 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Composed and Produced by:
|
Wendy Carlos
|
Conducted by:
|
Douglas Gamley
|
Orchestrated by:
|
Jorge Calandrelli
|
|
|
|
|
Release Date:
|
January 29th, 2002
|
|
|
|
|
Audio Clips:
1. Creation of Tron (0:28), 139K tron1.ra
7. Tron Scherzo (0:30), 150K tron7.ra
12. Love Theme (0:30), 150K tron12.ra
14. The Light Sailer (0:30), 150K tron14.ra
|
|
|
|
|
Availability:
Regular U.S. release, priced below usual levels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Original Review, by Jon Turner
 |
| | Carlos | |
|
Tron: (Wendy Carlos) Not much of a hit in its initial 1982 release, but a cult favorite for
many, this film was the first of its kind to explore with CGI effects for a
movie. For all its faults (mainly in the story and acting department),
Tron is nevertheless unique for its then-amazing computer generated
special effects. It was also one of the early jump starts to the US video game
market in the early 1980's, which is what also makes it a landmark. Composer
Wendy Carlos was chosen to contribute to the soundtrack of Tron, no doubt
due to her experimental work with the synthesizer (and, she admits in the notes,
she is a big fan of computer graphics). Her score, stripped from its function in
the film, is a rather odd, yet intriguing work.
Carlos employs her GDS and Moog synthesizers, but also a chorus, two
orchestras(!), and, on the finale track, a pipe organ. All of these instruments
are synchronized together to create an unusual listening experience, but at the
same time ground breaking (you can read the liner notes for more detailed
information on how the orchestras and the synthesizers matched together) for its
time, as such an effect hadn't been achieved. Her style ranges from baroque to
classical to B-science fiction flicks, as one can tell from listening to a
majority of the tracks. There are a lot of moments when the score is very
dissonant and obnoxious enough to give one a headache (particularly whenever it
is in action, but it is never without is moments of relief, especially tracks
10, 12, and 17. This kind of score may not go down very well with those used to
a typical soundtrack, but considering the nature of the film, Carlos's score is
more than appropriate for Tron. One could compare this soundtrack with a
video game soundtrack, as it does sound mostly electronic, despite the inclusion
of the orchestra and chorus. But this would only be another compliment to this
roller coaster ride of beauty, action, and surrealness.
The music was previously available on CBS Records in 1982, including the two
bouncy if not remarkable rock songs performed by Journey ("Only Solutions" and
the dated "1990's Theme", which isn't much of a song). Unfortunately, it had
never been released to compact disc until recently, just in time for its 20th
anniversary. This CD release will please fans of the film, as it features all
of the music contained on the old CBS release, plus three bonus tracks that were
omitted from the original release for spacial purposes. The most interesting of
the bonus tracks is the last one, which is an electronic keyboard rendition of
track 17. (And I found the title misleading; I thought it was going to be a
REAL piano!) The liner notes by Wendy Carlos are very interesting to read, as
she talks a lot about how her music for the film was composed, and the sound
quality is terrific. If you are not familiar with video game soundtracks, or
Tron, then this CD may not offer much, but fans of the film will
undoubtedly enjoy it. I tip my hat to Walt Disney Records for re-releasing this
strange yet masterful soundtrack. ****
 |
|
Viewer Ratings and Comments:
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
• 1. Creation of Tron (0:49)
• 2. Only Solutions (performed by Journey) (3:41)
• 3. We've Got Company (2:19)
• 4. Wormhole (2:29)
• 5. Ring Game and Escape (2:57)
• 6. Water, Music and TRONaction (2:25)
• 7. Tron Scherzo (1:46)
• 8. Miracle and Magician (2:40)
• 9. Magic Landings (3:44)
• 10. Theme from Tron (1:37)
• 11. 1990's Theme (performed by Journey) (2:08)
| |
• 12. Love Theme (2:07)
• 13. Tower Music - Let Us Pray (3:47)
• 14. The Light Sailer (2:37)
• 15. Sea of Simulation (3:23)
• 16. A New Tron and the MCP (5:10)
• 17. Anthem (1:40)
• 18. Ending Titles (5:16)
• 19. TRONaction (1:29)
• 20. Break In (For Strings, Flutes and Celesta) (5:34)
• 21. Anthem for Keyboard Solo (1:09)
|
Insert includes a lengthy note about the
score and album from composer Wendy Carlos, written in November, 2001. The
packaging is otherwise sparse.
|
