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The legacy of Douglass Fake: A maestro of movie soundtracks
In the world of movie soundtracks, few names resonate as profoundly as Douglass Fake. The founder of Intrada Records, Fake’s contributions to the preservation and celebration of film music have left an indelible mark on the industry. His passing at the age of 72 marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues to echo through the timeless scores he helped bring to life.
A passion for film music
Douglass Fake’s journey into the world of film music began with a deep-seated passion. Born on February 23, 1952, in Massachusetts, Fake was the son of an Air Force colonel. His early years were marked by a love for music, which he pursued by playing the trumpet in high school and studying music at the University of Colorado. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong dedication to the art of film scoring.
The birth of Intrada Records
In 1985, Fake launched Intrada Records with the release of Basil Poledouris’ music for “Red Dawn.” This marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see the release of over 700 albums of movie and TV music. Intrada quickly gained a reputation for its meticulous restorations and high-quality releases, attracting the attention of film music aficionados worldwide.
One of Fake’s most notable achievements was the complete restoration of Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Waterfront.” This project, along with the lavish 5-CD release of Elmer Bernstein’s “The Ten Commandments,” showcased Fake’s commitment to preserving the integrity of these iconic scores. For those interested in exploring these masterpieces, you can find the trailer and information sheet for “On the Waterfront” here and “The Ten Commandments” here.
Expanding the classics
Intrada’s catalog is a treasure trove of expanded and previously incomplete recordings of classic scores. Among the label’s best sellers were John Williams’ “Jaws,” Alan Silvestri’s “Back to the Future,” and Jerry Goldsmith’s “Alien.” These releases provided fans with a more comprehensive listening experience, allowing them to appreciate the full scope of these legendary compositions. To delve into these iconic scores, check out the trailers and information sheets for “Jaws” here, “Back to the Future” here, and “Alien” here.
A collaborative spirit
Fake’s work extended beyond individual projects. He partnered with other composers to release dozens of soundtrack albums, including Laurence Rosenthal’s “Becket” and “The Miracle Worker,” Bruce Broughton’s “Tombstone,” and James Horner’s “The Lady in Red” and “Troy.” These collaborations enriched Intrada’s catalog and provided fans with access to a diverse range of musical styles. For more information on these scores, you can find the trailers and information sheets for “Becket” here, “Tombstone” here, and “Troy” here.
Preserving a musical legacy
One of the most significant aspects of Fake’s work was his dedication to preserving the musical legacy of Hollywood. More than half of Intrada’s output remains unavailable on streaming platforms, making their physical CDs highly collectible among soundtrack enthusiasts. However, the label has supplied studios with pristine digital copies of often decaying master tapes, ensuring that these invaluable pieces of film history are preserved for future generations.
A personal reflection
As a longtime fan of film music, I find Douglass Fake’s contributions to be nothing short of monumental. His work has allowed us to experience the full emotional depth of some of cinema’s greatest scores. The meticulous care he put into each release is a testament to his love for the art form and his respect for the composers who created these timeless pieces.
Looking ahead
Roger Feigelson, VP of business affairs at Intrada, has assured fans that the label will continue to operate and celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. This commitment to continuing Fake’s legacy is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the preservation and celebration of film music.
As we reflect on Douglass Fake’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the power of music to transport us to different worlds, evoke deep emotions, and create lasting memories. His work will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
