Frontiers (Compilation)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Jerry Goldsmith has composed so many scores in each category that they could make a compilation of each genre and still make lots of money no matter what. And that is exactly what they did, with science fiction to be exact. The compilation Frontiers combines science fiction music of Jerry Goldsmith from 1969 to 1996, with some of the best compositions he did for the genre. And so Frontiers as a soundtrack and as a compilation simply works. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is this time the orchestra to deliver the audience the sound of Goldsmith, and how could it fail when Jerry himself would conduct the performance of it all? Basically it didn't. That Total Recall sounds a bit different due to electronics which weren't used is normal, instead they just used triangles to make the effect. But for the rest it sounds spectacular. Robert Townson and Jerry Goldsmith decided to throw some classic pieces into the mix with some of the most rare and hardly recognizable cues Goldsmith ever wrote, together Frontiers works as both a sampler, compilation as discovery of Goldsmith gems. That we know Star Trek: First Contact by heart now is not surprising, that the performance still rocks is not new either. Also classic pieces sound as powerful as they were, 'Main Title' of Capricorn One sounds terrific as so does 'The Enterprise' from Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Total Recall receives not the electronic support but through mere the orchestra is still sounds great and 'Main Title' from Star Trek: Voyager is a little slower but still remains an undeniable classic TV theme.

Alien isn't a favorite of mine but they surely picked the best track of the disc and equally so for Twilight Zone: The Movie with the first two minutes capturing a light but stunning optimistic mood. All these performances are good so you could enjoy the version no matter what. For me, and probably for many several tracks are still new to the ear. I especially like the two tracks of Damnation Alley, 'Main Title' receives a menacing theme with great threatening brass and 'End Title' a relieving fanfare which makes all the difference when listening to it, both additions are great to have. Of Logan's Run we equally have two tracks, 'The Monument' is an eight minute cue which remains quite calm for most of the time but near the end it has its good moments, with some brass fanfares to treasure and 'End of the City' is seeing the theme of the previous track returning but in a lovely string performance. Again both tracks are worthy additions to the Frontiers compilation. The one and only track I seem to have trouble enjoying is 'Main Title' from The Illustrated Man, capturing a soprano voice a bit like the TV theme of Star Trek, but also listens more classical that I find it normal but not special. Nonetheless, for Goldsmith completists it is fun to see both the big works as the little ones appear on one CD. Having the best tracks of Star Trek, Total Recall and others is nice, but getting something new which is equally enjoyable even more. This makes Frontiers a great sci fi compilation disc which adds some powerful performances to the mix, along with new material for many fans. This then also is a trip worthy for us film music fans.

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Tracks

Single Disc

Star Trek: First Contact

1. End Title (5.24) Excellent Track

Twilight Zone: The Movie

2. Overture (6.02)

Capricorn One

3. Main Title (2.50)

Logan's Run

4. The Monument (8.31)

5. End Of The City (2.15)

The Illustrated Man

6. Main Title * (3.48)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

7. The Enterprise (6.08) Excellent Track

Total Recall

8. Main Title (2.28) Excellent Track

Damnation Alley

9. Main Title (2.10)

10. End Title (2.03)

Star Trek: Voyager

11. Main Title (2.08) Excellent Track

Alien

12. End Title (3.11)

* Featuring as soprano Claire Rutter

Total Length: 47.40

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=== Link to Composer Site: Jerry Goldsmith ===