“The Godfather Part II” (1974) emerged from the overwhelming success of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972), continuing the saga of the Corleone family’s shadowy empire - now firmly and ruthlessly in the hands of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), much to the tragic detriment of many, especially his brother Fredo (John Cazale). Despite a notoriously chaotic production process - particularly regarding the parallel narrative charting the early life of a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) - Coppola has often remarked that he never again experienced such a degree of artistic freedom on a film set as he did on Part II. In the end, the film was justly rewarded with multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture, and - this time - Best Original Score.
Composer Nino Rota, whose largely somber and deeply evocative score for the first film had been widely acclaimed, was the natural choice to return and eagerly embraced the opportunity. He introduced powerful new thematic material, further deepening the musical world of the saga. This time, Coppola’s father, Carmine not only contributed additional source music but also conducted the orchestra in a superb recording. He would go on to receive an Academy Award as well, also accepting the honor on Rota’s behalf. It may have been hard to imagine at the time, but Part II achieved what only a handful of sequels ever have: it established itself as a worthy successor and is famously regarded by many as being an even greater achievement than the original, for many. Enjoy!

Even if the movie is an absolute masterpiece, without that soundtrack probably just an excellent movie.

This picture was even more foreboding than the first, and one can hear it in the score. Even the smirking mocking of the original film's waltzes are gone. The wisdom and even humanity of Vito has given way to the one-dimensional ruthlessness of Michael, a sad, violent, lonely figure. The prequel part of the movie shows why Vito did what he did - to protect himself and his family, grow a business, and ultimately revenge himself on those who killed his family. In contrast, Michael probably doesn't even know why he is doing what he is doing, except the revenge part. In the end he even kills the court jester, the one who was no longer a threat. He compels his closest associate to commit suicide in the assassination of Roth. His heart is THAT cold, detached and inhuman.

Rota has essentially written mostly ugly music (not BAD music, but ugly) to reflect the ugliness of Michael's character. In that he excels. Outside the film, though, it's not really all that interesting to listen to. An example of the art serving its higher purpose - to tell the story - but not much to enjoy on its own. And in that is the triumph of his efforts.

Timely.  And appreciated choice to go with this option for the listener.  Once start listening cannot stop.  So poignant.

El Séptimo Arte en todo su esplendor.

Beautiful music, movie and soundtrack of "The Godfather Part ll". Enjoyed and loved hearing it. Thank you for sharing.

Muchas gracias Fred ❤, que grande era el cine .

Thanks Fred for the new version❤👏🏻
Great Nino Rota
Of Coppola's films, I suggest doing the suites for "Apocalypse Now," "One From The Heart," "The Outsiders," "Rumble Fish," "The Cotton Club," "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Gardens Of Stone," "Jack," and "The Rainmaker."
The constant chats with you YouTubers are a great relief for me.

دائما أقولها منذ سنوات طويلة... يستحيل أن تجد موسيقى عبقرية لفيلم غير متكامل من ناحية الكتابة والأداء، لأن الموسيقى هي التي تكشف عمق الفيلم، ولم أجد في حياتي فيلما ضعيفا من ناحية الكتابة والإخراج وموسيقته عبقرية وملحمية!!
تحياتي ومودتي لك فريد. كل الحب
جبران

The minute you uploaded The Godfather not so long ago, I had a hunch that you’d do an improved version of this one. A capital thing you did. Astounding!

From the God - Composer Part II: James Horner: "I can compose things, I'm smart, not like everybody says. Not dumb, I'm smart, and I want respect!" - James to Jerry

❤

The Big

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