La Dolce Vita

Description

Composer Nino Rota also came to prominence via Fellini’s pictures by perfectly
complimenting the director’s fantastical work with impressionistic and eclectic
scores. Like fellow countryman Ennio Morricone, Rota created soundtracks that were
original enough to stand on their own apart from a given film. La Dolce Vita is
impresses with its popular main title theme, the fleet cocktail jazz of “Cadillac,” and
the murky and mysterious “Via Veneto E I Nobili.” Using organ, piano, electric guitar,
accordion, clarinets, trumpets, vibes, and, at times, a full orchestra, Rota creates a mix
of askew circus music themes, lounge combo cuts, and Italian cafe interludes, all of
which come off sounding quaint yet innovative. Along with most of Rota’s work for
Fellini, La Dolce Vita is essential listening for soundtrack fans.