Source: Chris Matthew Sciabarra
by Chris Matthew Sciabarra
“Though every Oscar that [Ben Hur] received was well deserved, in my opinion, I hold a special place in my heart for the Rozsa score. I didn’t get to see Ben-Hur until 1969 when it was re-released in all its 70 mm glory for its tenth anniversary run at the Palace Theatre in New York City. Walking into that immense, majestic theater at the age of 9, seeing that famous wall portrait of Judy Garland, who had recently died, I settled into my seat, not quite realizing the depth of the cinematic moments I was about to experience. But I recognized the first three notes of the Overture instantly. Throughout the 1960s, I had listened countless times to the film’s soundtrack, a staple on our Victrola. I fell in love with every aspect of Rozsa’s score. Finally, I was able to integrate Rozsa’s music with the remarkable images on screen.” (04/14/25)