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Post #339344

Author
Deathsaurer
Parent topic
Original Trilogy Soundtrack 4 CD set
Link to post in topic
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/339344/action/topic#339344
Date created
12-Dec-2008, 4:28 PM
    (This from The Unoffical John Williams Home Page)

    PHASE ONE
    Episode IV: A New Hope
    Finalized 12/6/98
    Version 2.0 created 6/16/99

 

As we mentioned earlier, the original soundtrack to Star Wars was first released on 20th Century Records as a double album set (as well as on 8-track and cassette). When RSO Records acquired the soundtrack rights from 20th Century, it was also released on CD as two discs, and later re-issued as part of the Fox Scores box set and the RCA Victor SE CDs.

Abbreviations for this phase: OLP stands for original double album; FOXB stands for the Fox Scores/Arista 4-CD Box Set; RCA stands for the RCA Victor/BMG Classics "Special Edition" CDs. We are not counting the 8-track, cassette, and RSO CD releases since they are, in essence, the original double album content.

Here is the music listed in film order and where they can be found....

1. 20TH CENTURY FOX FANFARE (Track 1-RCA)--This recording, the only one on the soundtrack not composed by John Williams, is the famous Cinemascope fanfare written by Alfred Newman and recorded in 1954. In the film, this accompanies the Fox logo and the title "A Lucasfilm Ltd. Production" (in the SE, the Fox logo is followed by an updated version of the Lucasfilm logo). On the FOXB, we hear the 1980 re-recording (which we'll explain when we get to The Empire Strikes Back).

2. MAIN TITLE (Side 1, Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, Track 2, FOXB and RCA)--This is the first passage of the now-famous march known as "Luke's Theme", accompanied in the film by a scroll setting up the film's plot. After the scroll, the music quiets down, then rises up to the first dramatic reading of the Rebel Fanfare as we see the Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV being pursued by an Imperial Star Destroyer (this part of the cue is known on the RCA as "Rebel Blockade Runner"). A reprise of the Rebel Fanfare ends this cue, but on the OLP and FOXB this is followed by the end credit music (we'll explain its placement when we get to the end).

3. IMPERIAL ATTACK (Side 1, Track 2, OLP; Disc 1, Track 3, FOXB and RCA)--Accompanies the Empire's assault on the Rebel soldiers on the Tantive IV. After Darth Vader arrives, we are introduced to Ben's Theme and Princess Leia's Theme as Leia places the Death Star plans in the memory of R2-D2. When the Princess is taken for questioning, Darth Vader's theme is introduced, and as the track ends, we hear the Death Star motif for the first time. The OLP omits a ten-second section of music where the Rebels hold their fire prior to Stormtroopers breaking into the Blockade runner, as well as another ten-second segment of music where C-3PO searches for his counterpart (both sections were later restored for subsequent releases).

4. THE DESERT (Side 1, first part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, first part of track 4, FOXB and RCA)--This somber music underscores C-3PO's plight through the desert planet Tatooine's Dune Sea. On the RCA, this cue is known as "The Dune Sea Of Tatooine". On the OLP and FOXB, this is followed by "The Robot Auction".

5. THE LITTLE PEOPLE WORK (Side 2, Track 2, OLP; Disc 1, Track 5, FOXB; Disc 1, second part of track 4, RCA)--Jaunty theme music for the little Jawa creatures as they transport R2-D2 to their Sandcrawler. Trumpet, bassoon, and bending strings underscore a look at other robots inside the Jawa transport. On the RCA, this cue was called "Jawa Sandcrawler". The cue is presented as originally recorded, as it was shortened for the final film.

6. THE ROBOT AUCTION (Side 1, second part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, second part of Track 4, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 5, RCA)--The Jawa theme is reprised for the final time during the sequence where the robots are sold to Uncle Owen Lars and his nephew, Luke Skywalker. "Luke's Theme" is reprised as this cue ends...at least on the OLP and FOXB. The track on the RCA, re-titled "The Moisture Farm", concludes with a short coda where Luke and the robots make their way to the homestead's garage for repairs (this was not included in the OLP and FOXB).

7. THE PRINCESS APPEARS (Side 3, Track 5, OLP; Disc 1, track 6, FOXB and RCA)--This is a series of two cues, the first underscoring the title sequence where the holographic image of Princess Leia appears to Luke and the robots, set to "Princess Leia's Theme". [On the RCA, this first part was called "The Hologram"]. The second takes place right after Luke's midday meal as he gazes at the sunset of Tatooine's twin moons, then returns some time later to find that R2-D2 has gone off in search of the mysterious Obi-Wan Kenobi. This portion, titled "Binary Sunset" on the RCA, was originally conceived with "Luke's Theme" in mind, but for the final film version presented here, it was replaced with "Ben's Theme" to reflect R2's plight of the old Jedi Master. We'll discuss the original version of this cue later.

8. THE LAND OF THE SANDPEOPLE (Side 3, Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, Track 7, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 7, RCA)--Opens with a fast version of "Luke's Theme", accompanied by a motif done on a bouncing horn (this introduction was deleted from the film due to post production editing). Pounding congas signify the presence of the Tusken Raiders (this section was shortened for the film), followed by a portion of music not included in the OLP and the FOXB. This portion opens with a quiet chord (which ends the first part of the cue, known on the RCA as "Landspeeder Search"), then strings suddenly can be heard as Luke senses trouble after he finds the wandering R2-D2 (this will open the second part, known on the RCA as "Attack Of The Sand People"). Percussion is heard as Luke is attacked by the Sand People. Quiet strings follow, with a motif that would later be heard on the next cue (which we'll discuss in a moment). "Ben's Theme" returns when the old Jedi Master appears, and that concludes this cue.

9. TALES OF A JEDI KNIGHT (Side 2, second part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, second part of track 9, FOXB; Disc 1, first part of Track 8, RCA)--First portion of the cue (known on the OLP and FOXB as the second part of the track "Inner City") underscores Luke meeting Ben Kenobi and finding a disassembled C-3P0). Second portion (found only on the RCA) underscores Ben telling Luke about Darth Vader (set to a reprise of "Darth Vader's Theme"). "Ben's Theme" returns when Obi-Wan first tells Luke about "the Force", something the youngster cannot see or even define.

10. LEARN ABOUT THE FORCE (Disc 1, second part of Track 8, RCA)--Presented in its entirety in both the film and the RCA, the first part of the cue underscores the return of the Princess' holographic image, now seen and heard in full as she outlines the danger that has befallen her. The second part underscores Luke's reluctance to join Ben Kenobi in his mission to Alderaan. The track ends with a strong rendition of the Death Star motif as we cut to the conference chambers in the film.

11. THE RETURN HOME (Side 3, Track 3, OLP; Disc 1, Track 8, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 9, RCA)--Somber piece opens with Luke and company discovering dead Jawas and discovering the Stormtroopers may have headed for Luke's homestead. The jaunty motif from "Land Of The Sandpeople" returns as Luke races toward his speeder, and a dramatic passage of "Ben's Theme" can be heard as Luke finds the remains of his aunt and uncle. We then segue into the Death Star (accompanied by Darth Vader's Theme, the Princess theme, and an original passage of threatening winds and strings) where Vader approaches the Princess' cell with a torture robot. The cue (known on the RCA as "Burning Homestead") will crossfade into the next track.

12. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT (Disc 4, track 4, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 10, RCA)--Underscoring Luke's reluctant decision to join Obi-Wan Kenobi to Alderaan and learn about the ways of the Force, and their trip to Mos Eisley spaceport...but the group runs into stormtroopers along the way. The FOXB edition was entitled "A Hive Of Villany". In the SE film, this track was split into half, with tracked music from another cue which we'll discuss later.

13. CANTINA BAND (Disc 3, Track 5, OLP; Disc 4, Track 10, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 11, RCA)--One of two cues not performed by the London Symphony Orchestra that consist of music for the Mos Eisley Cantina. This was performed by hand-picked jazz musicians. "Cantina Band" is sort of a cross between Benny Goodman and New Age music. The OLP fades out before the end of the track, while the FOXB and RCA has a "cold closing" (in other words, does not fade out).

14. CANTINA BAND #2 (Disc 4, Track 12, FOXB; Disc 1, Track 12, RCA)--The second of two music cues for the Mos Eisley Cantina, again performed by jazz musicians, and again with the same Goodman-meets-New Age atmosphere.

15. INNER CITY (Disc 2, third part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, third part of track 9, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 2, RCA)--Underscores the latter part of the Mos Eisley sequence where Luke sells his landspeeder and we are introduced to the Millenium Falcon. A short mid-section of this was edited out of the OLP but restored later for subsequent re-issues. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the final section of what was called "Inner City". On the RCA, this cue was titled "The Millenium Falcon". In the SE film, this was interrupted briefly by a tracked cue to fit the restored Jabba the Hut scene (we'll talk about this tracked cue when we get to Return Of The Jedi).

16. BLASTING OFF (Side 3, second part of Track 2, OLP; Disc 1, second part of Track 10, FOXB; Disc 2, second part of Track 2, RCA)--This cue, based largely on "Ben's Theme", accompanies the Falcon's departure from Tatooine and jump into hyperspace. The first 15 seconds of the cue were left out of the OLP and the FOXB, but restored for the later reissues. The RCA edition was re-titled "Imperial Cruiser Pursuit".

17. DESTRUCTION OF ALDERAAN (Disc 4, Track 5, FOXB; Disc 2, Track 3, RCA)--Dramatic original piece as we see the Death Star's destructive power demonstrated on Leia's home planet of Alderaan. Here John Williams avoids any of the usual themes and goes for complete originality in this cue.

18. THE DEATH STAR (Side 2, first part of track 4, OLP; Disc 1, first part of track 9, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 4, RCA)--Underscores the Falcon being pulled into the Death Star by the planet-like space station's tractor beam. The motif heard in the previous "Destruction Of Alderaan" cue is present, followed by a march-type rendition of the "Rebel Fanfare". The working title on the cue sheet was "Is It A Bird?". On the OLP and FOXB, this was the first portion of the cue "Inner City".

19. THE STORMTROOPERS (Disc 2, second part of track 4, RCA)--Luke and company's adventures on the Death Star begin with this cue as both Han and Luke disguise themselves as Stormtroopers to gain access to the space station's computer terminal.

20. MOUSE ROBOT (Side 3, first part of Track 2, OLP; Disc 1, first part of track 10, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 5, RCA)--Cue accompanying the wookie Chewbacca being transported to the detention block under a ruse opens with Chewie scaring off a mouse robot (hence the cue's title). "Luke's Theme" is reprised as Han tries to lock the binders on Chewie. There is a period of quiet, then the music builds which immediately leads to the next cue. The RCA edition is re-titled "Wookie Prisoner". In the SE film, a portion of this cue can be heard to fit the extended scenes on Tatooine as the Stormtroopers search for the missing robots.

21. DETENTION BLOCK AMBUSH (Side 4, first part of Track 1, OLP: Disc 1, first part of Track 15, FOXB; Disc 2, second part of Track 5, RCA)--Tense action cue as Luke, Han, and Chewie overtake the Imperial officers in the detention block, set to a majestic version of "Luke's Theme". After Han has disabled the communications system, the "Rebel Fanfare" is heard, followed by a brief rendition of "Princess Leia's Theme" as Luke finds the Princess in her cell. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the first portion of the track "The Last Battle".

22. SHOOTOUT IN THE CELL BAY (Side 2, first part of Track 3, OLP; Disc 1, first part of Track 11, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 6, RCA)--Another fast action cue, this one underscoring the title scene, Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie vs. Stormtroopers who have shot their way through the cell bay. The first chord of this cue was not heard in the actual film. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the first part of what was titled "Rescue Of The Princess". However, on the FOXB, an alternate cue was used (see "Alternate Cues" section).

23. DIANOGA (Side 3, second part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, second part of Track 12, FOXB; Disc 2, second part of Track 6, RCA)--This cue was to have been heard in the film during the sequence in the trash compactor where a snake-like creature called the Dianoga attacks Luke. Shades of the cue that comes after this can be heard here. George Lucas felt that the scene would play better without music, however the SE film uses this music to much greater advantage in the extended Mos Eisley sequences (this would come in the middle of the "Mos Eisley Spaceport" cue). The OLP and FOXB editions marked the second portion of what was entitled "The Walls Converge".

24. THE TRASH COMPACTOR (Side 3, first part of Track 4, OLP; Disc 1, first part of Track 12, FOXB; Disc 2, Track 7, RCA)--The bulk of this cue, underscoring the walls of the trash compactor closing in on our heroes, relies on originality (although the climbing figure construction was heard on the previous "Dianoga" cue). A hint of "Darth Vader's Theme" can be heard when the droids make their way out of the control room, talking their way out of the sight of the Stormtroopers in the process. The climbing music returns, builds, then suddenly stops. The first 40 seconds of this cue was not heard in the film, but the final chord can only be heard on the RCA. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the first section of what was called "The Walls Converge".

25. THE TRACTOR BEAM (Side 4, second part of Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, second part of Track 15, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 8, RCA)--Quiet cue accompanying Ben Kenobi releasing the tractor beam. "Luke's Theme" can be heard when we see a glimpse of the Millenium Falcon, but then goes into a nervous passage of violins as Han and Chewie encounter Stormtroopers. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the second portion of the track "The Last Battle". This cue will immediately lead to the next track.

26. CHASM CROSSFIRE (Side 2, second part of Track 3, OLP; Disc 1, second part of Track 11, FOXB; Disc 2, second part of Track 9, RCA)--This piece of music owes a lot to the swashbuckling scores of the 1930s through 1950s. The Imperial motif (heard earlier in "Imperial Attack") is done at a slower tempo than before as Han and Chewie try to escape the Stormtroopers, then a majestic swashbuckling arrangement of "Luke's Theme" underscores Luke and Leia's swing-across. There is a quiet passage of "Luke's Theme" when we next see Ben, but "Darth Vader's Theme" returns as Han and Chewie escape the Stormtroopers. A series of drum beats underscores Ben encountering Vader for the final time. The working title on the cue sheet was "The Swashbucklers". On the OLP and FOXB, this was the final portion of "Rescue Of The Princess".

27. BEN'S DEATH/TIE FIGHTER ATTACK (Side 2, Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, Track 13, FOXB; Disc 2, Track 10, RCA)--This is presented as one entire cue exactly as it plays in the film. It accompanies the death of Ben "Obi-Wan" Kenobi at the hands of his one-time student, Darth Vader, as well as the Century ship attack that follows. It opens with a quiet passage of "Ben's Theme", then goes into "Princess Leia's Theme" as Ben is killed and our heroes make their escape. The "TIE Fighter Attack" is based largely on the "Rebel Fanfare", with a rhythmic phrase as its main configuration. The first half of this cue on the RCA was entited "Ben Kenobi's Death".

28. STANDING BY (Disc 4, Track 15, FOXB; Disc 2, first part of Track 11, RCA)--This is the first of three cues underscoring the final battle on the Death Star, as the Rebel spaceships make their way towards the space station. The Death Star motif is heard for the final time as the Rebels get past the magnetic field. On the RCA, this was the "Launch From The Fourth Moon" section of "The Battle Of Yavin".

29. X-WINGS DRAW FIRE (Side 4, third part of Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, third part of Track 15, FOXB; Disc 2, second part of Track 11, RCA)--The second of three "last battle" cues underscoring the attack on the Death Star. On the OLP and FOXB, this was the third part of the track "The Last Battle", while the RCA is the "X-Wings Draw Fire" section of "The Battle Of Yavin".

30. USE THE FORCE (Side 4, fourth part of Track 1, OLP; Disc 1, fourth part of Track 15, FOXB; Disc 2, third part of Track 11, RCA)--Final portion of the battle scene beginning from the point where an Rebel spaceship crashes into the Death Star's surface. It is now Luke's turn to try and destroy the Death Star. Here, "Luke's Theme" and "Ben's Theme" collide as the young starfighter eventually remembers the lessons of his late mentor . A crash of timpani marks the Death Star's destruction, and a passage of the "Rebel Fanfare" closes the track, which was the last portion of "The Last Battle" on the OLP and FOXB, and the "Use The Force" section of "The Battle Of Yavin" on the RCA.

31. THE THRONE ROOM/END TITLE (Side 4, Track 2, OLP; Disc 1, Track 16, FOXB; Disc 2, Track 12, RCA)--Underscores the final scenes of the film and presented in its entirety as it is in the film. A brass fanfare leads to a processional arrangement of "Ben's Theme" (according to the OLP's liner notes, it made as a fitting tribute to the late Jedi Master). Then it goes into Coronation-type music as the Rebels are presented their medals. "Luke's Theme" (as well as "Princess Leia's Theme") is reprised as the end credits roll. To give the original album the feeling of an overture, the "End Title" from the intro of "Luke's Theme" to the end is also presented as the second part of the "Main Title" track on both the OLP and FOXB. "The Throne Room" is also presented as the first part of Track 16 on the FOXB, but there it is followed by an alternate version of the "End Title" (see the "Alternate Cues" section).

ALTERNATE CUES

1. MAIN TITLE--There are no more than five takes of the film's main title that were recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. All five of these can be heard at the 5:00 mark of Track 13 of Disc 1 of the RCA. This is explained only in the CD's liner notes, not on the jacket of the CD package itself. Take 16 is the historic first recording of the "Star Wars Theme". The wind section was toned down for Take 17, and portions of the last three takes (18, 19, and 20) made up what would become the final film version of the cue. However, only two of these takes were used for the FOXB. Disc 1, Track 2 used Take 19, while Disc 4, Track 2 used Take 20. Take 20 was also used for the radio adaptation of Star Wars. For the original 24-page read along book and record (released by Buena Vista Records in 1977), the second reprise of "Luke's Theme" with added brass in Take 18 was utilized after the narrator says "Let's Begin Now". You could count the 45 rpm single version of the theme as a sixth variant since it was edited to over 3 minutes. But please don't count Meco's more successful disco version as a seventh variant since it was entirely rerecorded.

2. IMPERIAL ATTACK--As presented on Disc 1, Track 3 of the FOXB, some of the accentuation of the beats in the opening section are markedly different than the final film version.

3. BINARY SUNSET--This second portion of what is commonly titled "The Princess Appears" has somewhat of a history. Originally, John Williams based this cue on "Luke's Theme". For the final film version, it was based on "Ben's Theme", but in this original recorded version found on Disc 1, Track 13 of the RCA, you can hear how Williams avoided using thematic material for something entirely original...and unusual, that is if all you've been used to hearing is the film version cue. The final chord of this is about the same as in the final film version.

4. RESCUE OF THE PRINCESS (section 1) (aka "Shootout In The Cell Bay")--Presented on Disc 1, first part of Track 11 on the FOXB, you can tell this is an alternate cue by listening closely to the end section, especially the final crashing of cymbals and timpani (underscoring the Rebels jumping into the trash compactor).

5. END TITLE-- Found on the FOXB as the second part of Disc 1, Track 2, and again on Track 16 of the same disc. Here, you can clearly hear the horn section out of tune (sounding a lot like a high school marching band) when it starts to play "Luke's Theme".

CONCERT ARRANGEMENTS

PRINCESS LEIA'S THEME (Side 1, Track 3, OLP; Disc 1, Track 14, FOXB; Disc 2, Track 1, RCA)--Straightforward presentation of Leia's theme, paying tribute to romantic music of the 19th Century. Holds up alright compared to the later "love themes" of the remaining two films of the trilogy.