Giallo fever: part 10

Title: …e poi, non ne rimase nessuno (Ten little Indians aka And then there were none)

Year: 1974

Composer: Bruno Nicolai

An adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel moves the events from an island to a secluded hotel in the Iranian desert. Ten strangers who have committed crimes for which they haven’t been punished, are gathered there and then killed off one after another. The film included an international production team and cast and the score was written by Bruno Nicolai. No score release was available though and it was one of the most requested works from the composer before finally receiving a limited release in 2009 which quickly sold out.

For the film Nicolai composed two nostalgic, lyrical themes while the rest of the cues are devoted to mostly atonal mystery writing. Seq. 1 presents the main theme, the more melodic of the two with a flute solo that is then joined by the orchestra. The backing drumset and bass bring it that laid-back giallo flavour while the harpsichord is more suitable establishing the film’s aristocratic aspects. A reprise of the theme is heard in Seq. 10 where it transforms into a sweet elegy for the dead, however there is some added uneasiness with the fighting harpsicord notes that fall out of the familiar chord pattern. Beautiful stuff nevertheless. The final version in Seq. 18 starts with the slow version and then moves to the more mobile performance for the end credits.

Seq. 4 is the introduction to the second melody which has similar feeling to the other one but it’s performed by a solo trumpet and it has a hint of darkness and mischievous intrigue to it. The B section, aka a descending harpsichord line is heard in Seq. 7 bringing it more of that nostalgic flavour of the main theme. In Seq. 13 the melody seems like it has been beaten down by the killing spree but a final reprise in Seq. 16 brings that lounge instrumentation back again providing a more energetic sendoff to the melody.

The first suspense cue Seq. 2 includes the drumset and bass beating in a more sinister fashion, later changing into the main suspense motif for jazzy bass, abstract strings and harpsichord. There is a certain feeling of claustrophobia and unease with the music that’s just perfect for the subject matter. Seq. 3 is actually the same suspense melody heard in Ennio Morricone’s Il gatto a nove code, yet there is no acknowledgement in the liner notes for this. Nevertheless the cue is as weirdly suspenseful as it was in that score so I don’t mind the direct copy. The 8-minute showcase Seq. 5 includes elements from both of the previously mentioned suspense cues with emphasis on the percussion and bass again before the solo flute enters along with dark organ chords. This cue serves as an inspiration to moods heard later in the score, for instance in Seq. 11 and 12. After a hair-rising development section for strings, high organ notes and banjo (?) the pace thickens again offering some brilliant, spooky chase music. Seq. 6 continues directly where it leaves off with more of that chase style music before quieting once again to strings and floating plucks in the darkness that are also present in Seq. 8. Interesting flute textures filled with cluster chords and steadily beating rhythms are heard in Seq. 9 that lead to a devastating horror stinger. The weirdly comical suspense motif returns in Seq. 14 and 17 ending both times with chilling horror material. That same motif starts Seq. 15 but slowed down so that it’s almost unnoticeable then developing into another long-lined, slowly intensifying suspense moment.

The score brings nothing new to the world of giallo music but it’s a highly attractive piece of music nevertheless. In mood it’s very similar to Maestro Morricone’s Il gatto a nove code which is one of my favourite giallo scores by him. The two main themes are stellar, the suspense music, though mostly atmospheric and slow-moving, is interesting, oddly charming and never unlistenable. A little more punch would be needed for it to rise among the very best but it’s still a pleasant experience in its entirety.

Rating: ****1/2

Tracklist:

1. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.1 (03:04) *****

2. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.2 (03:58) *****

3. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.3 (03:47) *****

4. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.4 (01:52) *****

5. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.5 (08:15) *****

6. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.6 (03:01) ****

7. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.7 (02:36) *****

8. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.8 (01:22) ***

9. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.9 (01:55) *****

10. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.10 (03:17) *****

11. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.11 (02:27) ****

12. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.12 (01:33) ****

13. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.13 (02:06) ****

14. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.14 (02:07) *****

15. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.15 (03:49) ****

16. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.16 (02:00) *****

17. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.17 (02:31) ****

18. ...e poi, non ne rimase nessuno - seq.18 (03:56) *****