Additional information
The Special Edition of STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is a remastered version of the film soundtrack, including previously-unreleased material. Original score written and conducted by John Williams. Recorded at Anvil Studios, Denham, England and EMI/Abbey Road Studios, London, England in December 1979 and January 1980. Includes liner notes by Michael Matessino. All tracks have been digitally remastered. The Special Edition of STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is a remastered version of the film soundtrack, including previously-unreleased material. Original score written and conducted by John Williams. Recorded at Anvil Studios, Denham, England and EMI/Abbey Road Studios, London, England in December 1979 and January 1980. Includes liner notes by Michael Matessino. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Composer: John Williams . The second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy offers another round of superb compositions from John Williams, though this time the music, like the film itself, has a slightly darker tone. For example, "Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth" is grandiose and foreboding. This piece employs larger-than-life Wagnerian brass fanfares and sweeping, romantic string melodies. While some of the key themes used in the first STAR WARS picture, A NEW HOPE, are brought back, Williams offers a number of new pieces as well. For instance, this is the first time listeners hear the sinister composition "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)," which is one of the most menacing in all of film history. The war-like snare-drum pattern and the heavy, bellowing trombones make this piece very intimidating. In contrast, "Yoda's Theme" is much more refined, bright, and spirited. The flutes, glockenspiel, and harp are used here to create an air of reverence and sagacity; Williams makes sure that nothing in this movement sounds ominous, dissonant, or chaotic. As always, the London Symphony Orchestra plays all 23 tracks on this two-disc set with great clarity, articulation, and passion.
