Rating: 4
Romance and suspense are the two divisions here. The romance starts with an awed treatment of the exotic locations and extends to the love scenes between James Bond and Tatiana Romanova. The suspense cues are delivered mostly by devices such as harps, basses, tambourines, timpani, snare drums and xylophones, each masterfully building up tension over two to three minute intervals. Sometimes the romance and suspense divisions join, as in the wonderful Meeting In Saint Sophia.
The masterful suspense writing in From Russia With Love is epitomised by the first, driest appearance of the 007 theme, a gripping yet melodic theme driven by the 3-3-2 rhythm figure. The trademark Bond brass sting is present, and in fact was largely invented in this score, as was the distinctive sound of the xylophone-string double. There are gem moments amidst the minor, delicate cues too, such as Gypsy Camp and Guitar Lament, both of which feature Spanish guitar; and the magical Leila Dances.
Though Matt Monroe’s song is arguably too old fashioned, the score is fronted by a fantastically energetic Barry arrangement of the Lionel Bart theme.