The Music of Star Trek [Soundtrack]

Jerry Goldsmith (Composer), James Horner (Composer), Leonard Rosenman (Composer), Cliff Eidelman (Composer), Dennis McCarthy (Composer), Jerry / Goldsmith, Joel Goldsmith (Composer), Michael Giacchino (Composer), Alexander Courage (Composer), Diane Warren (Composer), Nic Raine (Conductor), Mario Klemens (Conductor), James Fitzpatrick (Conductor), Mike Townend (Conductor), Daniel Caine (Conductor), City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (Orchestra), Daniel Caine Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Daniel Caine Orchestra
• Conductor: Nic Raine, Mario Klemens, James Fitzpatrick, Mike Townend, Daniel Caine
• Composer: Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Leonard Rosenman, Cliff Eidelman, Dennis McCarthy, et al.
• Audio CD (August 11, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Silva America
• ASIN: B002EZLPNA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #211,192 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Near-Perfect Renditions of All Our Favorite Themes, August 20, 2009

By 

James Whaley - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Music of Star Trek (Audio CD)

The City of Prague Philharmonic demonstrates their Star Trek prowess with these fantastic renditions of Star Trek's themes. This release doubles as a "Greatest Hits" and cover album.

I always enjoy hearing new versions of familiar music, especially when the occasional liberty is taken in the arrangement. This release is sometimes-faithful, sometimes-unique, and while I don't like every single change that was made, I'm very glad the Prague Philharmonic was bold enough to put their own spin on the music.

On the faithful side, the Prague Philharmonic presents nearly note-for-note adaptations of the Star Trek II, Star Trek IV, First Contact, and Voyager themes. They are so close to the original scores that if I were to listen to a random sampling of either the originals or this release, it would take some time to figure out which version I'm listening to.

I'm pleased to see the 2009 Star Trek film included here. Unfortunately, I must defer to the original Giacchino score as the superior version. This is a very straight adaptation, but there are a few places in this track where the orchestra sounds so-close-but-not-quite-close-enough. While not "bad" per se, it is difficult to ignore the difference if you're familiar with the original score. I don't think this would have been as much of a problem if the track had done more to set itself apart from the Giacchino score.

While a stellar tune, Goldsmith's Motion Picture theme is heard in many of the End Theme tracks, which makes listening to this album from start to finish a little repetitive. I don't see why the Prague Philharmonic chose to use First Contact's end credit theme. It only contains the Motion Picture bookends and the First Contact main theme. A track with the isolated main theme would have easily sufficed, and broken up the monotony a little. (One would also be able to cue up their CD/mp3 player directly to the First Contact theme without having to sit through the Motion Picture portion first.)

As sad as I am to say it--being the huge Next Generation fan that I am--the Next Gen series theme was the most disappointing. The Prague Philharmonic included a brand new middle section that goes poorly with the theme and even the feel of the series as a whole. It sounds more appropriate for a 1950's domestic sitcom than a sci-fi adventure. It only lasts about twelve seconds, but in my opinion is enough to derail what was otherwise a very faithfully-interpreted theme.

Finally, I must applaud the Prague Philharmonic for its excellent instrumental version of "Faith of the Heart." As controversial as the original theme may be, hearing it sans-lyrics in a full orchestra is as enjoyable as any other Trek theme and a great way to close out the album.

If you are looking for a different spin on Star Trek music new and old, I highly recommend this release. If you are a purist who wants to buy this soundtrack simply for its "Greatest Hits" track list, I recommend against it as you may not welcome the liberties taken with some themes.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Renditions for the most part, February 21, 2012

By 

Willis Johnson (Auburn, AL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Music Of Star Trek (MP3 Download)

I really thought long and hard about purchasing this and I'm so glad I did. Every song is great for the most part...Of course there are those in my opinion that aren't quite at the level they should be. The Voyager Theme is difficult for me to listen to at the very beginning; the horns sound off key to me. The Next Generation Theme is probably the most different rendition of all than its original counterpart and probably the weakest piece of whole album. Other than those two minor flaws, I simply love this. My favorite movie track has to be from the first movie Star Trek: The Motion Picture. My favorite TV Theme has to go to Star Trek Deep Space Nine. I loved what they did with that arrangement with the theme from the original series a close second. Anyone who likes Star Trek and this type of music I don't think will be disappointed with this album.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music of Star Trek, February 9, 2011

By 

Norman D. Reese - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Music of Star Trek (Audio CD)

An excellent compilation of the theme music from Star Trek TV series and movies. The music simply isn't available anywhere else.