Cleopatra (1963 soundtrack)

The Cleopatra (1963 soundtrack) is the musical score composed by Alex North for the 1963 epic historical drama film Cleopatra, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison. The soundtrack was released on 20th Century Fox Records.

North's score is notable for its grand scale, reflecting the film's epic scope and lavish production. It incorporates elements of classical music, particularly from the Roman and Egyptian periods, alongside North's signature modernist and dramatic compositional style. The score employs a large orchestra and choir to evoke the power and grandeur of ancient Rome and Egypt, as well as the personal dramas of the film's characters.

Despite being critically acclaimed, the complete score was not initially released in its entirety. Several versions of the soundtrack album were released over the years, often containing re-recorded or edited selections from the original score. In 2001, a more comprehensive version of the soundtrack was released by Varèse Sarabande, offering a closer representation of North's complete work for the film. The complete score runs for over two hours.

The Cleopatra soundtrack is considered one of Alex North's most significant and influential works, demonstrating his ability to create a musically compelling and historically resonant score for a large-scale cinematic production. It has been praised for its dramatic intensity, its evocative use of instrumentation, and its ability to enhance the emotional impact of the film. The score received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score but did not win.