I am not entirely certain what the source of this album is, but it appears to have been recorded live (the applause at the end of a few tracks give it away). Whatever the case, this is a fine album of some of Jarre's most notable scores, including tha forementioned and obligatory suite from Lawrence as well as a suite from Doctor Zhivago.The latter opens the disc in quite imposting style, with the waltzing Lara's theme (not a favourite theme of mine by any means), but the suite contains a great deal of other music besides the infamous theme and provides for a nice summary of the full score.
During Jarre's electronics phase, he wrote several scores for the films of director Peter Weir, perhaps the most famous being Witness. Indeed the cue included here, Building the Barn, is one of Jarre's best single cues. While the original was synthesised, this is the full orchestral version, which starts very quietly but builds in fugue like fashion to a rousing climax. A wonderful piece, superbly performed. Dead Poet's Society features a lengthy segment for what sounds like a mandolin and while quite pleasant doesn't leave any great lasting impression. The Bombay March from A Passage to India is brief, but rousing. It seems that A Walk in the Clouds is one of Jarre's most underrated works; it is unashamedly romantic and features a wonderful theme, some expert writing for brass as well as Spanish Guitar. The selection here is possibly the best cue on the original album and sounds truly wonderful.
I don't think that Jarre is that readily associated with Jodie Foster vehicle Gorillas in the Mist, but to my mind it is one of his most stirring themes. It is based on a strident brass fanfare motif that is countered with somewhat more gentle variations, but comes to a typically imposing conclusion. While not particularly representative of the score as a whole (it features none of the more jungle type music) and perhaps not the kind of music that would suggest a natural history based movie, but wonderful music on its own terms. The suite from Ghost is a somwhat missed opportunity that spends too long on teetering synths and not enough time on the gorgeous main theme.
Lawrence of Arabia is given a whirlwind tour through the highlights, from the jaunty opening march to the first epic appearances of the famous main theme and then rounded out by an impressive performance of the overture. This is greeted with the massive approval of the audience and rightly so. In fairness, I have only quickly mentioned the absolute highlights, but every selection has its own merit and pretty much the entire album is a delight from start to finish. While a slightly anonymous looking mid-price compilation, this is none the less an excellent buy which samples most of Jarre's best work. With excellent performances, good sound, (despite the live recording) and brief, but informative liner notes, this comes highly recommended.
Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 77:29