After an opening speech from Neville Chamberlain, Davis' World at War theme is introduced - presumably a concert arrangement given its four minute length. Davis says he went for an eastern European, Slavic flavour, and there's definitely a hint of Dvorak as well as more contemporary composers such as Wojciech Kilar. A surprisingly jazzy (but still fairly sombre) middle section is bookended by the more stoic main theme. Indeed, stoic is perhaps the most apt description of most of the music. Davis consciously avoids melodrama and heroism, there is no glorification here. The most substantial selection is the suite from France Falls, which includes all the music composed for that episode. Again, the slightly jazzy sax theme occurs, but the drama of the situation is suggested by darker, more urgent passages. As music for a documentary has to be unobtrusive as possible, there are some passages that are musically somewhat uninteresting and Davis rarely lets the music become too active. The biggest glimmer of optimism is during Blood, Sweat and Tears, although the horns seem to have slight trouble on occasion. An unfortunate exception in an otherwise fine performance.
Although a vital morale booster for both enemies and allies, the period songs are rather more of historical than musical importance. I doubt many would be greatly remembered had their patriotic overtones not been so crucial to keeping up the spirits of civilians and troops. Of course, the contributions of Irving Berlin and Noel Coward (given his sexual orientation, the title of the song featured, London Pride, seems all the more apt today - I'm sure Coward would have appreciated the irony) are more interesting, and of course no World War Two collection would be complete without Vera Lynn, although no We'll Meet Again here. Although there are some fine moments in Davis' score - the theme is terrific and the drama and tension he provides is exemplary - but it does often have that TV music feel, being a touch aimless at times. Although it was felt that mixing the period songs and score would reflect the progress of the series and hence the war, it does make the experience quite eclectic, especially for those interested solely in Davis' score. A good souvenir of the series, but an album that's sometimes difficult to enjoy on its own terms.
Rating ~ 
Total Time ~ 74:41