I think it's entirely appropriate and ahead of its time. Semi-Prokofiev-esque, suggesting the clattering clash of ancient weapons, as hearty and hardy as "gutsy" Russian or American "music of the people" can be, "ancient-sounding" especially in the beautiful, melancholy love theme, "Pagan" as when Crassus tells Antoninus about "oysters and snails" and when Crassus oversees the army marching out of Rome on its way to fight the rebel slaves. It's sweeping, breath-taking, and intimate. A score among scores.
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