Search - John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra :: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

Will outlast the movies, no question.

R. Bildirici | Brooklyn, New York USA | 06/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to John Williams score for this film from start to finish more times than I've watched the film!



This music captures the essence of the story extremely well - maybe even better than the film itself. While the first disc moves extremely slowly, the music begins to pick up speed as things actually begin to happen in the film ("Tales of a Jedi Knight", track 8, is the start of the really engaging music). At the end of the first disc, you get the special treat of hearing the different takes of the original Star Wars scores (16-20). The first two takes were discarded, and the one we hear on disc and in the movies is a blend of takes 18, 19, and 20. Very nice touch, and interesting in terms of knowing the evolution of the music.



Disc two starts with a concert suite of Princess Leia's theme which is extremely touching, lots of strings/French horn. Then the rest of the disc, after "The Destruction of Alderaan" and "The Death Star/The Stormtroopers", is mostly action music, besides the music for Ben Kenobi's sneaking around.



The last several tracks are what many consider the crown jewel here, beginning with "Ben Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter Attack" - a great piece of bombastic action music, accelerating into "The Battle of Yavin IV" (the pronouncement of the 'Force Theme' when Ben tells Luke to use the Force is still the most touching moment)and finishing with one of Williams's crowning achievements - that of course being the "Throne Room/End Credits" sequence, five and a half minutes of pure magic, and probably my most played track from this set. A reprise of this music could actually be heard in the 13-minute long end credits to Revenge of the Sith - it's a pity that Williams's didn't reference themes from other movies there, but the fact that he chose this one should tell you something...)



This soundtrack - with its myriad themes, cues, variations and all - this introduced me to film score music, and I honestly would not have had it any other way. It is dear to my heart.

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In 1977, Lucas thought that this was the only thing about Star Wars that he was happy with. This happens to be the only part of the movie that he DIDN'T change in 1997, so that should also clue you in. Get this now.



One note - if you have the spare change, get the scores for all three movies separately; not the 2004 Sony versions that are remastered, but the 1997 RCA/Victor versions. The tracklists are identical, however; the Sony packaging is much cheaper and DO NOT come with what I consider ESSENTIAL liner notes, which explains Williams's music, the way he uses various instruments and themes throughout, etc."

The first and perhaps the strongest of the Star Wars score

J. K. Moser | Flemington, New Jersey USA | 05/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening Fox Fanfare to the first notes of John Williams score, Star Wars: A New Hope is the one of the greatest scores of all time. While I prefer the maturity of Return of the Jedi, A New Hope is just as good, because it is the score that began it all. It is the classic score from the trilogy. While there are not as many of the themes so well known to Star Wars, the classics are there. Luke's theme, the Force theme, Leia's theme and the old school style of the orchestra. Themes like the Imperial march are hinted at, but not fully realized. Overall, however, this is a great score, one of the greatest of all time."

Superb

Oliver Hardy Jr. | Residing in beautiful Lake Superior | 06/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps John Williams' best Star Wars soundtrack, A New Hope is definately a must-have for Star Wars fans and soundtrack collectors alike. Sad, soft music like "The Binary Sunset" comes with astounding battle music such as "The Battle of Yavin." "Princess Leia's Theme" uses a French horn that is played expertly. This soundtrack has a very diverse selection of awesome music. At over two hours of playing time and a price tag of 17$; this CD is an incredible deal."