)]]
[[Category:1972 soundtrack albums|Godfather (soundtrack)]]
[[Category:MCA Records soundtracks]]
[[Category:MCA Records soundtracks]]
[[Category:Paramount Records (1969) soundtracks]]
[[Category:Paramount Records (1969) soundtracks]]
[[Category:Album covers by S. Neil Fujita]]
[[Category:Album covers by S. Neil Fujita]]
[[Category:Crime film soundtracks]]
[[Category:Soundtracks by Italian artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media]]
[[he:הסנדק (סרט)#פסקול]]
[[he:הסנדק (סרט)#פסקול]]

Latest revision as of 05:12, 5 February 2024

Not to be confused with Godfather (soundtrack).
The Godfather
Soundtrack album by
Nino Rota
Released1972. CD: 26 March 1991 159487
GenreFilm score
Length31:31
LabelParamount (original) / MCA (CD)
ProducerTom Mack
The Godfather chronology
The Godfather
(1972) 		The Godfather Part II
(1974)

The Godfather is the soundtrack from the film of the same name, released in 1972 by Paramount Records, and in 1991 on compact disc by MCA. Unless noted, the cues were composed by Nino Rota and conducted by Carlo Savina (who was credited on the LP, but not the CD). The song "I Have but One Heart" is sung by Al Martino, who performed it in the film as character Johnny Fontane.

The score was nominated for an Academy Award; however, the Academy withdrew the nomination after determining that the "Love Theme" was a rewritten version of Nino Rota's music from the 1958 film Fortunella.[1]

Background and recording

[edit]

Coppola hired Italian composer Nino Rota to create the underscore for the film, including the main theme, "Speak Softly, Love".[2][3][4] In October 1971, Coppola flew to Rome with a copy of the film to give Rota to view and create the score accordingly.[5] For the score, Rota was to relate to the situations and characters in the film.[2][3] Scott Cain of The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reacted to Rota's work with the movie's score by saying that regardless of how the movie turned out, "it will be worthwhile just for Rota's contributions."[6] Rota synthesized new music for the film and took some parts from his 1958 Fortunella film score, in order to create an Italian feel and evoke the tragic film's themes.[7] Rota also based the piece Main Theme (The Godfather Waltz) off the opening melody of Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 1.[8] Paramount executive Evans found the score to be too "highbrow" and did not want to use it; however, it was used after Coppola managed to get Evans to agree.[2][3] Coppola believed that Rota's musical piece gave the film even more of an Italian feel.[3] Coppola's father, Carmine, created some additional music for the film,[9] particularly the music played by the band during the opening wedding scene.[3][7]

There are nine instances within the film where incidental music can be heard,[7] including:

There was a soundtrack released for the film in 1972 in vinyl form by Paramount Records, on CD in 1991 by Geffen Records, and digitally by Geffen on August 18, 2005.[10] The album contains over 31 minutes of music coming from the film, with most being composed by Rota, along with a song from Coppola and one by Johnny Farrow and Marty Symes.[11][12][13] There were 29 recordings of Nino Rota's music on the market by April 1972, specifically the songs recorded were "The Godfather Waltz", "Speak Softly Love," and "Love Theme from The Godfather."[14][15][16] It was expected more recordings would be hitting the market as the year went on.[14][15][16]

Track listing

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Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Main Title (The Godfather Waltz)"Nino Rota3:04
2."I Have But One Heart"Johnny Farrow, Marty Symes3:00
3."The Pickup"Nino Rota2:56
4."Connie's Wedding"Carmine Coppola1:33
5."The Halls of Fear"Nino Rota2:12
6."Sicilian Pastorale"Nino Rota3:03
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Love Theme from The Godfather"Nino Rota2:37
2."The Godfather Waltz"Nino Rota3:35
3."Apollonia"Nino Rota1:22
4."The New Godfather"Nino Rota2:00
5."The Baptism"Nino Rota1:51
6."The Godfather Finale"Nino Rota3:50
Total length:31:31

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[11]
Filmtracks[13]

The soundtrack was well received by music critics. The United Press International's William D. Laffler wrote that the "Main Title" was a "haunting piece of music which generates nostalgic longing for things past and a foreboding underlying theme."[17] He felt that the soundtrack grows on the listener with each play and predicted it would become one of the biggest sellers in the calendar year.[17] William J. Knittle Jr. of the Daily News–Post felt Rota's titular theme was why The Godfather was "close to being the perfect American film."[18] He continued by stating Rota broke from his "usual lush string tour de force."[18] He felt the music was "meaningful and involving," while the use of cello and cornet solos demonstrated the isolation and insulation of the Corleone family.[18] He closed by saying the music showed Italian influence and had a natural progression.[18] The Journal and Courier's Bernard Drew felt Rota's musical pieces were haunting and "bridged gaps and served as a reminder of how things were."[19] Harry Haun of The Tennessean described Rota's score as "baleful," but felt it kept with the pace of the movie well.[20] Peter Barsocchini who wrote for The Times wrote that The Godfather soundtrack was able to stand on its own.[21] He elaborated on the soundtrack stating it was "extremely evocative" and that it kept with the time period the movie was set.[21] He did state that the soundtrack was "rich and interesting, without, except for one cut (the vocal by Al Martino), being at all typed."[21] He felt the "Main Title" was the best track on the album because: "It is at once chilling and plaintive and nostalgic, but it also evokes the humanity of The Godfather, gives the image of a man instead of a ruthless monster, which is a brilliant composition."[21] Barsocchini wrote that "The Halls of Fear" explored the concept of fear well in an a-melodramatic way.[21] He summed up the album by stating it was worthy of one's attention even if not interested in the film.[21] Detroit Free Press's Bob Talbert described Rota's score as "right on the money" and "[captured] the feel of the '40s and the power of Marlon Brando."[22] He generally commented that the instruments used in the movie matched the intensity of Brando and Al Pacino.[22] He also described Martino as "a thinly disguised Frank Sinatra."[22] Allmusic gave the album five out of five stars, with editor Zach Curd saying it is a "dark, looming, and elegant soundtrack."[11] An editor for Filmtracks believed that Rota was successful in relating the music to the film's core aspects.[13]

Rota's score was also nominated for Grammy Award for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture or TV Special at the 15th Grammy Awards.[23][24] Rota was announced the winner of the category on March 3 at the Grammys' ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.[23][24] Rota had received a nomination for the Best Original Score at the 45th Academy Awards.[25][26] Upon further review of Rota's love theme from The Godfather, the Academy found that Rota had used a similar score in Eduardo De Filippo's 1958 comedy Fortunella.[27][28][29] This led to re-balloting, where members of the music branch chose from six films: The Godfather and the five films that had been on the shortlist for best original dramatic score but did not get nominated. John Addison's score for Sleuth won this new vote, and thus replaced Rota's score on the official list of nominees.[30]

Awards and nominations received by The Godfather
Award Category Nominee Result
45th Academy Awards Best Original Dramatic Score Nino Rota Revoked[N 1]
26th British Academy Film Awards Best Film Music Nino Rota Won
30th Golden Globe Awards Best Original Score Nino Rota Won
15th Grammy Awards Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or TV Special Nino Rota Won

Credits

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  • Composer: Carmine Coppola
  • Composer: Johnny Farrow
  • Featured artist: Al Martino
  • Composer: Giovanni Rota
  • Composer and primary artist: Nino Rota
  • Composer and primary artist: Carlo Savina
  • Composer: Marty Symes

Source:[31]

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, formats, label, editions and reference
Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref(s)
1972
  • Vinyl
[10]
1991
[10]
August 18, 2005
[10]

References

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ Following its nomination, The Godfather's main score, "Love Theme from The Godfather," was found similar to Rota's previous score from the 1958 film Fortunella. This led to the Academy placing the theme into a new ballot with five other movie's main scores that missed the original cut for nominations to determine who would hold the final spot for the Academy Award category for Best Original Dramatic Score. The theme lost the vote and was replaced by John Addison's score for Sleuth.

Citations

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  1. ^ Cruz, Gilbert (14 March 2012). "The Anniversary You Can't Refuse: 40 Things You Didn't Know About The Godfather". Time – via entertainment.time.com.
  2. ^ a b c Phillips 2004, p. 107.
  3. ^ a b c d e Welsh, Phillips & Hill 2010, p. 222.
  4. ^ "'The Godfather'Based On Best-Selling Novel". The Daily Herald. March 28, 1972. p. 5. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  5. ^ Herb Caen (October 28, 1971). "San Francisco". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. F-7. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. ^ Scott Cain (January 2, 1972). "For Bogdanovich, An Earful of Old Hits". The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. p. 4-F. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  7. ^ a b c Lebo 1997, p. 191.
  8. ^ "Classical Hour: Sibelius' First Symphony". Oslo Philharmonic.
  9. ^ Phillips 2004, p. 355.
  10. ^ a b c d "The Godfather (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  11. ^ a b c Curd, Zach. "Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack]". Allmusic. All Media Network. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  12. ^ "Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack]". Allmusic. All Media Network. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  13. ^ a b c "The Godfather". Filmtracks. Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications). October 3, 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  14. ^ a b "'Godfather' Music Starts Landslide". The Shreveport Journal. April 29, 1972. p. 6-C. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  15. ^ a b "29 Recordings of 'Godfather' Music Listed". The Cumberland Sunday Times. May 14, 1972. p. 34. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  16. ^ a b "'Godfather' Music Recorded 29 Times; More Expected". Fond du Lac Reporter. May 1, 1972. p. 9. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  17. ^ a b William D. Laffler (June 17, 1972). "Godfather music is so popular". The Evening Sentinel. UPI. p. 13. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  18. ^ a b c d William J. Knittle Jr. (October 3, 1972). "Version is a knockout". Daily News–Post. p. 3. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  19. ^ Bernard Drew (March 22, 1972). "'Godfather' Rated Rousing Crime Show". Journal and Courier. p. C-6. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  20. ^ Harry Haun (March 30, 1972). "A Family That Preys Together". The Tennessean. p. 56. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  21. ^ a b c d e f Peter Barsocchini (April 18, 1972). "Three Soundtracks Worth Obtaining". The Times. p. 15. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  22. ^ a b c Bob Talbert (March 26, 1972). "For Film Fans, Godfather' Soundtrack". Detroit Free Press. p. 6-C. Retrieved May 19, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  23. ^ a b "Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys'". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. March 5, 1973. p. 11–A. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  24. ^ a b Edward W. Coker Jr. (March 9, 1973). "Roberta Flack Is Big Winner in Awarding Of 'Grammys'". The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  25. ^ Russell, Bruce (February 13, 1973). "'Godfather' Gets 11 Oscar Nominations". Toledo Blade. Reuters. p. P-2. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  26. ^ "Godfather Gets 11 Oscar Nominations". The Michigan Daily. United Press International. February 14, 1971. p. 3. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  27. ^ "'Godfather' Song Used Before". Daytona Beach Morning Star. Associated Press. March 2, 1973. p. 10. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  28. ^ "Godfather, Superfly music out of Oscars". The Montreal Gazette. Associated Press. March 7, 1973. p. 37. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  29. ^ Tapley, Kris (January 21, 2008). "Jonny Greenwood's 'Blood' score disqualified by AM-PAS". Variety. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  30. ^ "100 Years of Paramount: Academy Awards". Paramount Pictures. Archived from the original on June 4, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  31. ^ "Nino Rota – The Godfather [Original Soundtrack] – Credits". Allmusic. All Media Network. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2014.

Bibliography

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