Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Star Trek, The Original Series: Pt. 1 (Courage, 1965)

     For fans of the original Star Trek television series, the background music is as familiar as Kirk, Spock and Bones themselves.  It's hard to over-emphasize how much the score successfully created the "vibe" of classic Trek, giving it a rich selection of adventurous and romantic themes to pit against more other-worldly scales, timbres and harmonies.  During its run, several major television composers worked on the program, but the first was Alexander Courage who, besides composing the iconic theme song, set the tone and tonal parameters for the entire series.

     Star Trek had a somewhat difficult birthing (well-documented in many books), and two pilots were necessary before the series was green-lighted.  Courage scored both, with each having unique themes, and only a brief quote from the first echoing into the second (Vina theme).  The first pilot, "The Cage",  was never aired as an episode proper, but was used as an extended flashback in the 2 part episode, "The Menagerie".  The second pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before", was aired as the 3rd episode, pretty much as it was originally produced.

     The scores for the two pilots were first available on GNP Crescendo Records, but have more recently been released in expanded form on Lala-Land's "Star Trek: The Original Series Soundtrack Collection", which includes every bit of music from the entire series.  The track listings below are from the 1st disc in this box set (of 15).

     "The Cage" opens with the Star Trek theme song, which has a descending introductory motif, a rising Trek fanfare, and then the "song" with full rhythm section.  The episode's underscore is dominated by the siren-like, falling 5-note Vina theme (usually in high winds such as flute), and the enigmatic Talosian theme, (echoed and plucked texture played on guitar and electronic instruments created by inventor Jack Cookerly).  In this pilot, Captain Pike is captured by the alien Talosians and is subjected to various fantasy illusions for the entertainment of the advanced zoo-keepers.  He also meets Vina, a survivor from a previous shipwreck.  Eventually the Talosians reject Pike and his crew due to their stubborn resistance to captivity.

     "Where No Man Has Gone Before" presents the 5-note Captain theme (a variation of the Trek fanfare) in an alternate main title (ultimately unused).  The noble Hero motif is also introduced here, and a few other figures which will reappear in future Courage Star Trek scores.  In this episode, Captain Kirk's best friend, Gary Mitchell gains godly powers after a disastrous trip to the edge of the galaxy.  Eventually Mitchell (and his partner Dr. Dehner, a sympathetic female psychiatrist) are corrupted by their new powers and Kirk is forced to destroy them on an uninhabited planet.

1.1: Alexander Courage: 
The Cage
Trk Dur Title Sequence, Themes
1 1:01 Main Title Opening spacescape (also later when the Enterprise travels at Warp 7 to the Talos system): Trek intro motif in high winds, Trek motif/fanfare in brass, Trek song theme in soprano/brass over rhythm section, leading to harps/vibraphone.
2 1:25 Dr. Bartender Captain Pike tells ship's doctor Boyce that he misses civilian life and is considering retiring: Trek motif/song melody in low muted brass, reflective winds.
3 1:47 Survivors The landing party discovers the survivors of a crashed ship;  Vina appears as the Talosians watch on a view screen: hopeful rising figures, Vina theme in flutes/plucked arpeggios, Talosian theme on guitar and echoey "electronic guitar",  joined by winds/bass, etc.
4 5:11 Prime Specimen 0:00: Vina refers to Pike as a "prime specimen": Vina theme with added chimes/harp, winding winds.
1:41: The Talosians knock out and capture Pike;  Spock and his men attempt to breach the Talosian barrier: Talosian theme cadence into fanfare and suspense figures.
Bottled 3:15: Pike wakes up as a member of an alien menagerie;  he meets his  Talosian captors: sustained high tones w bongos and electronic sounds, low wind/brass ornaments/organ, Talosian theme in layers, brief Trek motif.
5 5:43 Probing Pike is mentally and visually examined by the Talosians: Trek motif in low winds, Talosian theme, suspense texture joined by electronic sounds.
Monster Illusion 0:44: Pike is put into an illusion where he must help Vina on Rigel VII: Vina theme with timpani rhythm, alternating with brass tension figures.
2:09: An alien barbarian appears: suspense accents/fanfares etc., rising figures.
Monster Fight 3:22: Pike fights the barbarian: low wind/brass-driven action cue, brass fanfares, Vina theme, brass/wind action figures/cadences, Vina theme.
The Kibitzers 5:00: When the illusion ends, the Talosians (who have been watching) quickly depart: Vina and Talosian themes.
6 2:05 Long Look 0:00: Vina is disappointed that Pike will not cooperate and suggest more fantasy scenarios: rising winds as suspense figures into Vina theme.
"Since you're not real, there's not much point in continuing this conversation, is there?"
Vina's Punishment 0:12: When Vina answers a few of Pike's questions, the Talosians punish her; Pike searches for escape in his cage; he is given a nutrition drink: Vina theme on solo flute, Talosian theme, wind fanfares, Talosian/Trek motifs, winding wind figure with gong/brass accents, etc.
7 0:39 Pike's Punishment When Pike resists drinking it, he is made to imagine burning up in flames: Talosian theme in low tones rising into danger fanfares, brief Trek motif.
8 2:20 The Picnic The Talosians put Pike and Vina in a familiar rural setting, and Pike remembers his discussion with Dr. Boyce: Talosian theme, pastoral texture in guitar soon joined by oboe/clarinet, then flute.
"Have you forgotten my headaches, Darling? I get them when you talk strangely like this."
9 1:27 True Love Pike shows sympathy for Vina's situation and they express mutual attraction for each other: Vina theme, developed.
10 1:57 Vina's Dance Vina is presented as an alien harem girl: Vina theme exotic variation (somewhat "Romanesque"?) on winds/harp/guitar over a rhythm section.
11 1:12 Torchy Girl 0:00: Vina appears to Pike in a cave holding a torch: seductive Vina figures. 
Under the Spell 0:14: Number 1 and the Yeoman Colt are presented to a dazed Pike: Vina theme on flute with some vestiges of the exotic variation.
Primitive Thoughts 0:38: Pike attempts to block the Talosians with angry thoughts: suspense textures/swells.
"He doesn't need you, he's already picked me!"
"Picked her?  For what?  I don't understand."
"Now, there's a fine choice for intelligent offspring!"
12 0:45 Wrong Think The Talosian leader punishes Pike for his resistance: "danger" fanfare, Talosian theme (fast with added dissonant textures), Trek motif.
13 1:28 To Catch a T. The captives pretend to be asleep, but when the Talosian leader tries to retrieve some weapons, Pike gets his hands on him.  The Talosian threatens to destroy the Enterprise: quiet suspense on flute based on Talosian theme, brass accents, Talosian theme, urgent fanfares, suspenseful Talosian theme.
14 1:13 Going Up Pike calls the Talosian's bluff and manages to get everyone into the elevator and back up to the surface: trilling texture, determined wind "mission" figures ending in harp.
15 2:15 Max's Factor Number 1 and Yeoman Colt are returned to the ship.  The Talosians reveal Vina's true form: her face devolves, and she explains that the Talosians didn't quite know how to repair her.  The Talosians give her back the illusion of beauty (and more): accent into rising wind figures, falling wind/brass figures into desolate Vina theme on bassoon, and then back up to flute with added soprano.
16 1:39 Who Was Eve/
End Credits
Yeoman Colt asks Pike who would have been "Eve".  The Enterprise flies through space (end credits): sheepish Trek motif on bassoon, trumpet, oboe, then Trek theme song.
1.2: Alexander Courage: 
Where No Man Has Gone Before
17 1:08 Beyond the Pale
(No Man Before)/
Main Title
Prologue sequence (for network presentation): electronic pulses, Captain's theme (Trek motif variation) in layers, Hero motif.
18 0:39 Act 1 Card Kirk voice over describes the mission to investigate a distress signal at the edge of the galaxy: Hero motif in low brass under falling wind figure, Captain's theme.
19 1:27 Episode Titles After retrieving the Valiant's battered ship recorder, Kirk orders an alert.  Mitchell joins Kirk in the turbo-lift on the way to the bridge: high suspended textures/pulses alternating with Hero motif in low brass, then jazzy rhythm (unused), high textures over snare accents, rising figures.
20 4:09 Force Field 0:00: Spock reports that the Valiant ordered a self-destruct.  Kirk orders the Enterprise to continue and they encounter a force field at the galaxy's border: Captain's theme in brass, suspense figures with echoed pulses, high falling figures over slow low rising figures, joined by Hero motif in trumpets, low brass.
Silver Orbs (Zooms Past) 2:15: The ship incurs damage from the external forces; Kirk orders a retreat and Mitchell and Dr. Dehner are zapped by unknown forces: brass danger fanfares based on Hero motif, high dissonant chords, bass pulses with echoed high elements, ending in high "shimmering" texture (Gary's glowing eyes, probably celesta).
21 1:00 Crippled Ship Kirk reports the ship's damage to his log; Spock and Kirk review psychic ability records on Mitchell and Dehner: echoed beeps over Captain's theme/low swells, rapid wind rhythm ending texture.
22 1:52 The Patient 0:00: Kirk visits Mitchell in sick bay: urgent, staccato wind rhythm into high textures, Captain's theme in muted brass.
Speedy Reader 0:46: Mitchell gives Kirk a playful warning;  he then begins reading faster and faster.  Finally he gives Kirk an unsettling stare through the view screen: suspense brass accents, Captain's theme into rapid wind/brass martial/rhythmic figure with high organ, accelerating, ending with muted brass cadence.
23 2:24 Some Corpse Mitchell shows Dehner how he can feign death.  He then demonstrates his total recall of all of the books he has been reading (they flirt): low textures/figures, Vina theme variation on flute, developed.
24 3:05 Decision 0:00: After learning of Mitchell's powers, Spock convinces Kirk to drop Mitchell off on an abandoned planet: Captain's theme in brass, suspense cadence.
Playtime 0:16: Kirk records in his log that they must maroon Mitchell.  Mitchell practices telekinesis in his room: high textures/echoed beeps with Hero motif/Captain's theme in low brass/low textures, winding wind figure/echo beeps/low percussion.
Megalomania 1:32: Mitchell tells Kirk that he hasn't decided exactly what kind of world he'd like to "use".  After he attacks Kirk and Spock, Dehner disables him with a tranquilizer and they bring him to the transporter: suspense figures into accent, winding figure, brass accents.
"You fools! Soon I'll squash you like insects!"
Stronger and Stronger 2:20: Fighting his prison, Mitchell's super powers subside, but almost immediately return: high shimmering texture, suspense with low textures/electronic tones/celesta.
Hit the Button 3:00: Kirk gives last resort self-destruct orders if Mitchell gets out of control: dramatic accent cadence with drums.
25 1:17 On Delta Vega 0:00: Kirk records in his log his concerns about Mitchell: dissonant high texture/falling celesta figure with rising Captain's theme fragment in muted brass, dissonant winds.
Strangle by Wire 0:40: Mitchell uses telekinesis to strangle Kelso, the fail-safe operator: ominous rising brass into brass accent, suspense.
26 1:04 When Your Eyes Have Turned to Silver Mitchell shocks Kirk and Spock, then reveals that Dr. Dehner's eyes are now glowing as well: blaring trumpet accent, suspense textures on brass and electronic sounds, tremolo celesta, Captain's theme in muted trumpets.
27 2:58 Instant Paradise Mitchell uses his powers to create a vegetation patch in the desolate landscape; he senses Kirk tracking Mitchell and Dehner's path;  Kirk accidentally knocks down a rock; Mitchell produces Katherian apples; Mitchell has Dehner go to Kirk, who sees that Dehner's eyes have changed also: alien wind/chime harmonized figures with electronic sounds, suspenseful Captain's theme in brass/timpani rolls, brass accent, brass suspense, falling gliss (Katherian apples), etc.
28 6:11 Power Mad 0:00: Mitchell arrives and Kirk shoots him with the phaser rifle.  Mitchell disarms Kirk and creates a grave site for him.  He forces Kirk to his knees and makes him "pray".  Dehner attacks Mitchell, depowering him briefly: Captain's theme in suspenseful brass, rising accent figures, various falling suspense chords, eventually joined by timpani punctuation, Captain's theme in brass, more ominous falling chords/accents, high shimmering texture/brass accents (Dehner attacks Mitchell).
Situation Grave 2:59: Kirk and Mitchell fight hand to hand.  Kirk eventually buries Mitchell in the grave site: rising Captain's theme fragments in layers of brass accents, high shimmering texture, etc., final cymbal crash leads to reflective Captain's theme in trumpet, fading variation of Vina theme becoming Captain's theme motif.
Epilogue 5:35: Kirk makes a final log entry concerning Mitchell and Dehner: Hero motif in trumpet/high shimmering, Hero motif in flute/bittersweet textures.
29 0:24 End Title The Enterprise flies off into space: Hero motif in brass over shimmering textures.
30 0:22 End Credits Unused: Swirling winds and Hero motif in brass becoming a somewhat "Western-style" ending cadence.

Links
Star Trek, The Original Series: Analysis Pt. 2 (Courage, 1965)
Star Trek TOS Music Wiki
Lala-Land's "Star Trek: The Original Series Soundtrack Collection"
Star Trek: The Original Series Soundtrack Collection on Star Trek Soundtracks.com
The Cage on Star Trek Soundtracks.com 

Friday, March 25, 2016

Batman (Elfman, 1989)


     One of the first blockbuster comic book movies was Tim Burton's "Batman", scored by Danny Elfman in the 3rd of their many collaborations.  Orchestrated by Steve Bartek (with Shirley Walker and Steven Scott Smalley), conducted by Shirley Walker and performed by the Sinfonia of London Orchestra, this score established Elfman as a major force in the film-scoring world and earned him a Grammy Award.  The theme for Batman in this film was later adapted and developed for "Batman: The Animated Series" by Elfman, and even today this march theme is probably the most iconic piece of Batman-related music before or since.  The Burton/Elfman team followed this score with the equally brilliant "Batman Returns".


     The original 1989 Warner Bros. score album is a true classic and probably one of the best orchestral soundtrack albums of the 80's, up there with Horner's Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan album presentation.  In recent years, Lala-Land Records has reissued the complete score in a couple of editions (2014 being the most recent).  The score can also be found on the 2011 Burton/Elfman 25th Anniversary Music Box with a different mix of added tracks and demos.


     The pop artist Prince contributed several songs to the film which were ultimately used as short instances of source music throughout the movie.  Elfman also used a background melody from Prince's song "Scandalous" to create a love theme for Batman and Vicki Vale.  Finally, the melody from the song "Beautiful Dreamer" (by Stephen Foster) was used as a twisted Joker love theme of sorts.  Below is a brief description of the major themes.
  • Batman theme: Opens with a 5-6 note fanfare motif (4 rising, 1-2 falling) which is then treated to variations.  Mostly minor key but has several variations including major key, triumphant, mysterious, etc.  The entire score is riddled with this theme and its variants, but it never wears out its welcome.
  • Scandalous theme: The main backing motif from Prince's "Scandalous" song, and the love theme for Bruce and Vicki.  Interestingly, the Scandalous theme also starts with a 5-note motif which mostly rises and then falls on the last note.  This cleverly reinforces the romantic aspect of the Batman theme (and possibly symbolizes the humanizing influence of Vicki on Bruce).
  • Beautiful Dreamer: From the Stephen Foster song, this high, schmaltzy melody represents the Joker's fascination with Vicki.
  • Circus theme: This waltz contrasts with the twisted violence behind the Joker's insanity.
  • Henchmen theme: This ostinato figure is very cops and robbers/gangstery.
  • Hanging Joker/Fate motif: Probably influenced by Bernard Herrmann ("Obsession", "Vertigo"), this chordal motif is a modified Batman fragment.  It's very dramatically used when the Joker is hanging above the chemical vat at his "birth" and then at the end when hanging from the helicopter ladder at his "death".     

     The below listing is based on the Lala-Land Records release, but the original 1989 album is entirely included on Disc 2 of that reissue.  The liner notes by Jeff Bond are excellent and were used as reference for the locations of themes.  The source music songs from Prince's "Batman" album are listed in the places where they occur in the chronological placement of the cues, but without track numbers/durations.

Disc One
Trk Dur. Title Film Sequence/Themes
1 2:42 Main Title 0:00: Opening logos (gothic Batmen theme in 5 notes)
0:41: "Batman" title cadence leads to an uptempo march variation of the Batman theme which has a falling B phrase as well (not used that often in the score).
1:20: Romantic variation, ending accents.
(The Batman theme actually occurs all over the place, but I only noted it below where Jeff Bond specifically highlights it in the CD liner notes.)  
The Future
(Prince)
Source music when family is looking for a cab.
2 3:24 Family 0:00: A boy and his hapless parents are mugged in an alleyway.  A dark, cowled figure moves across a rooftop (ominous Batman theme here and the next 2 sections).
First Batman 0:55: The muggers discuss the rumors of a giant bat.  Batman floats into the background.
Roof Fight 2:02: Batman beats up the 2 muggers and then disappears off the roof.
"I'm Batman."
3 1:37 Jack vs. Eckhardt Gangster Jack Napier gives dirty cop Eckhardt a payoff in a dark alley.
4 1:54 Up Building 0:00: Camera pans up the side of Boss Grissom's skyscraper.
Card Snap 0:11: Boss Grissom suspects Jack of stealing his wife Alicia, and sets him up on a fake burglary.
Vicki Waiting,
Electric Chair
(Prince)
Source music for the Wayne party as Bruce Wayne bumps into photojournalist Vicki Vale (and Commissioner Gordon is informed of Jack's burglary).
5 1:55 Bat Zone 0:00: Vicki is seen on a CCTV monitor, and Bruce investigates why Gordon and his men suddenly left the party (Batman theme over string rhythm).
Axis Set-up 1:15: Eckhardt prepares his police forces to take down Jack Napier.  Jack discovers that the burgled safe is empty.
"We've been ratted out here, boys."
6 5:42 Shootout 0:00: Jack's men and the police begin shooting at each other (Henchmen theme in low strings begins).
1:20: Batman appears on the scene (from here Batman theme appears throughout the cue).
3:09: Batman grabs Jack but is forced to release him when Gordon is held hostage by Jack's henchman, Bob.
"Nice outfit."
4:25: After falling off a railing, Jack is held by Batman above a vat of greenish chemicals.  He falls in (Hanging Joker theme).
4:50: Batman escapes from the police, and Jack's tattered hand rises from a pond of chemical sewage.
7 3:00 Dinner Transition 0:00: Bruce and Vicki leave the large dining hall and move to the kitchen (brief opening Scandalous motif).
Kitchen Dinner 0:15: Bruce and Vicki talk about their pasts and Wayne Manor (ends with Scandalous motif in winds).
Surgery 1:21: Jack removes his facial bandages and begins laughing maniacally.
8 3:59 Face-Off 0:00: At Wayne mansion, Bruce and Vicki kiss (opens with Scandalous motif).
0:11: At Grissom's place, the Joker appears.
"Is that you sugar bumps?"
"You can call me Joker.  And as you can see, I'm a lot happier."
1:51: The Joker kills Grissom while dancing insanely (Circus theme).
Beddy Bye 2:21: Bruce observes Vicki sleeping.  Later he leaves to hang upside down on a metal swing (Batman theme, peaceful, then dark).
3:19: In Grissom's office, the Joker reads the paper about the Batman (Circus theme).
"Wait till they get a load of me."
9 1:03 Roasted Dude The Joker has an unhinged self-conversation with a gangster he has just roasted.
10 1:56 Vicki Spies (Flowers) Vicki follows Bruce, who visits an alleyway to place flowers on the ground (melancholy variation of Batman theme from 0:29).
11 1:59 Clown Attack At City Hall, when gangsters announce that they are taking over Grissom's business, the Joker and his miming clowns appear and open fire.  
12 2:30 Photos 0:00: Bruce talks to his butler Alfred about Vicki.  Vicki wonders about Bruce's secret errand. 
0:49: The Joker looks over press photos covering his activities (includes musical saw from 1:04).
Beautiful Dreamer
(unused)
1:33: The Joker becomes enamored of a picture of Vicki Vale (Beautiful Dreamer theme).
"Jesus marimba!  It's hard to stay inside the lines, he he."
Beautiful Dreamer
(Stephen Foster/
Hill Bowen And His Orchestra)
The Joker becomes enamored of a picture of Vicki Vale.
13 0:33 Men at Work The Joker and his men poison the chemical factory (Henchmen theme).
14 0:30 Paper Spin 0:00: Image of spinning newspaper headline "Cosmetics Scare in Gotham".
Alicia's Mask 0:05: Alicia (her face covered in a white plaster mask), asks the Joker where he's going.
15 1:13 Vicki Gets a Gift While waiting for Bruce at the museum, Vicki gets a gas mask gift, as gas begins knocking out all of the other patrons.
Partyman
(Prince)
Source music when the Joker invades the museum and defaces the artwork.
Theme From A Summer Place
(Max Steiner/
Percy Faith and His Orchestra)
Source music as the Joker discusses Vicki's photos with her.
16 1:10 Alicia's Unmasking When Vicki sees what the Joker has done to Alicia's face, she becomes alarmed and throws water in his face.
"I'm melting!  Boo." 
17 4:25 Batman to the Rescue 0:00: Batman appears from the skylight and carries Vicki to safety (After fanfare, heroic Batman theme (including B phrase) enters and reappears throughout the next 2 subsections).
Batmobile Charge 0:25: Outside the museum, Batman tells Vicki to get in the Batmobile.  The Joker's men chase the Batmobile through Gotham.  When their path is blocked, Batman and Vicki run into an alley.
2:36: Batman uses his grapple line to get Vicki up to an overhang.  
Street Fight 3:17: Batman falls and is briefly knocked out, but eventually wakes up and takes out the Joker's henchmen (including a double-bladed sword expert).
18 1:33 Descent Into Mystery Batman and Vicki travel through the nighttime forest in the Batmobile, eventually entering the Batcave (heroic/mysterious Batman theme over Herrmannesque "Psycho" strings and Goldsmith "Omen" choir, leading to a triumphant fanfare).
19 2:48 Bat Cave 0:00: Batman gives Vicki information on how to defeat the Joker's cosmetic threat.  She eventually wakes up in her apartment.
Paper Throw 2:34: Vicki's newspaper publishes Batman's solution (shot of newspaper headline).
20 0:59 Joker's Poem After shooting Bruce, the Joker leaves with a parting poem and gift.  Bruce disappears and Vicki opens her pop-up present.
21 0:38 Sad Pictures Vicki learns of Bruce's childhood trauma from Knox.
22 4:28 Dream 0:00: While looking at police reports of his parents' murder, Bruce has a flashback of leaving a movie theater with his parents.
Challenge 1:52: In the flashback, Jack Napier shoots Bruce's parents and utters his signature poem.
Tender Bat Cave (Love theme) 2:54: Bruce is interrupted by Alfred leading Vicki into the Batcave and they discuss their future (Scandalous theme).
23 1:43 Charge of the Batmobile Bruce suits up.  The Batmobile shoots its way into Axis Chemical and blows it up with a bomb (gothic Batman theme becoming a march, kind of a mutated version of the main title ending with Fate motif fanfare accents).
Trust
(Prince)
Source music when the Joker begins his parade through the streets of Gotham.
24 0:31 Joker Flies To Gotham
(unused)
0:00: The Joker escapes in his helicopter.
Batwing I 0:13: The Batwing flies towards Gotham (Batman march theme here and in the next few action cues).
25 6:02 Batwing II/III 0:00: The Joker sees the Batwing and has his men put on masks.  He begins releasing toxic fumes from his inflatable floats.  Vicki notices while taking photos.
1:44: The Batwing dives down and assesses the situation.  Vicki accidentally knocks out Knox in the confusion.  The Batwing grabs the Joker's balloons and drags them away.
3:46: An annoyed Joker shoots his right hand man, Bob.  The Batwing flies up to silhouette against the moon, and then (4:13) dives back down to engage the Joker with guns and missiles.
5:37: The Joker's big long gun causes the Batwing to crash at the foot of Gotham Cathedral.
26 5:07 Cathedral Chase 0:00: The Joker forces Vicki to enter the cathedral with him and begin ascending (in order to rendezvous with his escape helicopter).  (the Fate motif enters on organ at 0:53).
1:17: Batman enters the cathedral, as the Joker and Vicki ascend further up the rickety wooden stairs (Fate motif reinforced by brass and cymbals).
2:25: The Joker drops one of Vicki's shoes into the darkness.
2:46: Gotham Police converge on the cathedral.
3:09: The Joker and Vicki reach the top floor.  The Joker causes one of the giant bells to fall, blocking the police from entering.  Batman eventually reaches the top floor (more Fate in organ, etc).
27 3:58 Waltz to the Death 0:00: Batman takes out an assailant with spears for boots.
0:14: The Joker dances with Vicki on the ledge, as Batman is assaulted by more of the Joker's men (Circus theme).
3:14: Vicki attempts to distract the Joker as Batman gets closer.
28 5:05 Showdown I 0:00: Batman and the Joker threaten each other, blaming each other for their own creation.  Batman beats the Joker and he goes over the ledge (Batman theme variant).
Showdown II 1:12: The Joker pulls Batman and Vicki after him.  Batman catches Vicki as the Joker attempts to knock them both off the ledge.
2:46: As the Joker is about to escape on a helicopter ladder, Batman wraps a cable between the Joker's leg and a stone gargoyle.  The Joker hangs suspended in air, his grip loosening (Hanging Joker theme).
3:44: The Joker falls to his death.  Batman and Vicki also begin to fall but Batman uses his cable gun to halt their descent and they slowly swing in a spotlight (Batman theme).
4:26: A crowd gathers around the Joker's body, which still laughs from a hidden toy (Beautiful Dreamer/Circus themes).
29 1:47 Finale Gordon activates the new Bat Signal.  Vicki sees the signal in the sky (Batman theme).  Alfred tells her that Bruce will be late (Scandalous theme).  The camera pans up to Batman standing above the city (Batman theme, triumphant, then dark).
30 1:29 End Credits End credits (Batman theme).
Scandalous
(Prince)
Song in end credits.
   

Disc Two
Trk Dur. Title Film Sequence/Themes
Original Album
1 2:37 Batman Theme (Alt mix.)
0:00: Opening logos (gothic Batmen theme in 5 notes)
0:41: "Batman" title cadence leads to an uptempo march variation of the Batman theme which has a falling B phrase as well (not used that often in the score).
1:20: Romantic variation, ending accents.
2 1:22 Roof Fight (Alt. take with added piano) Batman beats up 2 muggers and then disappears off a roof (Batman theme).
3 4:43 First Confrontation (Shootout cue, slightly edited)
0:00: Jack's men and the police begin shooting at each other  (Henchmen theme in low strings begins).
1:04: Batman appears on the scene (from here Batman theme appears throughout the cue).
2:15: Batman grabs Jack but is forced to release him when Gordon is held hostage by Jack's henchman, Bob.
"Nice outfit."
3:27: After falling off a railing, Jack is held by Batman above a vat of greenish chemicals.  He falls in (Hanging Joker theme).
3:55: Batman escapes from the police, and Jack's tattered hand rises from a pond of chemical sewage.
4 3:09 Kitchen/
Surgery/
Face-Off
(Face-Off skips the suspense prelude to Grissom's circus waltz death)
0:00: Bruce and Vicki talk about their pasts and Wayne Manor (ends with Scandalous motif in winds).
1:07: Jack removes his facial bandages and begins laughing maniacally.
2:31: The Joker kills Grissom while dancing insanely (Circus theme).
5 1:51 Flowers (Slightly edited) Vicki follows Bruce to an alleyway where he places flowers on the ground (melancholy variation of Batman theme from 0:29).
6 1:46 Clown Attack (Slightly edited) At City Hall, when gangsters announce that they are taking over Grissom's business, the Joker and his miming clowns appear and open fire. 
7 3:57 Batman to the Rescue (aka Batmobile Charge, Street Fight):
0:00: Outside a museum, Batman tells Vicki to get in the Batmobile.  The Joker's men chase the Batmobile through Gotham.  When their path is blocked, Batman and Vicki run into an alley.
2:10: Batman uses his grapple line to get Vicki to an overhang. 
2:49: Batman falls and is briefly knocked out, but eventually wakes up and takes out the Joker's henchmen (including a double-bladed sword expert).
8 1:02 Roasted Dude (occurs in film after Face-Off) The Joker has an unhinged conversation with a gangster he has just roasted.
9 2:31 Photos -
Beautiful Dreamer
(occurs in film after Clown Attack).
0:00: Bruce talks to his butler Alfred about Vicki.  Vicki wonders about Bruce's secret errand.
0:49: The Joker looks over press photos covering his activities (includes musical saw from 1:04).
1:33: The Joker becomes enamored of a picture of Vicki Vale (Beautiful Dreamer theme).
"Jesus marimba!  It's hard to stay inside the lines, he he."
10 1:33 Descent Into Mystery (Alt. mix with less choir, occurs in film after Batman to the Rescue) Batman and Vicki travel through the nighttime forest in the Batmobile, eventually entering the Batcave (heroic/mysterious Batman theme over Herrmannesque "Psycho" strings and Goldsmith "Omen" choir, leading to a triumphant fanfare).
11 2:35 Bat Cave Batman gives Vicki information on how to defeat the Joker's cosmetic threat.  She eventually wakes up in her apartment.
12 0:59 Joker's Poem After shooting Bruce in Vicki's apartment, the Joker leaves with a parting poem and gift.  Bruce disappears and Vicki opens her pop-up present.
13 2:43 Childhood Remembered (aka Dream/Challenge, slightly edited)
0:00: While looking at police reports of his parents' murder, Bruce has a flashback of leaving a movie theater with his parents.
1:52: In the flashback, Jack Napier shoots Bruce's parents and utters his signature poem.
14 1:30 Love Theme (aka Tender Bat Cave (Love theme)) Bruce is interrupted by Alfred leading Vicki into the Batcave and they discuss their future (Scandalous theme).
15 1:41 Charge of the Batmobile Bruce suits up.  The Batmobile shoots its way into Axis Chemical and blows it up with a bomb (gothic Batman theme becoming a march, kind of a mutated version of the main title ending with Fate motif fanfare accents).
16 4:45 Attack of the Batwing (aka Batwing II & III, some street confusion music edited out, etc)
0:00: During his "parade", the Joker sees the Batwing and has his men put on masks.  He begins releasing toxic fumes from inflatable floats.  Vicki notices while taking photos.
1:01: The Batwing dives down and assesses the situation. The Batwing grabs the Joker's balloons and drags them away.
2:50: The Batwing flies up to silhouette against the moon, and then dives back down to engage the Joker with guns and missiles.
4:20: The Joker's big long gun causes the Batwing to crash at the foot of Gotham Cathedral.
17 5:05 Up the Cathedral (aka Cathedral Chase, slightly edited).
0:00: The Joker forces Vicki to enter the cathedral with him and begin ascending (in order to rendezvous with his escape helicopter).  (the Fate motif enters on organ at around 0:53).
1:14: Batman enters the cathedral, as the Joker and Vicki ascend further up the rickety wooden stairs (Fate motif reinforced by brass and cymbals).
2:25: The Joker drops one of Vicki's shoes into the darkness.
2:45: Gotham Police converge on the cathedral.
3:07: The Joker and Vicki reach the top floor.  The Joker causes one of the giant bells to fall, blocking the police from entering.  Batman eventually reaches the top floor (more Fate in organ, etc).
18 3:56 Waltz to the Death 0:00: Batman takes out an assailant with spears for boots.
0:14: The Joker dances with Vicki on the ledge, as Batman is assaulted by more of the Joker's men (Circus theme).
3:14: Vicki attempts to distract the Joker as Batman gets closer.
19 3:48 Final Confrontation (aka Showdown II)
0:00: After Batman knocks the Joker off the roof, the Joker pulls Batman and Vicki down after him.  Batman catches Vicki as the Joker attempts to knock them both off the ledge.
1:30: As the Joker is about to escape on a helicopter ladder, Batman wraps a cable between his leg and a stone gargoyle.  The Joker hangs suspended in air, his grip loosening (Hanging Joker theme).
2:28: The Joker falls to his death.  Batman and Vicki also begin to fall but Batman uses his cable gun to halt their descent and they slowly swing in a spotlight (Batman theme).
3:10: A crowd gathers around the Joker's body, which still laughs from a hidden toy (Beautiful Dreamer/Circus themes).
20 1:46 Finale 0:00: Gordon activates the new Bat Signal.  Vicki sees the signal in the sky (Batman theme).  Alfred tells her that Bruce will be late (Scandalous theme).  The camera pans up to Batman standing above the city (Batman theme, triumphant, then dark).
21 1:31 Batman Theme Reprise End credits.
Bonus Tracks
22 0:11 News Theme Gotham evening news, featuring xylophone.
23 1:23 Joker's Commercial (Unused) Based on "Holiday for Strings" (David Rose).
24 1:15 Joker's Muzak
(Unused)
Source music for Joker's visit to Vicki's apartment, replaced by "Beautiful Dreamer".
25 2:42 Main Title (Alt 1) Roomier percussion and staccato brass ending.
26 2:33 Photos - Beautiful Dreamer (Alt) Slower version.
27 0:52 Batman to the Rescue (Original Ending) Alt. version.
28 1:47 Charge of the Batmobile (Film Edit) Extended with a loop.
29 2:47 Main Title (Alt 2) Alt. mix with more piano at the end.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Godzilla vs. The Thing (Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ifukube, 1964)


    The giant moth Mothra and her two singing fairie friends (Shobijin) made their debut in 1961's "Mothra" (モスラ), but it was only a few years before they were forced to return and defend Japan from an attack by fellow, less-friendly giant monster Godzilla in 1964's "Mothra vs. Godzilla" (Japan: モスラ対ゴジラ, US: Godzilla vs. The Thing).  Godzilla's signature composer Akira Ifukube also came back for this, his 3rd Godzilla score (following  "Godzilla" and "King Kong vs. Godzilla"), bringing back and further developing some of the Godzilla themes he had created for his previous entries and adding some new ones (as well as incorporating Yuji Koseki's song for Mothra from the first Mothra film).


    In the premise of this film, a hurricane has washed Mothra's giant egg out to sea towards Japan, as well as burying Godzilla underneath a beach at Shizonoura.  When the Mothra egg is brought ashore, entrepreneurs plan to build a seaside attraction out of it as it hatches.  Mothra's fairie-like "Shobijin", representatives from Infant Island, entreat the businessmen to return the egg, but are met with resistance.  Eventually, Godzilla wakes up from his sandy slumber and begins a rampage.  The human stars of the film journey to Infant Island to enlist Mothra's help in defending Japan against Godzilla.  Mothra agrees, but is later fatally injured in battle, due to her advanced age.  The Japanese army fails to stop Godzilla, but the giant egg finally hatches, revealing twin Mothra larvae.  The newborn Mothra larvae pursue Godzilla to an offshore island and eventually cocoon him.


    As mentioned previously, Ifukube brought back a few themes which he had initially introduced in the previous Godzilla films which he had scored:
  • Terror motif: big, foreboding and usually on low brass, opening with a 6 note fanfare, followed by short falling and then rising figures.
  • Fury theme: sinister and growing: first long note is followed by rising 3-note figures, repetitions often eventually ending in pounding accent chords (kind of a "tail") joined by the Terror motif.
  • Resurrection theme: slow marching theme building in power, also iconic and often follows the Fury theme, consisting of rising phrases made from 2 accents followed by short ornamental motifs, eventually ending in a chromatic descending line and final accents.
The Peanuts as the Shobijin (twin sisters Emi Itō (伊藤エミ) and Yumi Itō (伊藤ユミ).
    He also added several new themes which are mostly related to the Mothra elements, most notably the songs sung by the Peanuts, a female singing duo popular in Japan at the time (acting in the film as the Shobijin, aka "small beauties").
  • Mothra theme: Mothra's motif practically spells out "mo-su-ra".  The native ritual song version ("Mahala Mothra", track 26, sung in Filipino) is sung to help birth the twin Mothra larvae:
Mahal Mahal Mothra
Tama Tama Mothra
Laban Guerra Labanan
To Love...Mothra
Enough...Mothra
Fight - War - Battle 
  • Mothra song (composed by Yuji Koseki, track 19): from "Mothra", song used to convince Mothra to help the humans:  
Mosura ya Mosura
Dongan kasakuyan indo muu
Rusuto uiraandoa,
hanba hanbamuyan,
randa banunradan
Tounjukanraa...Kasaku yaanmu
Mothra oh Mothra
With the Power of your Ancestor
Grant the prayer
of your followers.
Arise and
show...your power.
          • Sacred Fountain (Sacred Springs) theme (song version track 18): basically the Shobijin theme song, sung poignantly in modified Tagalog (Filipino)
          Na intidihan mo ba (2x)
          Mairoun doan maganda baron
          Punta ka lang dito...Ka lang dito
          Harika tu marupo (2x)
          (rururu...rururu...)
          Do you understand?
          There is a way, is it beautiful
          Come here
          Come here and sit down 
          • Mothra fanfare: rising and then falling, often leading into the Mothra theme.
          • Egg theme: mysterious figure often supported by organ with vibrato.
          • Infant Island theme: noble, exotic melody opening with an upward-leaping interval.
          • Monster cadence: basically a horror fanfare made up of falling timpani scales and loud percussive textures.

               The score to Godzilla vs. The Thing has seen several releases over the years.  The below table is based on the main score tracks from the Godzilla Perfect Box 1, Disc 5, which also includes 11 bonus tracks at the end of alternate takes and karaoke versions of songs.

          Trk Dur Title Film sequence, themes
          1 1:57 Main Title
          (M1-T2)
          Opening titles over a huge storm battering a beach city.
          0:00: Piano clusters and percussion.
          0:14: Terror motif on brass.
          0:47: Resurrection theme on strings/piano/percussion.
          1:26: Mothra theme on brass/piano rhythm.
          2 0:25 The Rainbow-Colored Object
          (M2)
          A mysterious object is found in the beach wreckage by a reporter, Ichi, and his photographer Junko.
          Mysterious figures on xylophone/organ, tremolo strings, falling brass/high winds.
          3 0:25 The Giant Egg in the Waters Off Shizunoura
          (M3)
          A giant egg is seen drifting towards the shore, a native does an odd ritual.
          Mysterious figure (Egg theme) in strings over vibrating organ.
          4 0:37 The Giant Egg
          Washes Ashore
          (M4)
          Fishing boats bring the egg to shore and it is examined by Prof. Miura.
          Egg theme in strings (reprise without organ), leading to brass fanfare/organ, gentle ending cadence.
          5 0:54 The Little Beauty's Theme Song
          (M5-T2)
          Two little fairies (the Shobijin) appear and ask the Happy Enterprises businessmen to return it.  The businessmen try to capture the fairies.
          Mystical, high, fast version of Sacred Fountain theme featured on piano (flute enters for reprise after a brief pause).
          6 1:49 Reflection Of
          The Little Beauty
          (M6)
          The Shobijin appear to Ichi, Miura and Junko.  They explain that they are from Infant Island and that the egg is Mothra's.  A flashback shows the egg being blown out to sea.  They warn that when the egg hatches the larvae may cause destruction.
          0:00: Mystical, fast version of Sacred Fountain theme on piano/flute/etc.
          0:15: Sacred Fountain theme in normal (ballad) tempo on strings/winds/piano.
          0:51: Darker textures on brass and percussion (flashback), returning to opening texture.
          7 0:25 Mothra on
          the Hilltop
          (M7)
          The Shobijin reveal Mothra resting on a nearby hilltop.
          Mothra fanfare, Mothra theme statement.
          8 0:27 Mothra Leaves
          (M8)
          Mothra flies away with the the Shobijin (back to Infant Island).
          Muted Mothra fanfare, Mothra theme statement.
          9 1:04 Hamakaze Hotel
          (M9)
          (slow jazz source music during a meeting with the Happy Enterprises entrepreneurs)
          10 0:28 The Dome Is Activated
          (M10)
          In order to speed up the hatching, the businessmen use oil burners to heat it up.
          Egg theme in tremolo strings/low brass, leading to fanfare.
          11 0:36 Mysterious Radioactivity
          (M11)
          Miura shows Junko and Ichi that the beach object they found was strangely radioactive.  They return to the beach.
          Flutter-tongue flute and falling brass, mysterious brass/organ, string glissandi.
          12 0:49 Godzilla Appears
          (M12)
          Godzilla's tail emerges from the sand, soon followed by the rest of him (also when Godzilla menaces the beach village after surviving the electrical charges).
          0:00: Piano impact into Terror motif on brass.
          0:29: Fury theme fragment on strings over descending brass/piano chords.
          13 1:22 The Attack On The Industrial Complex
          (M13)
          Godzilla rampages in a refinery complex.
          0:00: Terror motif on brass/piano.
          0:19: Fury theme on strings/brass, brass/piano, Terror motif on brass/piano.
          14 1:49 Godzilla And Nagoya
          (M14)
          Godzilla's rampage continues inland.
          0:00: Terror motif on brass/piano/perc.
          0:35: Resurrection theme on strings/piano rhythm, joined by brass.
          15 0:21 The Dome At Sunset
          (M15)
          The egg is shown enclosed by scaffolding.
          Egg theme variation on muted trumpet/piano/vibraphone.
          16 1:16 Infant Island
          (M16)
          Ichi, Miura and Junko land at Infant Island and find a landscape devastated by nuclear weapon tests.
          Infant Island theme on muted brass, added wind in repeat.
          17 1:01 Evil Spirit
          Purification Ceremony
          (M17)
          The visitors are captured by native villagers and instructed to drink a potion.
          Egg theme variation on fluttery winds/tremolo strings/sul ponticello textures/vibraphone, leading to suspense figure on piano/winds/muted brass, etc.
          18 1:58 Sacred Springs
          (Ps-99 Mix)
          The Shobijin sing a song near an oasis.
          The Sacred Fountain theme as a vocal song (the Peanuts/Shobijin) over strings/harp.
          19 1:10 Mothra's Song
          (Ps-102)
          (Yuji Koseki)
          The Shobijin sing a song before Mothra.
          Mothra’s Song (sung in Malay) acappella by the Peanuts/Shobijin.
          20 2:40 Mothra's Journey
          (M18)
          0:00: The Shobijin lead the visitors to Mothra and sing Mothra's Song (previous cue).
          Infant Island theme on muted brass/organ/percussion, joined by muted brass, theme on strings
          1:42: The Shobijin explain that Mothra has agreed to help fight Godzilla with the last of her energies.
          Mothra fanfare on piano/organ/winds/strings punctuated by timpani, Mothra theme on brass, reaching upwards in a plaintive final phrase.
          21 1:07 Godzilla vs.
          The Tank Corps
          (M19)
          Godzilla is attacked by tanks.
          Terror motif & Resurrection theme on brass/piano rhythm/percussion.
          22 2:25 Godzilla Advances
          (M20)
          0:00: The Happy Enterprises businessmen fight among themselves, but Godzilla destroys their building. 
          Terror motif, Fury theme.
          1:16: Godzilla attacks the giant egg's outer scaffolding.
          Terror motif and Resurrection theme over pounding piano rhythm, ending on Monster cadence (vibrating organ/falling timpani/percussive textures).
          23 5:57 Adult Mothra vs.
          Godzilla
          (M21)
          0:00: Just as Godzilla uncovers the giant egg, Mothra appears.  She drops off the Shobijin.
          Mothra fanfare into organ/timpani/piano textures.
          0:56: Mothra uses her wings to batter Godzilla with wind.
          Terror motif, Fury theme.
          2:04: Mothra drags Godzilla by the tail.
          Mothra theme, Resurrection theme (slow march).
          3:06: Mothra and Godzilla engage in physical combat.  Mothra uses poison pollen, but is fatally injured by Godzilla's atomic breath.
          Mothra fanfare, Terror motif, Mothra fanfare, Terror motif, Resurrection theme.
          5:24: With her final breath, Mothra flies to her egg.
          Mothra theme.
          24 2:02 Plan A: Electrical Discharge Strike
          (M22)
          As night falls, tanks and planes attack and drive towards electrical generators, which he promptly knocks down.
          Resurrection theme as mid-tempo march, Fury theme on strings, brass, Terror motif over pounding piano rhythm, Resurrection theme resumes.
          25 3:21 Plan B: Electrical Discharge Strike
          (M23)
          In the morning, planes drop bombs and nets on Godzilla.  More electrical discharges are used to incapacitate Godzilla, but the power shorts and Godzilla escapes.
          0:00: Monster cadence, Terror motif, Fury theme.
          1:40: Terror motif into Resurrection theme over pounding piano march, joined by brass.
          2:54: Monster cadence.
          26 3:53 Mahala Mothra
          (Ps-19pbmix)
          The Shobijin (and the Infant Island natives in an overlay) sing to Mothra's egg.  The egg begins glowing/flashing, and a statue on Infant Island does the same.
          "Mahala Mothra" (vocal version of Mothra theme, sung in Tagalog/Filipino):
          0:00: Percussion with ethnic reed/xylophone figures.
          0:30: Vocals enter in 1st main verse (Peanuts with male backup vocals).
          1:20: Soprano/male choir interlude with percussion/reed ornaments, opening figure.
          2:14: Peanuts on 2nd verse, joined by more percussion, opening wind figure, returning to soprano interlude, final cadence with Peanuts.
          27 0:42 The Birth Of
          The Larval Mothra
          (M24)
          Larval Mothra twins emerge from the egg.
          Vibraphone/xylophone figures, Mothra fanfare on muted/open brass, Mothra theme on sweeping strings/harp.
          28 8:39 Baby Mothra vs. Godzilla
          (M25)
          0:00: The Mothra larvae twins swim out to nearby Iwa Island to prevent Godzilla from harming a group of schoolchildren.
          Mothra fanfare over dissonant textures, Terror motif, Mothra fanfare, Terror motif, slow Fury theme on brass/strings.
          2:20: Ichi and his friends take a boat to the island to try and rescue the kids.  The Mothra larvae bite Godzilla's tail and spray him with silk threading.
          Mothra theme over piano rhythm, Resurrection theme, Monster cadence, Mothra fanfare, Terror motif, Mothra fanfare, Terror motif, Resurrection theme, Mothra theme/piano rhythm.
          6:11: Godzilla fights back with atomic breath, kicking rocks, etc.  The kids are rescued.  Godzilla falls into the sea.
          Resurrection march with added winds, Monster cadence with added piano begins and continues, Mothra fanfare (with Monster cadence), Terror motif with added low brass, Fury theme building, Mothra theme with piano rhythm.
          29 1:13 Ending
          (M26)
          The Shobijin and Mothra larvae depart into the sea.
          Sacred Fountain theme on brass/strings/piano/percussion.


               It may be interesting to note that the Peanuts were at one point produced by Hiroshi Miyagawa, who of course has been well-discussed here for his work on Space Battleship Yamato.

          Other Akira Ifukube Godzilla Films Analysed:
          Godzilla
          King Kong vs Godzilla
          Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster

          Invasion of Astro Monster
          Destroy All Monsters

          Links
          Godzilla Perfect Box 1 at Screen Archives
          Akira Ifukube Wiki
          Akira Ifukube Museum
          Godzilla Monster Music Review
          Mothra Song Lyrics
          Song translations
          The Peanuts Wiki