The browning version

Quartet Records, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, presents a remastered, expanded edition of Mark Isham’s distinguished, moving score for THE BROWNING VERSION. The 1994 film was directed by Mike Figgis, produced by Ridley Scott and based on a famous play by Terence Rattigan, which had already been seen several times on television and in cinemas, the most famous adaptation being the 1951 film starring Michael Redgrave.

The story is about an embittered, disliked teacher of Greek and Latin at a British school (masterfully interpreted by Albert Finney). After nearly 20 years of service, he is being forced to retire on the pretext of his health and might not even receive a pension. The boys regard him as a “Hitler of the Lower Fifth”—with some justification. His wife, Laura (Greta Scacchi), is unfaithful with another young teacher (Matthew Modine), and lives to wound him any way she can. He must come to terms with his failed life and regain at least his own self-respect.

Although director and composer Mike Figgis had previously written a score for the film, producer Ridley Scott felt that an outside voice was needed to enhance the story. Mark Isham, with a jazz sensibility close to Figgis’, was asked to write a spare, heartfelt and highly dramatic symphonic score—one of the last recorded at CTS Studios in London. 

Celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary, this edition includes all the music recorded by Mark Isham for the film, including revised and alternate cues. 

Produced by Dan Goldwasser, the album has been mastered by Chris Malone from first-generation tapes transferred in high resolution. The package includes liner notes by Jeff Bond, based, in part, on a new interview with Mark Isham.

1. In Founder’s Court 1:33

2. Make Way For Mr. Harris* 0:43

3. Taplow 1:17

4. Cromwells 1:51

5. The Agamemnon 1:33

6. Hitler Of The Lower Fifth 0:24

7. Popping Pills 0:24

8. The Art Of Learning Is To Conceal Learning 0:43

9. In The Village 0:53

10. Need Anything From The Village? 0:19

11. Just Good Friends 1:15

12. Enough* / She’s A Good One, Your Mother / Andrew And Gilbert / Good Luck To You 1:55

13. A God From Afar Looks Graciously Upon A Gentle Master** 2:59

14. Defiant Creature 0:55

15. The Secrets Of A Marriage 2:20

16. Worlds Apart 2:41

17. Beter Not Keep The Headmaster Waiting 0:45

18. Night Crawlers 1:03

19. Toujours La Politesse 0:56

20. Goodbye** 2:32

21. To Forgive Myself (Film Version) 0:49

22. The Noblest Calling 2:30

23. Prize Giving 1:20

24. The Browning Version 6:32

Bonus Tracks:

25. To Forgive Myself (Album Version) 3:07

26. Ave Verum 1:15

27. To Forgive Myself (Alternate) 2:3

* not used in the film  ** contains material not used in the film

Total Disc Time: 46:50