Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire [Original Game Soundtrack]

by Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Joel McNeely, Robert Townson

Overview

The score for the video game Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire represents the first authorized music from George Lucas' interstellar franchise written by a composer other than John Williams. Joel McNeely, who succeeded Williams for the television series The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, was the logical choice here as well. Employing signature themes and motifs from Williams' original Star Wars score -- arguably the most beloved and influential movie music of the late 20th century -- McNeely vividly captures the power and majesty one expects from the series, thanks in large part to the epic performance of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. To McNeely's credit, he also deviates sharply from Williams' template, contributing dissonant, intensely rhythmic passages (most notably "Xizor's Theme") without precedent in the Star Wars canon. Purists may blanch, but more adventurous listeners will appreciate the divergences from formula. ~ Jason Ankeny

Product Details

Release Date:	08/07/2020
Label:	Var?Se Sarabande
UPC:	0888072172975
Rank:	47476

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Royal Scottish National Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Joel McNeely   Primary Artist,Conductor
Robert Townson   Primary Artist,Conductor
Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus   Choir/Chorus

Technical Credits

Geoff Foster   Engineer
Joel McNeely   Composer,Orchestration
John Williams   Composer,Original Material
Robert Townson   Producer
John Bell   Orchestration
David Slonaker   Orchestration
Matthew Peak   Photography
Drew Struzan   Paintings,Cover Design
Graham Kirkby   Assistant Engineer
Ben Burtt   Text
Vic Fraser   Music Preparation