Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

by John Williams [composer]

Overview

The familiar fanfare is there, in all of its swaggering-brass glory, though it seems a little less expansive in the actual depth of its instrumentation. This may be an artifact of the digital age, however -- that fabled, oft-mentioned "transparency." Regardless, Star Wars fans will thrill at the sound of it. What's open to question is whether or not long-term fans will be as overjoyed with the remainder of the score. Composer John Williams continues to use his Boston Pops experience to good advantage, turning in a score that echoes the music and themes for the original trilogy of films (particularly the brooding theme for Darth Vader) while charting a direction for the new film. The multi-themed "Duel of the Fates", in particular, uses the complete dynamic range of the digital studio for an effective punch. Of course, "new" is a relative term when it comes to film music; Williams' use of dramatic dissonance and discordance is somewhat innovative for the Star Wars series, as are the bravura choral passages, the score deliberately references the great film composers of the '30s and '40s. Just as George Lucas intended his movie to reflect an earlier time in the life of his universe, Williams' music follows suit, with choral passages that bring to mind both Prokofiev and Carl Orff (insofar as the choral material brings to mind Orff's interpretation of the Carmina Burana). The Episode I score bears more consideration than the trio of earlier scores, and it is a small regret that more material was not included (thus making this a two-CD set that would fit nicely with the special edition releases of the originally trilogy scores.) The overall development of Williams' musical palette bodes well for the greater emotional requirements of Episode II. ~ Steven McDonald

Product Details

Release Date:	03/15/1999
Label:	Sony Classical
UPC:	5099706181620

Tracks

1. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Star Wars / The Arrival at Naboo
2. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Duel of the Fates
3. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Anakin's Theme
4. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Jar Jar's Introduction / The Swim to Otoh Gunga
5. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Sith Spacecraft / The Droid Battle
6. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Trip to the Naboo Temple / The Audience with Boss Nass
7. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Arrival at Tatooine / The Flag Parade
8. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~He is the Chosen One
9. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Anakin Defeats Sebulba
10. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Passage Through the Planet Core
11. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Watto's Deal / Kids at Play
12. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Panaka and the Queen's Protectors
13. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Queen Amidala / The Naboo Palace
14. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Droid Invasion / The Appearance of Darth Maul
15. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Qui Gon's Noble End
16. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~High Council Meeting / Qui Gon's Funeral
17. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace~Augie's Great Municipal Band / End Credits