= EXPERIMENT IN TERROR =

A few years ago, composer-conductor Henry Mancini teamed up with television director-producer Blake Edwards. They began operations under the theory that dramatic background music be fresh, modern and listenable in its own right. As a result of this attitude, the music Mancini composed for the TV series "Peter Gunn" became inmensely popular via two best-selling albums and a hit "single" recording. The pattern was repeated with the TV series "Mr. Lucky" and enjoyed similar success. Applying the same principles to motion pictures, Mancini wrote the score for the Edwards-directed "Breakfast at Tiffany's," resulting in another fine album and the fabulous hit song Moon River.

This album contains the music which Henry Mancini composed for the most recent Blake Edwards motion picture production, "Experiment in Terror." It is no exception to their rule. The music reflects the dramatic characteristics of the picture: it is tense, suspenseful, thrilling and modern.

To achieve these effects, Mancini exercised a great deal of ingenuity and versatility in the composition of the music and the selection of the performing instruments. The main title, Experiment in Terror, is a compelling theme and utilizes an unusual instrument called the autoharp. Although the autoharp is not a regulation musical instrument, Mancini used the unique sound of two of those instruments to create an exciting and interesting theme.

For one of the most gripping scenes in the picture, a murder sequence, he wrote a hauntingly beautiful melody titled Nancy, featuring piano soloist Jimmy Rowles.

Throughout the picture there are several sequences depicting modern teenagers. Mancini has given these scenes a musical background utilizing the current dance craze, "The Twist." Included are Golden Gate Twist and a exciting version of the main title, Experiment in Terror (Twist).

Also sprinkled through the score are fine big-band swingers which further contribute to the modern style and freshness of the music and picture. These include Kelly's Tune and Fluter's Ball. For a change of pace, there is a background for an old-time motion picture sequence that features a ragtime piano playing The Good Old Days. All-in-all, the score displays a remarkable variety of music and mood, and is a tribute to the versatility of its composer.

For those who have seen the picture, this album also server to re-create many of the thrilling scenes. Those who haven't yet made the trip to the theater will find this an exciting "prevue" --- a fascinating listening experience.