Like The Wings of a Film, this is
not your typical compilation. While it is not a live concert recording, it
is essentially what you would hear at a Goldsmith concert. Thus, while
there is quite a diverse range of material presented here, even some
within the same track, everything flows together quite nicely.
Goldsmith fans undoubtedly
have plenty of the original soundtrack recordings that are represented
here, however there are plenty of interesting variations of the themes and
cues that they have come to know and love. The tried-and-true
Star Trek: The Motion Picture end
title theme comes alive again with such a masterful performance by the
London Symphony Orchestra, and the touches that Goldsmith has applied to
it for this recording are quite interesting.
Besides the typical main
title cues, Goldsmith has composed two medleys of his music: one for his
film projects and one for his television themes (and one for Patton
and MacArthur even though it isn't exactly labeled as a medley).
Looking at the list of scores that comprise the medleys, some may be
wondering exactly how they would all fit in together. Surprisingly,
Goldsmith is able to piece them together masterfully, and the cues play
like they belonged together in the first place. It would have been nice if
the cues had been split apart for easier access, especially since the
Motion Picture Medley clocks in at 18 minutes, but given the nature of
the tracks, it would have probably ruined the effect.
Overall, this is quite a
good effort and a good release from Telarc. The sound quality of the album
is absolutely fantastic and the performances by the LSO are excellent. The
only problem I can see with this set, beyond the fact that some may not be
enticed who already own a majority of the presented scores, is the fact
that it has created a major desire to see a Goldsmith concert live. Oh
well, maybe one day. ****
