The Royal Liverpool Orchestra became identified with Carl Davis’s score for the 1925 Ben-Hur after several performances in Liverpool and Cardiff in 1988. So well received were the shows that this recording was made in 1989.

In the Olympic year of 2012, the Philharmonia decided to screen the film, on the 9th June at the Royal Festival Hall, prompting this re-release, which has been re-mastered by K&A Productions. The album was previously available on the Silva Screen label. 

The Score written by Carl Davis is based on a Straussian ‘Natur Tema’ and he also wanted to quote a well-known part of the liturgy choosing the simple phrase which is well known as The Dresden Amen.

The booklet comes with a short history on the making of the film, with stills from the film and Carl Davis explains how the music paints a picture showing how the story unfolds bringing the silent film to life.

Contents:
1. Opening Titles

The Nativity
2.  i. The Cave of David
3.  ii. Star of Bethlehem
4.  iii. The Adoration of the Magi

5. Esther and the Young Prince

Roman March and Disaster
6. i. Gratus’ Entry into Jerusalem
7. ii. Storming the Palace and Arrest

8. Galley Slave

9. Pirate Battle

10. Iras The Egyptian

The Chariot Race
11. i. The gathering of the Chariots
12. ii. The Race

Ben-Hur’s Return
13. i. The Palace of Hur
14. ii. Lepers

Via Dolorosa
15. i. The Way of the Cross
16. ii. Miracle

Earthquake and New Dawn
17. i. Collapse of the Senate
18. ii. The Resurrection