Heidi

In 1993, there was (yet another) film version of Heidi - this time it was for television, and starred Jason Robards as "Grandfather". Composer Lee Holdridge wrote the music for this film, and produced a very sentimentally sweet score. The main theme, performed in "Overture" is a very strong theme, and almost alludes to something Alan Silvestri might have written. There are plenty of classical orchestrations in this score - no synth is used at all. One track, "John Leaves" is filled with classic melodrama, complete with the requisite horn hits and tremolo strings.

Like many classically trained composers, Holdridge has no concerns about allowing two instruments to play off each other while the rest of the orchestra sits patiently waiting. Such a cue, "Starlit Night" is primarily a flute and harp piece, with minimal orchestral backing until the end, when the full Heidi theme is brought into play. There is also plenty of dramatic tension, such as that found in "Peter Running to Heidi", and "Hanging on the Edge". Joyous music abounds throughout the score as well, such as that found in "Church Steeple" and "Healthy Mountain Air".

I never got a chance to see Heidi when it aired on television, and I don't know how well it was received. But it most certainly has a glowing score with a very memorable theme, and would make a welcome addition to any soundtrack collection. Released as a promo album, this might be difficult to find, but if you check Super Collector, S.T.A.R. and Screen Archives Entertainment, I'm sure one of those places should have it. It would be well worth your time and money to get this one.