I'll definitely have to see the movie again but in its full length version (I think I saw the "short" American version decades ago), and I'll be sure to re-read your review before doing so.

You're probably familiar with Morricone's soundtracks, but here's a more obscure recording: in 1966 he collaborated with Brazilian singer / writer Chico Buarque de Hollanda on the album "Per un pugno di samba" ("For a fistful of samba"). The result is uniquely enthralling, with Buarque's smooth voice and Morricone's exciting arrangements. https://www.allmusic.com/album/per-un-pugno-di-samba-mw0000564065

The album was re-released on CD with the title "Sonho de um carnaval" ("Dream of a carnaval").

https://www.allmusic.com/album/sonho-de-um-carnaval-mw0000003159

The complete album may be hard to find on streaming or YouTube, but many of these tracks are available on compilations and as single uploads--but beware, some of these are newer performances without the Morricone touch. The original vinyl seems to be quite pricey (low 3-figures), and used copies of the CD aren't cheap. I used to have a version of the original, but like all my early vinyl it's gone.

Here's the title track of the cd version; stay tuned for the twist of the final chorus: https://youtu.be/-q8uFRFXzSI