Composed in the Romantic style, the score received good reviews although responses to the ballet itself were mostly negative. The fortunes of the ballet only turned around with a new staging in New York in 1954.

Studio engineer Jack Clement, who had discovered Jerry Lee Lewis, was in the control booth and decided to record the session which was the only time that these pop music pioneers would ever record together.

Claimed by its fans to be the greatest comedy film of all time, Life of Brian has courted controversy since its release due to its satirical portrayal of religion that is interpreted by some as blasphemous.