Harlock Saga: DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN (Wada, 1999)

     Leiji Matsumoto's manga character Space Pirate Captain Harlock has seen many different incarnations and adaptations, but one of the most fascinating was the 6 episode animated OAV (straight-to-video) "Harlock Saga" (Japanese: ハーロック・サーガ ニーベルングの指環), which was a very loose adaptation of Richard Wagner's "Das Rheingold" opera into a literal space opera.  In this epic,  Matsumoto's original manga and TV characters (Captain Harlock, his best friend Tochiro Ooyama, female pirate Emeraldas, mystery woman Maetel and alien muse Mime) encounter Wotan, Alberich and the other characters from Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen opera tetralogy.  Originally planned to encompass all 4 Wagner operas, this miniseries recreates the basic plot of the first, "Das Rheingold", and takes it into the realm of a struggle between humans and gods (essentially the same as Wagner's premise, except with spaceships).

     Musically, composer Kauru Wada's score uses one motif and one variation of a theme from Wagner's opera "Gotterdammerung" (actually the 4th and last of the Nibelung Ring operas), specifically material from "Siegfried's Funeral March".  In other words, this series is a loose adaptation of the first opera's story, but not so much the music.  The score was performed by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Kontantin Krimets, and the recording was released on 2 CDs with the below (somewhat misleading) titles:

• DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN I: ハーロック・サーガ～ニーベルングの指輪～ラインの黄金 オリジナル・サウンド・トラック第1弾, Harlock Saga ~Nibelung no Yubiwa~ Rhein no Ougon Original Sound Track Vol.1
• DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN II: ハーロック・サーガ～ニーベルングの指輪～ラインの黄金 オリジナル・サウンド・トラック第2弾, Harlock Saga ~Nibelung no Yubiwa~ Rhein no Ougon Original Sound Track Vol.2

     Wada skillfully extrapolates two melodic ideas from Siegfried's Funeral March and generates a grand and gothic score mixing suspense with swashbuckling "naval" textures.  In the CD booklet to Vol. 2, transcriptions of several themes are found, but I pretty much ignored them and used my own judgment (since I personally found the notes confusing or misleading).

• Ring theme: 9-note rising-falling figure taken from Wagner's "Siegfried's Funeral March"
• Ring fanfare: Brass accents preceding the Ring theme
• Harlock theme: Noble, gothic rising theme derived from a variation of a theme from "Siegfried's Funeral March". 
• Harlock March: Various propulsive march rhythms often leading to Harlock's theme.
• Alberich theme: Mysterious suspense theme.
• Nibelung theme: Winding theme often on organ (arpeggio ostinato labelled Mime's theme in booklet).
• Freia theme: Variation of the Nibelung theme.
• Wotan motif: Rising-falling motif, usually developed in winding lines.
• Fasolt and Fafner theme: Poignant string theme.

  

CD.Trk	Ep.	Title	Film Sequence
1.1	1-6	Overture	Opening Credits, soundless images of the Arcadia and Wotan's base, battle, etc. Low accents joined by Ring theme in bass, then joined by Harlock theme in horns/trombones, rising in brass layers, accents with added choir/drums.
1.2	1	The Planet	0:00: Recent transmissions of the an asteroid's interior urban traffic are reviewed on monitors.  However the patrol ship's sensors report that all life has now been extinguished.  The captain is informed a shuttle is approaching from behind (also when the Arcadia follows the enemy battleship to a dark planet in Ep. 3). Wavering suspense string figures, joined by wind/brass dialogues, harp, pizz bass. 1:00: Sensors scan the ship and detect a bomb, as well as Emeraldas and Tochiro.  Tochiro asks the captain help them investigate the asteroid by blasting open a hole so they can enter. Tremolo/pizz strings, brass/wind ornaments lead to accented Harlock March with jaunty Harlock theme variation (Tochiro theme) in solo winds (bassoon, clarinet, flute/oboe). 2:26: The space patrol ship blasts open a hole and then enters the asteroid interior. Alberich theme fragment in suspense winds/strings/muted brass accents/piano accents/celeste joined by eerie cor anglais ornament.
1.3	1	Legend of the Witch	0:00: The captain explains that Mime is from an ancient race (the Nibelungen) which would destroy the universe if it arose again.  She wonders if Mime is on the asteroid. Nibelung theme harmony developed on organ and choir textures. 0:27: Emeraldas and Tochiro enter a building and find a hologram of Mime playing an organ.  She tells them that she is sending the transmission from planet Rhein.  Bandits had destroyed Aclusion to find the location of Rhein in order to obtain the Rhein's gold and are on their way to Rhein. Nibelung theme on organ as arpeggios and then melody, ending on harmony cadence.
1.4	1	The Fall	0:00: The asteroid begins to self-destruct.  Emeraldas and Tochiro steal a ship and escape the explosion (also when Tochiro escapes the exploding dark planet in Ep. 3). Percussive action rhythm with strings/brass/winds/tam tam/taiko, developed with low piano, rising brass. 1:25: A mysterious ship flies away. Ominous brass fanfare derived from Ring harmony.
1.5	1	Three Women	0:00: Emeraldas and Tochiro fly to Rhein and find a watery world.  They find the source of Mime's transmission, but abandoned. Ring theme in winds/tremolo and bowed strings, joined by Harlock theme in cor anglais/brass. 1:03:Three water nymphs float to the surface and stand on the rocks. Swirling harp/strings, mysterious winds/brass.
1.6	1	Harlock	0:00: The Arcadia arrives at Rhein.  Harlock asks Mime to return to the ship. Ring fanfare, Harlock theme in brass ending in brass accent, mysterious strings, Harlock theme in solo winds supported by low strings. 1:07: Back on the Arcadia, Harlock thanks Mime for returning.  He promises to find the bandits. Harlock theme in brass/tremolo strings, low strings, ending in Ring theme in low strings with wind accents.
1.7	5	Ride of the Valkyries	Alberich's battle fleet battles Wotan's space defenses (also when Alberich arrives outside Valhalla and destroys Wotan's fighters). Richard Wagner:  Opening prelude to Act 3 of the opera "Die Walküre" in the usual arrangement of brassv fanfares, galloping winds, swirling strings and snare rolls.
1.8	2	Prelude	Recap of previous episode: Emeraldas and Tochiro leave Rhein and the planet subsequently explodes. Energetic Harlock March in drums/swirling strings/muted brass joined by Harlock theme in brass, ending in suspense cadence.
1.9	2	The Rhein Gold	Emeraldas tells Mime that she is returning to her ship, but will help her if she needs it.  She departs. Held strings into Nibelung theme in oboe, strings, harp into Harlock theme variation in bassoon.
1.10	2	Maetel	0:00: Harlock learns that the bandit ship is heading for Earth.  Mime tells him that the bandit needs Dr. Daiba to make the Rhein gold into a ring.  Scene cuts to Earth. Suspense strings joined by Ring theme in contrabassoon, suspense strings, mysterious clarinet, harp/strings. 0:59: Maetel tells Tadashi Daiba that if someone appears asking him to make a ring from gold, that he should refuse.  She tells him it is a message from Harlock. Low piano accents, Ring harmony in strings/brass, Harlock theme fragment in horns. 1:39: After Tadashi has completed the Ring, Alberich shoots Tadashi and laughs. Trumpet flourish, into accented and tremolo strings, brass accent, harp, eerie strings.
1.11	2	The Man with a Mask	0:00: Alberich enters Tadashi's metal refinery lab and marvels at the equipment. Alberich theme in winds/tremolo strings/muted brass accents, joined by Alberich brass figure and Alberich in bass clarinet, harp pluck. 0:40: Alberich causes Tadashi's car to crash (also the Arcadia pursues Alberich's ship in Ep. 3). Rhythmic string tremoli over bongo rhythm with bass plucks and brass accents/rising figure leading to brass end cadence. 1:17: Tadashi wakes up in his darkened lab and meets Alberich. Suspense texture in vibraphone/strings/flute, tam tam into foreboding Alberich strings, harp cadence. 1:51: When Alberich asks Tadashi to make a ring from the gold, he hesitates, but Alberich plays on his pride to convince him to make the ring. String tremoli and low string accents, joined by bass clarinet dialogue with cor anglais motif.
1.12	2	The Golden Ring	Tadashi forges the ring using hot and cold metallurgical techniques.  Alberich takes the ring and gloats about his power. Accented rhythm under fateful versions of Ring theme and Harlock theme developed in drums/strings/brass.
1.13	2	The Journey	Tochiro asks Tadashi to come with him to see Harlock.  He gives Tadashi his father's Cosmodragoon pistol and tells him that his father was a member of Harlock's crew.  They take off from Earth and soon approach the Arcadia. Martial drum/string accent rhythm joined by regal brass theme, developed into a fanfare based on Harlock theme, ending with falling winds/celeste/harp.
1.14	2	Arcadia	On the bridge of the Arcadia, Harlock welcomes Tadashi.  The Arcadia launches. Rhythmic timpani and string accents lead to Harlock theme in trumpets/bassoons, joined by brass/strings, developed with brass accents.
1.15	2	Legend of the Makrokosmos	Mime tells Harlock and his friends that she is Alberich's sister and that they are the last of the Nibelung clan.  Alberich plans to use the ring to start a war with Wotan and the gods. Fateful female choir and cascading harp joined by Harlock theme developed in low strings, strings, tam tam/string cadence, choir leads to Harlock theme in low brass, ending in brass accents.
1.16	3	Great Cosmic Battle	0:00: An enemy battleship prepares to fire on the Arcadia.  Harlock orders the ship to battlestations and makes evasive maneuvers. Low brass accents joined by drums/gong, suspenseful swirling strings and wind flourishes.  0:46: Tochiro and Yattaran prepare return fire. Harlock brass fragments developed into an action rhythm, ending  in a suspense cadence.
1.17	3	The Search	At the dark planet, Harlock learns that the center is made of a giant ship.  Tochiro descends in a flyer to investigate.  He finds a giant well and flies in.  He loses contact with the Arcadia. Low strings, muted brass/bass clarinet/oboe variation of Harlock theme, held strings lead to winding Alberich variation bassoon figures over low wind/string accent rhythm, wavering brass figures and eerie Alberich strings with brass accents/winding high Alberich wind figures.
1.18	3	The Planet-Shaped Spaceship	Tochiro finds a smaller planet at the center of the dark planet.  Mime tells Harlock it is a planet-type ship which she and Alberich had stolen from Wotan's palace on Valhalla.  She explains that Alberich wants to show Harlock how Wotan had oppressed the Nibelungs. Eerie/fateful falling strings/choir leading to winding piano ostinato/bass accents/held strings.
1.19	3	The Secret of the Gods	Tochiro reports that the ship is 650 million years old.  Mime explains that the Nibelung had helped mankind rise while Valhalla slept, but now that the Gods have awakened, man will be destroyed in the ensuing conflict. Low percussion/strings and brass pulses leading to Ring theme in low winds, joined by Harlock theme fragments in brass/strings, developed into a danger fanfare.
1.20	3	Crisis	0:00: Wotan is disgusted at how old he has become.  Fricka tells him it's because the Rheingold has been taken and time now flows again. Foreboding Wotan motif in low strings in dialogue with violins/violas. 0:40: The Arcadia escapes the exploding dark planet and destroys an approaching debris asteroid. Fast falling ostinato in strings with brass/drum swells/accents and Harlock fragments in brass layers. 1:08: Mime cries out and the Arcadia is mysteriously drawn into an unknown direction. Urgent Harlock-derived strings/brass fanfare.
1.21	1-3	Aurifera: To the Promised Land	End credit song for Episodes 1-3: Composer: Akira Inoue, Vocal: Nozomu Odagi.

CD.Trk	Ep.	Title	Film Sequence
2.1	4	A Warning for the Gods	0:00: The Arcadia is drawn through space towards Valhalla as Freia plays the organ. Low brass/timpani, Nibelung theme on organ as arpeggios and then as melody. 0:53: Wotan and Fricka discuss the fortress ship which the giant Risenheim brothers are building for them.  Erda appears and gives Wotan a warning.  Nibelung theme on strings/timpani, tam tam scrape accent into poignant/tremolo strings, joined by muted suspense brass and Wotan motif developed in bass, gong/timpani into bass clarinet ornament (Erda), bass pulses with wavering brass/falling and tremolo strings/vibraphone/bass clarinet ornament motif, joined by muted brass accents. 3:03: She also tells him of Harlock's approach and not to underestimate the humans.  Wotan is dismissive of her warnings.  Erda departs. Low strings/timpani into Harlock theme in brass/winds/strings/timpani, mysterious winds/strings, tremolo strings under dialogue of brass accents, bass clarinet ornaments and harp, Wotan motif in low strings leading to brass/wind accents and Ring theme in strings.
2.2	4	Appearance of the Fortress	A giant globe-shaped fortress appears on the Arcadia's screen.  Wotan and Fricka observe the Arcadia's approach.  They decide to visit the unfinished fortress and depart in a glowing globe. Poignant Wotan motif developed in strings with timpani accents, wind/string trills joined by cor anglais solo based on Wotan motif, developed on low strings/timpani.
2.3	4	Fasolt and Fafner	0:00: The Risenheim brothers ask Wotan about their request to have Freia after the fortress is complete.  They ask to touch her or they will not complete the fortress before Alberich's battle fleet arrives.  Wotan agrees. Dialogue of poignant string layers (Fasolt and Fafner theme). 2:09: Freia plays the organ and the Risenheim brothers approach.  Freia screams.  Wotan expresses regret. Freia theme on organ arpeggios, Freia theme on organ, joined by rhythmic strings, timpani roll end cadence.
2.4	4	Invasion/ Landing	0:00: The Arcadia shakes as it arrives at Valhalla and is buffeted by rocks and lightning.  A giant rock shales the ship and Mime is knocked out (also Ep. 6 when Harlock takes a shuttle to reach Alberich's ship inside the fortress' liquid prison). Rhythmic falling violin ostinato with brass/timpani/cymbal accents/ornaments, percussive rhythm with brass fanfares derived from Harlock theme, danger accents, falling strings ostinato, rising cadence. 1:04: The Arcadia lands and finally skids to a stop.  Harlock asks for a status report. Rhythmic rising-falling string ostinato with brass fanfares, accents, falling strings/brass/timpani, rhythmic low strings with Harlock ornaments in high winds, low brass/strings with percussion solo, muted suspense brass figures, Harlock fragment in low winds.
2.5	4	Tochiro In Trouble	Tochiro and Harlock take off in flying platforms to explore the foggy landscape.  Tochiro is drawn underground by green tentacles. Wavering strings (derived from "The Planet") and bass plucks, joined by wind ornaments/string swells/bass/brass accents, tremolo strings/harmonic string textures/bass clarinet.
2.6	4	A Large Fleet of Battleships	Wotan sees Alberich's battle fleet on a monitor, as Tochiro explores an underground forest. Foreboding Alberich theme in low brass and strings, timpani/wind ornaments, low strings, tremolo strings into brass accent.
2.7	5	Goodbye	0:00: Tochiro finds the pipe organ and a distraught Freia. Freia theme developed in winding choir/strings, harp cadence. 1:04: Freia tells Tochiro that the organ controls time.  Mime arrives and Freia faints. Harlock theme in organ, harp arpeggios joined by soft strings.
2.8	5	Emptiness Of Wotan	Wotan and Fricka discuss how long they have lived on Valhalla.  Fricka encourages Wotan to stay resolved. Low piano accents joined by somber Wotan full theme on solo cor anglais.
2.9	5	The Robot's Attack	Wotan's assassination robot attacks Tochiro, Mime and Freia.  He is outgunned until the Arcadia arrives. Harlock March in drums/strings, joined by Harlock theme harmony in brass/gong.
2.10	5	Mystery Of Valhalla And Alberich	0:00: Freia explains that when she plays the organ Valhalla vibrates and resonates with the organ on Rhein, controlling time. Poignant muted brass, modulating Nibelung arpeggios on organ/ethereal textures/muted brass. 0:39: Mime explains that Wotan banished the Nibelung, but now Alberich will use the Rheingold ring to stop the resonating vibrations.  This will eventually cause Valhalla and the universe to be destroyed. Ominous low brass Alberich theme layers dialogue with rising strings and brass accents/string tremoli/winds, brass accents into Ring theme in low strings, Harlock theme slowly developed on brass and winds, ending in brass/string/timpani cadence.
2.11	5	Harlock's Decision	Harlock promises to restore the Rheingold. Rhythmic brass/snare accents joined by Harlock theme in brass/timpani.
2.12	5	Power of the Ring	Alberich uses the Ring to destroy Wotan's space defenses with black light.  A panicked Wotan orders the giant brothers to hand over the fortress. Fanfare in timpani/falling choir/swirling strings, brass cadence, timpani accents into poignant strings, Wotan theme in winds into fanfare reprise.
2.13	5	The Arcadia's Departure	The Arcadia takes off and bursts free of the underground forest.  It heads towards Wotan's fortress. Harlock March in drums/strings, Harlock theme in brass with wind ornaments, developed with strings and winds, ending in a worried accent.
2.14	6	Anguish of Fasold & Fafner	Wotan orders the Risenheim brothers to attack the Arcadia but they resist, especially since Mime and Freia are on board.  Meanwhile Alberich's battle fleet approaches. Accented low string ornament, low strings with low wind accents/ornaments, joined by violins, low winds.
2.15	6	Entry into the Fortress	The Arcadia approaches and enters the space fortress on the Risenheim brothers' invitation.  Wotan wonders why they are not firing on the Arcadia. Low Wotan brass developed with gong, drums, strings, vibraphone/tam tam accent leads to low string accents/Harlock fragment in low winds, danger accent.
2.16	6	Sentiments For Freia	Fasolt explains that they only did Wotan's bidding for Freia's sake, but now realize that there is too great a difference between themselves and Freia.  Mime and Harlock urge the Risenheim brothers to fight Alberich's forces. Dialogue of poignant string layers (Fasolt and Fafner theme), low piano/string accents joined by wind/string figures.
2.17	6	Harlock & Wotan	Harlock talks to Wotan over the monitor and tells him that he will retrieve the Rheingold ring for the sake of the universe. Low brass rhythmic accents into Harlock theme in brass layers, joined by strings/winds.
2.18	6	Arcadia vs Alberich	Alberich refuses to give up the ring and challenges the Arcadia.  Tochiro orders battle preparations.  The Arcadia and Alberich's ship exchange fire.  The Risenheim brothers use the fortress to trap both ships in a prison of darkness (fluid of the Dragon). Low winds/strings/drums, Harlock March, joined by Harlock theme in rising brass layers, swirling strings, Harlock March into danger fanfare.
2.19	6	Harlock vs Alberich	Harlock confronts Alberich on his ship.  After a brief gun battle he obtains the ring. String tremoli into Ring theme in low strings/string accents, developed with brass/drum/string accents.
2.20	6	Decision of the Brothers/ Escape	The Risenheim brothers tell Harlock and Tochiro that they will self-destruct the fortress in order to save the Arcadia.  Meanwhile, Freia floats down to Valhalla in a pipe organ space capsule.  The fortress begins to explode. Low winds/muted brass/violins/timpani/gong into Freia theme arpeggios on organ, Ring theme and Harlock theme in strings/brass/male choir with accents, ending in timpani swell.
2.21	6	End Song	The Arcadia departs Valhalla.  Mime vows to return the Rheingold.  Harlock warns that the destruction of the fortress has released the Dragon fluid out into the universe, which will revive long-dormant monsters. Ring fanfare in muted brass, Harlock theme in strings, brass/harp joined by strings and developing into regal Harlock theme fragment.
2.22		"Siegfried's Funeral March"	Unused: Richard Wagner: "Siegfried's Funeral March" instrumental interlude from the opera Götterdämmerung, Act 3.
2.23		HARLOCK SAGA Symphonic Suite	0:00: Ring fanfare on drums/choir/brass accents/swirling strings, Ring theme in strings, Harlock theme in brass, Ring fanfare. 1:19: Freia theme in building organ arpeggios, becoming Nibelung theme arpeggios, joined by harp ornaments/celeste/female choir. 2:21: Low string accents/tremoli, Erda bass clarinet ornament, harp, Alberich theme on cor anglais, strings, Wotan on organ/low brass, joined by martial percussion/brass.  4:08: Harlock March, joined by Harlock theme in brass, strings with wind ornaments, developed on strings/brass/timpani. 5:49: Ring fanfare on brass/choir/drums, brass accents into Ring theme in strings.
2.24	4-6	Druid: The Sage of the Oak	End credit song for Episodes 4-6: Composer: Akira Inoue, Vocal: Nozomu Odagi.

Links
Harlock Saga Wiki Entry 
Leiji Matsumoto Wiki Entry
Harlock Saga 1 (DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN I) on VGMDB
Harlock Saga 2 (DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN II) on VGMDB
Moscow Symphony Orchestra
Der Ring des Nibelungen (Wagner's opera cycle) Wiki Entry

Alien 3 (Goldenthal, 1992)

     The third entry in the Alien franchise was scored by relative newcomer Elliot Goldenthal.  Goldenthal's style is known for its contemporary classical complexity - ie, he's not afraid to get weird.  Like some other composers (such as Jerry Goldsmith and Leonard Rosenman), Goldenthal uses many avant-garde compositional and instrumental techniques to get some unusual textures.  Many of Goldenthal's scores of course have their basis in "traditional" film music, but Alien 3, being a sci-fi horror feature, is steeped in atonality and murky textures, with some truly disturbing cues.  In this score there are no real character themes featured, but instead Goldenthal uses specific textures as a device to give the score its inner consistency.  Some of these textures include:

• Brass and string polyphonic fanfares: ex. "The First Attack" (3:06)
• String tremoli/clusters/glissandi: practically any random needle-drop.
• Low ambient/impact textures and electronics: ex. "Candles in the Wind"
• Boy vocal soloist and male overtone vocal: "Agnus Dei", "Lento"
• Bowed metal: ex. "Wreckage and Rape" (1:31)

Trk	Dur	Title	Cue Title/Film Sequence/Music Elements
1	4:29	Agnus Dei	Main Title: Opening credits over starfield, intercut with short sequences: Ripley in hypersleep and the ship exterior.  A facehugger approaches Ripley's cryotube.  Acid drips on the floor when it attaches to her.  An alarm sounds and the ship ejects Ripley into an emergency compartment which breaks loose from the ship.  The escape pod fragment lands on a prison refinery planet's ocean. Low ambient percussive/electronic textures with soft held string clusters and boy vocal soloist, drum accents, metallic sounds, swelling string/brass figures, moaning/creaking textures joined by additional vocal layers, drum accent into windy texture, hints of microtonal clarinet, brass swells, swirling strings, drums and fanfares, ending in boy solo vocal.
2	4:42	Bait and Chase	It's Started: The alien chases one of the inmates (alien POV).  The alien is blocked by various closing doors and then baited again, as the inmates lure it towards the molten lead flooding chamber.  Dillon goes off to see the inmates' progress while various inmates are killed. Accents into tremolo strings, drum fills, brass slams, high string clusters and glissandi/bass clarinet ornaments/brushes/electronics, metallic percussion/brass swells, low ambient textures into layers of brass tremoli/drums, low impacts, drum roll/tremolo figures, antiphonal brass wails, brushes and electronics, metallic accents into bass clarinet ostinato layers/held strings, metallic rhythm, string cluster swell, high string clusters/accents.
3	3:09	The Beast Within	It Won't Kill Me: Ripley tells Dillon that she has an alien "queen" inside her.  She asks him to kill her and turns around to face away from him.  Tension builds but Dillon changes his mind at the last minute, and he tells Ripley that he needs her to help him kill the alien. Low moaning trombone/bass clarinet/ambient textures, joined by suspense violins/gong, distant, building brass, rising strings/brass, subdued high string cluster, falling figures, sinister muted brass, low string drone.
4	5:49	Lento	0:00: Unused Boy vocal soloist over somber strings, joined by resigned low synth/piano/cor anglais/strings/oboe. 1:48: The Cremation: The prisoners gather inside a hellish blast furnace.  The prison administrator reads a prayer (camera pans across solemn faces).  Elsewhere, the dog seems uncomfortable and acts strangely.  Dillon says a prayer as well and Ripley weeps.  An alien xenomorph erupts from the dog.  Ripley sees her newly-shorn head in the mirror. Ominous brass fanfares with timpani accents and swirling string arpeggios, sad figures with low male overtone vocal/violins becoming more poignant/mystical, soaring strings/howling elements, wailing boy voices, sinister brass accents/male overtone moan/string cluster glissandi.
5	3:21	Candles in the Wind	Candles in the Wind: Some candles are being blown out as a few inmates explore a deserted complex.  One prisoner suddenly comes face to face with the alien, which immediately attacks.  2 inmates make a run for it but suddenly run into a dead body.  One inmate is attacked and killed, and the other runs off. Ambient scraping textures, distant low impacts, low brass tremolo figure/tremolo low strings, bursts of string clusters, whipping sounds/col legno strings/tremolo figures in brass and strings, brass glissandi, howling textures/muted trombone accents, string clusters into sinister brass danger fanfare with drums.
6	2:44	Wreckage and Rape	0:00: Droid: Ripley salvages Bishop's head from a giant junk pile.  Low string and clarinet tremolo figure joined by slower violin figures, building to brass climax with bass clarinet ornaments. 1:03: Rape: Ripley is confronted by a few prisoners who attack her and attempt to rape her.  She is rescued by Dillon. High held violins with distant impact noises/pizzicato bass, bowed cymbals, drum/electric guitar groove with murky howling vocals and electronic rhythms ending in drum/guitar accents.
7	4:20	The First Attack	0:00: Main Title Cont'd: (partially used): Ripley's unconscious body is rescued from the escape pod wreckage.  The dog barks at an alien facehugger inside the wreckage Rising wind figures/piano/high string cluster/harp, piano cluster, tremolo accents, low wind ostinato figure with brass/tam tam swells, piano ornaments, string clusters. 2:11: Clemens Dies (Pt 1): Clemens injects Ripley with a tranquilizer but is suddenly grabbed by the alien and killed.  The alien sniffs at a cowering Ripley, but decides to leave her unharmed. High clusters/tremolo building with flutes/brass into brass glissando accent, sinister low flutter-tongue brass/drum slam accents, low electronic swells/bowed metals, string clusters. 3:06: First Attack: Inside an air shaft, a cleaning prisoner notices organic gunk on the floor (xenomorph skin).  The alien attacks him.  He falls into a fan and is killed. Layers of irregular short low brass figures in dialogue with brass swells and electronic episodes, building to climax with clashing accents.
8	3:41	Lullaby Elegy	0:00: The Dog: The dog's owner notices that the dog's face has been marked. Low bowed swells, joined by ambient textures. 0:27: Morgue: Ripley inspects Newt's corpse.  She closes Newt's eyes and then does a surface exam.  Ripley insists on an autopsy. Rising bass figures, ominous brass/tam tam swells/violin swells, muted brass layers joined by piano ostinato and poignant piano and strings, low dissonant strings/high violin. 2:36: Autopsy (Pt 1): Clemens begins the autopsy. High muted violin and low gong swells, distant impact textures.
9	2:19	Death Dance	More Bait And Chase: The alien kills again.  Ripley tries to grab the alien and drag it out of a compartment.  She and Dillon eventually lure it to the lead flooding chamber. String tremolo and brass fanfares, low strings/writhing muted brass figures, isolated percussion bursts, tremolo figures, drum rhythm/string cluster, string tremoli/xylophone, joined by brass tremoli/accents, gong and processed brass accents, rhythmic drum layers/string tremoli.
10	2:04	Visit to the Wreckage	I'm Not One For Begging: Ripley tells the inmates the Company will not save them at the expense of the alien.  They discuss drowning it in hot lead.  Dillon gives a pep talk. Slow trumpet figure joined by low brass with intermittent percussion accents, low brass counter melody enters, building, determined strings/brass/percussion, percussion solo.
11	2:21	Explosion and Aftermath	0:00: The Explosion (Pt 2): An inmate drops a flare into explosives and a massive fireball results.  Men rush around on fire.  Dillon eventually hits the sprinklers and the flames die out. Accent, held texture, brass accents/glissandi with swirling tremolo strings, joined by timpani rolls, high percussion, ending in brass accent. 1:14: The Aftermath: The inmates survey the steamy aftermath of the accident and gather the dead. Poignant, slow falling strings, building in layers, high string cluster.
12	3:08	The Dragon	0:00: Bishop Turned On: Ripley activates Bishop.  Bishop tells Ripley that an alien was on the ship, and that the Company wants it.  He asks to be disconnected and Ripley complies. Bowed metal ambient texture, metallic sounds, subdued suspense strings/winds in dissonant layers with low swells, sul ponticello strings, muted brass. 1:54: That's His Boot: At the 1st victim's death scene, Clemens notices an acid burn.  At her escape pod's wreckage, Ripley sneaks around looking through technical gear and is surprised by Clemens. Low and high string textures, wailing tones and distant ambient elements, low isolated wind accents, harp, high strings, building to brass accent.
13	3:42	The Entrapment	0:00: The Survivor is a Woman: The prisoners are informed that the survivor is a woman.  The prison administrators discuss what to do. Low string harmonics/held strings, ominous muted brass figures, joined by high and low winds, strings, forlorn trumpet figure, low strings. 1:50: End Credits (edit). String tremoli building in layers, joined by falling muted brass, trumpets, strings/drums.  2:35: Hello I Must Be Going (Pt 2): Ripley hits the sprinkler, suddenly cooling down the lead-hot alien, and it explodes.  Ripley swings to safety. Falling string figures in repeating layers, developing in various harmonies.
14	4:14	Adagio	You Can Still Have a Life: The "Bishop" scientist offers to help Ripley get the queen embryo out of her.  Ripley refuses and the team attacks the inmate survivors.  Ripley dives off the platform into the blast furnace as the queen erupts from her chest.   Poignant high winds/strings with distant low impact sounds, poignant/fateful strings/synth joined by noble brass and falling string layers, brass and timpani flourish, resigned clarinet/strings, poignant falling strings, building textures into a noble brass elegy, with brass/tam tam accents, strings, triumphant brass/drums fanfare with falling strings. 3:17: The sun rises and the colony is closed.  In the escape pod wreckage, Ripley's cryotube broadcasts her final sign off from the Nostromo. Mysterious strings/winds, lonely trumpet figure, searching strings.

Links
Elliot Goldenthal Homepage
Elliot Goldenthal Wiki Entry

Jacob's Ladder (Jarre, 1990)

     On of the most eerie and haunting films of the early 1990's was Adrian Lyne's "Jacob's Ladder", scored by Maurice Jarre.  The basic premise is that a Vietnam vet, now living back in the States, sees "demons" among the New York populace.  He also has nightmarish flashbacks to different points in his life.  In the end (spoiler alert) it turns out that Jacob has been dying from a wound suffered in Vietnam during a friendly fire incident, and the entire film is basically a metaphysical vision about his struggle to stay alive and refrain from ascending "the Ladder" to the afterlife.

     Maurice Jarre is probably most famous for "Lawrence of Arabia", but in this film he creates an entirely different score.  Using primarily shakuhachi, double violin, hand percussion, European women's choir, piano and synthesizer electronics, Jarre creates a dream-like, electro-acoustic soundworld which perfectly suits the film's concept of "Earthly purgatory".  There are 2 male and 1 female vocal soloists as well, who provide an added layer of "dream voices".

     One of they key ideas in the film is that one who is afraid to die perceives "demons", but once acceptance is reached, the demons become angels.  The various vocals and choirs seem to musically realize these opposing elements.  The haunting main theme on piano has a beautifully melody, and possibly represents memories of "good times" in the past.  Ethnic "jungle" percussion is often used with Jacob's brief flashes of "real" consciousness as he is being airlifted in Vietnam. The shakuhachi and Indian double violin (usually electronically processed) may represent the pull of "life", since when Jacob begins to accept his impending death, these elements tend to drift away.  In the final scene where Jacob reunites with his deceased son, the synthetic textures give way to orchestral elements, in order to provide a sense of "rightness", and the two ascend up "Jacob's Ladder".

• Piano: Gloria Cheng
• Shakuhachi: Kazu Matsui
• Vocals: Jubilant Sykes, Kari Windingstad 
• Vocals (male chant), Double Violin: L. Shankar
• Female Choir: Kitka Eastern European Women's Choir
• Electronics: Judd Miller, Michael Boddicker, Michael Fisher, Nyle Steiner, Ralph Grierson, Rick Marvin

     The soundtrack is an edited collage of sound materials and sequences Jarre used in the film, including much material that was unused.  Below I noted places where a scene used a particular texture, but in general this soundtrack really stands on its own without the need for any kind of film narrative.  In other words, one could easily appreciate this album as a "dark ambient" record on its own.

Trk	Dur	Title	Music sequence
1	4:18	Jacob's Ladder	0:00: Opening credits, helicopter flies over the Vietnamese jungle intercut with tired-looking soldiers: Soft, haunting piano theme, joined by strings (synth). 1:12: Chaotic battle ensues as soldiers have mysterious seizures: Ominous synth chords, subterranean male vocal moan, shakuhachi/drums, despondent violin/synth figures. 2:55: Jacob creeps through the forest and is suddenly stabbed with a bayonet.  Scene cuts to Jacob on a subway.  Jacob crosses the tracks and narrowly gets hit by a subway train: Suspense texture with metallic impact sounds, hissing/sirens, metallic scrape into shakuhachi, held strings/falling angelic female vocal.
2	7:43	High Fever	0:00: Jezzie and her friends put Jacob into ice water to try to bring down his fever and Jacob screams: Suspense texture with impact sounds/high whines/col legno strings/creaking/impacts/etc. 1:05: Snare accents with women's choir/low piano chords/strings/rhythmic impact accents. 1:51: Jacob kisses Sarah goodnight, and then sees images of the Vietnam sky as he is transported.  He wakes up in a tub with the doctor looking over him, Vietnam flashback continues as Jacob is taken up into a helicopter: Distant female siren calls, shakuhachi/hand percussion, women's choir chant, shakuhachi. 3:06: Male chant with shakuhachi/synth/siren vocal/women's choir/double violin elements. 4:29: Chiropractor theme: Relaxed guitar ornaments/mysterious synth textures. 5:33: Windy synth textures with shakuhachi/high harmonics/buzzing. 6:51: People leave Paul's funeral: Haunting piano theme.
3	8:20	Descent Into Inferno	0:00: Jacob is wheeled through the halls of a bizarre, nightmarish insane asylum: Rhythmic tapping/suspense textures joined by low male vocal moans/howling shakuhachi, double violin/women's choir/metal percussion/synth ostinato, high tremolo figures become chaotic piano/synth figures. 1:34: Sarah and his 2 of his boys visit Jacob in the hospital.  He insists that he is not dead (also: Jacob talks to a picture of his deceased son Gabe and cries.  Jezzie comforts him): Resigned descending piano/soft synth. 2:25: End credits: Humming synth textures/women's choir, siren calls, shakuhachi/double violin figures. 4:04: Jacob sees flashing images of his deceased son Gabe and demons: Metallic buzzing/low string synth/women's choir in slow harmony. 5:09: Jacob looks through a box of keepsakes and thinks about Vietnam: Shakuhachi/synth string textures, joined by add'l wood flutes, male chant and double violin. 6:46: Shakuhachi/synth winds, ambient textures. 7:27: Ominous, breathy atmospheric textures, women's choir wailing with piano chord accents, ambient textures.
4	7:18	Sarah	0:00: Low atmospheric textures, low moaning/shakuhachi textures, joined by male chant. 1:13: Jacob wakes up from his fever and talks to Jezzie: Soft string textures joined by haunting piano theme/choir/synth textures. 2:39: Dark ambient textures with creaking/scraping/various vocal soloists and choir elements/string harmonics/shakuhachi, male chant and women's choir with double violin figures/harmonics. 4:53: In a cab, Jacob remembers getting stabbed with the bayonet in the jungle.  He is greeted by a doorman and enters his old home.  He finds his old apartment with no one home: Resigned descending piano/string synth texture. 6:38: Ambient breathing/tinkling/women's choir and low male vocal moan.
5	7:14	The Ladder	0:00: In a bar, Jacob and Paul talk about the demons they've been seeing: Low ambient textures/distant female siren calls/low male choir, joined by string tremoli, ethnic percussion rhythm/male chant. 1:11: Double violin/held textures, breathy ambient texture with male chant. 2:48: Jacob's chiropractor encourages Jacob to start walking.  Jacob takes a few steps and smiles: Relaxed guitar ornaments/wind synth textures (processed shakuhachi and double violin). 3:57: Low ambient textures/distant siren wails/buzzing, women's choir wail/synth, double violin figures/low ambient textures. 5:22: Jacob finds Gabe on the staircase of their old home.  Gabe tells Jacob that it's OK and suggests they go up.  They climb the stairs together into the light.  Jacob's body lies dead in a Vietnam hospital: Very low ambient textures/isolated distant siren wails, haunting piano theme/strings, flute, string arpeggios, building layers of horns, strings, female choir.
6	3:06	Sonny Boy (Al Jolson)	End credit.

Links
Maurice Jarre Wiki Entry
Jacob's Ladder reviews on Amazon
Kitka Eastern European Women's Choir
Kazu Matsui

Batman Returns (Elfman, 1992)

     A few years after Danny Elfman's explosive and gothic score to "Batman", he returned with director Tim Burton for "Batman Returns".  Another major musical triumph, the recording was ably orchestrated by Steve Bartek and conducted by Jonathan Sheffer.  In the sequel the Caped Crusader/Dark Knight's theme returns, of course, and in this outing he shares equal time with themes for the Penguin (Oswald Cobblepot) and Catwoman (Selina Kyle).  As noted in John Takis' very informative liner notes to the Lala-Land Limited Edition release, all 3 themes are closely based on a minor scale, though they are often developed towards different endings and are characterized by very different signature instruments.

     Plot-wise, the film mostly follows the character of the aquatically-deformed Oswald Cobblepot and his sinister plan to wreak vengeance on "surface" society.  Along the way, corrupt entrepreneur Max Shreck creates his own machinations and manipulates the players in a more conventional, "patriotic" manner.  A byproduct of Max's criminal activities is the creation of Catwoman (Max's secretary, Selina Kyle), and during the film she and Batman struggle to find out whether or not there are real people beneath the freak costumes.

     As mentioned, Batman's fanfare march/gothic theme returns, and is pitted against new themes for the Penguin and Catwoman.

• Batman theme: Opens with a 5-6 note fanfare motif (4 rising, 1-2 falling) which is then treated to variations, mostly played in brass.  The entire score is riddled with this theme and its variants, but it never wears out its welcome.
• Penguin motif: A rising-falling ostinato figure with a floating quality.  It first appears in the female choir part of the first track and can be heard in harp in "Penguin Spies".
• Pengiun theme: Developed from the Penguin motif into a broader, somewhat more grotesque/comic theme, often on low winds or low harp ("Shadow of Doom").
• Selina (Catwoman) theme: A child-like theme (like a nursery rhyme), usually on celeste or high strings and ending with a repeated 4-note rising motif.  A sub-theme of Selina's is the string glissandi/hand percussion (bongos) texture which sound like violin "meows" and also evoke a beatnik "kool kat" lounge vibe.
• Penguin Army theme: March-canon based on a mixture of Penguin and Selina themes.  This only really occurs in the "War" cue.

     Originally released in 1992 in a slightly-abridged "suite-based" CD, in more recent years  Lala-Land Records has reissued the complete score in a couple of limited editions (2014 being the most recent).  The 1992 score release can also be found on the 2011 Burton/Elfman 25th Anniversary Music Box with additional demos.  Below is the track rundown of the 1992 original release, followed by a rundown based on the Lala-Land complete score release.

Original 1992 Album

Trk	Dur	Title	Film Sequence, Themes
1	2:27	Birth Of A Penguin I	0:00: Logos (organ, Batman theme) 0:11: During a snowy evening, Oswald Cobblepot is born to his parents' horror (Penguin motif in female choir/violins, organ/brass, developed on strings, organ solo). 0:43: Oswald is kept in a cage (Penguin theme in strings with celeste ornaments, rising/falling accents). 1:04:  Oswald captures and eats a cat (Variations in low winds/celeste/brass, low brass/timpani, etc.) 1:24: The Cobblepots take Oswald to the zoo and then dump him into the river (Penguin theme variations in choir/sleighbells, etc). 1:53: His baby carriage floats into the darkness (slow processional march with choir/strings, celeste, ending with Penguin motif in harp).
2	3:09	Birth Of A Penguin II	0:00: Credits as Oswald's carriage floats into a cavernous tunnel (harp arpeggios/rhythmic strings/choir accents/low wind ostinati, Batman theme joins). 0:38: Main title as bats fly towards the viewer (full Batman march and theme). 1:28: The carriage continues floating through various sewer tunnels (soft texture with choir accents featured). 2:26: It finally ends up at the foot of some giant emperor penguins (joined by hand percussion/low wind ostinati).  Cut to Gotham 33 years later (harp/flutter-tongued flutes into gong crash).
3	0:57	The Lair I	0:00: Max falls into a trap door (harp glissando).  The camera pans over Gotham Zoo and ends at the Arctic World display (rhythmic strings, choir/swirling strings/brass and wind fanfares/organ). 0:37: Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Penguin motif and theme developed over comical wind/brass march).  Oswald Cobblepot appears.
4	4:49	The Lair II	0:00: Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Bell, Penguin theme developed throughout this cue).  Oswald Cobblepot appears. 0:47: Oswald tries to find common ground with Shreck.  Oswald opens his hypno umbrella (saw/celeste/tremolo figures, celeste/wind/harp). 2:12: Oswald tells Max that he wants to ascend to the surface and rejoin humanity, learn his real name (plaintive Penguin variation in cor anglais, strings, flute, winds, etc). 3:15: Oswald begins showing incriminating evidence to pressure Max into helping him (comical pizz string rhythm featured with high and low figures).  Max greets the severed hand of his old partner (tremolo strings/celeste).
5	1:11	Selina Transforms I	0:00: Selina lies lifeless in the snow.  Cats converge and begin nibbling at her and she has seizures (low drum pulse with swirling string glissandi, ethnic percussion).  Selina's eyes suddenly snap open.
6	4:16	Selina Transforms II	0:00: Selina returns home in a deranged state (string glissandi/harp pulse, Selina theme begins to surface). 1:22: Selina begins tearing apart her apartment (Selina theme in strings, developed into a macabre march). 2:22: Selina finds a vinyl dress and begins making a cat costume.  She eventually stretches out in front of her window (Selina theme joined by brass, winds, rhythmic strings, etc...ending with bongo roll). "I don't know about you, Miss Kitty, but I feel...so much yummier."
7	2:54	The Cemetery	0:00: Bruce reads missing childrens reports centered around the circus (vibraphone, tremolo strings). 0:28: Batman cruises the streets and suspects Oswald of ulterior motives (Penguin motif developed in harp). 1:21: Oswald visits his parents' gravesite (rhythmic strings/organ/oboe/etc, Penguin theme). 2:28: Oswald bids farewell to the grave and heads towards the exit (flute/harp, wind/horn fanfare cadence).
8	5:41	Cat Suite	0:00: Cobblepot ascends in his umbrella-copter (comic string/wind figures).  Catwoman attacks Batman (Selina string gliss/bongos vs Batman brass and piano). 1:11: After Batman saves Catwoman from a fall, they flirt (heavy Batman theme fragment becoming light winds).  She ends up falling into a kitty litter truck (falling brass/harp). 1:51: Catwoman threatens Oswald's pet bird.  Oswald retaliates by threatening her cat (string glissandi, wind ornaments).  They decide to work together against the Batman (Penguin themes/string gliss,/Selina theme fragment in flute/vibraphone). 3:25: Catwoman saunters down the street and then cartwheels through a department store.  She practices using her whip (string glissandi/ethnic percussion/winds/pizz strings/etc). 4:22: Security guards arrive (low figures).  She scares them off. 4:37: Batman confronts Cobblepot (brief Batman theme into Penguin motif developed on harp).  Catwoman approaches them just before her bomb goes off (swelling figures/snare, string gliss). "Meow."
9	2:34	Batman vs. The Circus	0:00: The Batsignal is lit and Bruce Wayne sees it (Batman in low brass/strings/organ/harp). 0:31: The Red Triangle Gang causes chaos in the streets (2nd time).  Batman intervenes (gothic Circus action music intercut with Batman theme fanfares).
10	1:40	The Rise And Fall From Grace I	0:00: Max visits Oswald and notices his circus friends (low pizz. figures, Penguin motif, Penguin theme, calliope, etc).  He lures Oswald downstairs with some fish (low wind figures).  At the bottom of the stairs he is greeted by a crowd of election supporters (brass fanfare).
11	4:08	The Rise And Fall From Grace II	0:00: Bruce opens the entrance to the Batcave from Wayne Manor (an iron maiden) (string accents/vibraphone, Batman theme, tremolo strings/bass/harp, etc). 0:49: Oswald makes a speech (grand fanfares).  Bruce hijacks the signal and exposes Oswald for the criminal he is (muted brass/vibraphone/strings/harp/timpani rolls, string and brass dialogues).  The crowd turns against him (celeste, low brass). 2:46: Oswald opens fire on the crowd and runs to the zoo with police in pursuit (brass accents, swirling figures, Penguin theme in choir).  He jumps into the river and then pilots a duck back to his lair.  After he arrives, he greets his faithful penguins and some of his gang (Penguin theme over string march ending in harp ornaments).
12	2:15	Sore Spots	0:00: Bruce and Selina talk by the fire.  They talk about identity and past relationships.  When they kiss they are distracted by the injuries they suffered as their alter egos (poignant strings/harp, Batman and Selina themes blend and duel).
13	4:19	Rooftops/ Wild Ride I	0:00: Catwoman drags the Ice Princess up to the roof (aggressive low piano figures).  The circus gang finishes sabotaging the Batmobile (comical winds).  Batman approaches the Ice Princess on the roof (Batman theme).  Oswald appears and causes the girl to fall (and framing Batman) (fanfares/falling figures into Penguin theme variation). 0:58: Bats swarm around the plaza (choir/organ Penguin theme fragment).  Batman is knocked off his feet by patrolmen, after which Catwoman gets on top of him and licks his face (high string tremoli/glissandi, Selina theme fragments).  Batman throws her off and flies away in his Batcape (Batman theme, choir accents). 2:53: The circus gang leave the Batmobile (warped Batman theme in organ).  Oswald tries to flirt with Selina but she rejects him (Selina and Penguin motif duel in violins/harp). 3:44: He tries to kill her with his umbrella-copter (frenetic winds/harp/choir).
14	3:34	Rooftops/ Wild Ride II	0:00: Batman lands at the Batmobile.  Oswald prepares to take control of the Batmobile (Penguin theme developed, Batman fragments). 0:46: The Penguin uses remote control to cause the Batmobile to wreak havoc (Batman march vs Penguin circus variation theme with calliope/low winds texture). 2:36: Batman identifies the foreign control device and works to get rid of it.  He stops just before running over an old woman.  The Penguin becomes frustrated. 3:08: Batman narrowly escapes the police through a small alley in the now-Batmissile (Batman theme).
15	1:47	The Children's Hour	0:00: Source music: The Penguin opens up a carousel umbrella and explains to Max how he lures the children.  He describes how he will then drown them (Penguin theme developed in glockenspiel). 0:23: A circus train rolls through the night, with the circus gang gathering children in cages (low brass Penguin theme over march/Penguin motif in muted trombones, organ).  Batman intervenes. 1:04: Back at the Penguin's lair, a monkey delivers a note from Batman to the Penguin (low brass, Batman in glockenspiel).  The Penguin screams (dissonant bent brass moans).
16	5:12	The Final Confrontation I	0:00: The Penguin rallies his penguin rocket army with a speech (snare rolls/rhythmic strings and brass accents/low Penguin theme, building fanfare). 0:56: The penguin army begins diving into the water (Penguin army theme/march canon with Batman theme elements in high winds). 1:20: The Bat-ski-boat flies through a sewer tunnel, intercut with the penguins marching through the streets (Batman theme march vs Penguin march). 2:03: The Penguin monitors his army's progress in his lair (organ/snare, etc).  Batman tracks the penguins.  Penguins launch rockets at the Bat-ski-boat but Batman spins out of the way (harp glissando).  Penguins on the street surface continue towards Gotham Square as Cobblepot has a snack (low winds).  The penguin army reaches the Square and the Penguin begins a launch countdown (Penguin march theme).  Batman and Alfred jam the penguins' control signal (mission strings with harp/snare). 3:46: The penguins disperse and are seen running back to the Penguin's Lair (comical low winds/muted brass), intercut with reactions (and themes) from the Penguin, Batman and Alfred. 4:14: The Penguin's gang begins to slowly sneak away (low winds/pizz/low pulses).  The Penguin gets into his duck-mobile and makes for the surface (Penguin theme).  The Bat-ski-boat alters course to intercept (Batman action accents).
17	4:54	The Final Confrontation II	0:00: Batman shows Penguin the jamming device (muted brass). 0:17: The Penguin sees that they are surrounded by his penguin army (Penguin army theme).  He starts slashing at Batman and gets the control device.  He starts the missile launches, as bats from the Bat-ski-boat cause the Penguin to fall back into his lair.  The Missiles destroy Arctic World (Penguin theme). 0:55: Max gets the keys to his cage and escapes (pizz strings/winds), intercut with more destruction on the surface from the missiles (fateful brass figures).  Catwoman causes Max to fall into the water, but he manages to grab a gun (celeste).  More destruction ensues on the surface.  Batman arrives as Selina threatens Max. 1:38: Bruce unmasks and tries to convince Selina that they are the same (string glissandi/vibraphone). 2:18: (Selina theme in harp/celeste, suspense figures in winds/low strings). 3:29: Max shoots Batman (string tremoli/brass swells).  He shoots at Selina but she manages to get to him and kill him amidst a generator explosion (string glissandi, Selina theme fragment in fateful brass/timpani).
18	2:40	The Finale I	0:00: The Penguin rises from the water (anvil slam) and slowly approaches Batman, but finds that the umbrella he tries to shoot him with is non-lethal (pathetic/solemn Penguin theme variations). "Shit.  I picked a cute one." He drops dead from his injuries. 1:32: Giant emperor penguins come out and escort his body into the water (fateful Penguin theme developed in cor anglais, brass, strings, low Penguin motif variation).  Cut to Alfred driving Bruce on the street.
19	2:19	The Finale II	0:00: When Bruce sees a Catwoman-like shadow, he tells Alfred to stop the car.  He only finds a black cat, which he brings back to the car (curious Batman fragments with string glissandi, poignant strings/harp, etc). 1:26: Bruce gets in his car and Alfred continues driving (Selina theme in celeste).  The camera pans up to the Gotham skyline.  The Batsignal is lit, and Catwoman's head rises into view  (Batman theme in brass).
20	4:44	End Credits	0:00: Batman march theme. 0:59: Low Penguin theme, Penguin motif in harp, developed on choir, cor anglais. 2:10: Slow processional variation/patriotic fanfare of Penguin theme. 2:44: Choral/string interlude on Penguin theme. 3:12: Selina theme variation on flute, strings. 4:01: Selina theme in strings, ending with theme fragments blended.
21	4:17	Face to Face (Siouxsie And The Banshees)	Source music for Max's costume party.  Bruce sees Selina on the stairs.  They dance.  Selina tells Bruce that she plans to kill Max (uses a few fragments of Batman theme and Penguin motif)

Limited Edition 2 CD Complete Score

Trk	Dur	Title	Film Sequence, Themes
1.1	5:39	Birth of a Penguin	0:00: Logos (organ, Batman theme) 0:11: During a snowy evening, Oswald Cobblepot is born to his parents' horror (Penguin motif in female choir/violins, organ/brass, developed on strings, organ solo).  0:43: Oswald is kept in a cage (Penguin theme in strings with celeste ornaments, rising/falling accents). 1:04:  Oswald captures and eats a cat (variations in low winds/celeste/brass, low brass/timpani, etc.) 1:24: The Cobblepots take Oswald to the zoo and then dump him into the river (Penguin theme variations in choir/sleighbells, etc).  1:53: His baby carriage floats into the darkness (slow processional march with choir/strings, celeste, harp, etc.).
		Main Titles	2:28: Credits as Oswald's carriage floats into a cavernous tunnel (harp arpeggios/rhythmic strings/choir accents/low wind ostinati, Batman theme joins). 3:04: Main title as bats fly towards the viewer (full Batman march and theme).  3:55: The carriage continues floating through various tunnels (soft texture with choir accents featured). 4:53: It finally ends up at the foot of some giant penguins (joined by hand percussion/low wind ostinati).  Cut to Gotham 33 years later (harp/flutes into gong crash).
1.2	1:09	Penguin Spies	0:00: A shadowy form looks out from in between sewer bars (Penguin motif in harp intercut with celeste.) 0:15: Alfred encounters a newspaper boy talking about the Penguin (comical winds/strings). 0:51: Scene pans up to Max Shreck's building (swirling brass/string figures).
1.3	5:01	Shadow of Doom	0:00: The Penguin's shadow is seen in the sewer tunnel (Penguin theme in harp).
		Clown Attack	0:06: A giant gift box rolls out into the crowd (Penguin theme in bass clarinet, bass, tuba).  0:37: It erupts with the Circus Gang (Penguin variation in calliope/drums/brass/xylophone/organ).
		Introducing the Bat	1:32: The Batsignal is lit and Bruce Wayne sees it (Batman in brass/strings/organ). 2:02: Back in Gotham, Max is threatened by one of the clowns (comical winds/brass).  The Batmobile speeds towards the scene (Batman march).  Max tries to escape (comical winds, perc. etc.), the Penguin walks through the sewer tunnels (Penguin in harp/low winds), etc. 3:00: Batman arrives and fights the clowns (Batman theme). 4:14: Selina is held hostage by a clown, but Batman comes to her rescue.
1.4	6:00	Intro	0:00: Walking in a dark alley, Max falls into a trap door (harp glissando).
		The Zoo	0:15: The camera pans over Gotham Zoo and ends at the Arctic World display (choir swirling strings/brass/organ).
		The Lair	0:49: Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Penguin themes developed throughout this cue).  Oswald Cobblepot appears. 1:55: Oswald tries to find common ground with Shreck.  Oswald opens his hypno umbrella (saw/celeste/tremolo figures). 3:08: Oswald tells Max that he wants to ascend to the surface and rejoin humanity, learn his real name (plaintive cor anglais, strings, flute). 4:00: Oswald begins showing incriminating evidence to pressure Max into helping him (comical pizz string rhythm featured with low winds).  Max greets the severed hand of his old partner (tremolo strings/celeste).
1.5	1:58	Caught in the Act	0:00: Max notices Selina looking at files. 0:21: Max questions Selina (unused, bass, sinister low piano figures).
		Uh-Oh Max	1:44: Max threatens Selina and then pauses, before pushing her out the window (col legno strings/winds cadence).
1.6	5:30	Kitty Party	0:00: Selina lies lifeless in the snow.  Cats converge and begin nibbling at her and she has seizures (low pulse with swirling string glissandi, ethnic percussion)
		Selina Transforms	1:09: Selina's eyes snap open and she returns home in a deranged state (string glissandi/harp pulse, Selina theme begins to surface). 2:31: Selina begins tearing apart her apartment (Selina theme in strings, developed into a macabre march). 3:35: Selina finds a vinyl dress and begins making a cat costume.  She eventually stretches out in front of her window (Selina theme joined by brass, winds, rhythmic strings, etc...ending with bongo roll). "I don't know about you, Miss Kitty, but I feel...so much yummier."
1.7	1:50	Penguin's Grand Deed	0:00: During the Mayor's address, a clown appears and steals a baby (Penguin themes in low strings/winds, calliope interlude). 0:39: The clown is heard talking with "the Penguin man".  Oswald emerges from a sewer hole with the baby and returns it to the mayor (Penguin theme in victorious fanfare variation, ending in reverent organ).
1.8	0:45	The List Begins	0:00: Oswald takes notes at the city records office (Penguin themes). 0:26: Bruce studies old newspaper clippings about the Red Triangle Circus (Batman fragment).
1.9	2:56	The Cemetery	0:00: Bruce reads missing childrens reports centered around the circus (vibraphone, tremolo strings). 0:28: Batman cruises the streets and suspects Oswald of ulterior motives (Penguin motif in harp). 1:21: Oswald visits his parents' gravesite (rhythmic strings/organ/oboe/etc, Penguin theme).  2:28: Oswald bids farewell to the grave and heads towards the exit (flute/harp, wind/horn fanfare cadence).
1.10	2:03	Catwoman Saves Joan	0:00: Oswald forgives his parents.  The news spreads (Penguin theme). 0:20: A woman is threatened in an alleyway.  Catwoman appears and saves her (string glissandi/ethnic percussion).
		The New Woman	1:22: Selina meets Bruce during a meeting with a surprised Max (string glissandi/flute/harp/bass).
1.11	1:43	Penguin's Surprise	0:00: Max visits Oswald and notices his circus friends (Penguin theme, calliope).  He lures Oswald downstairs with some fish.  At the bottom of the stairs he is greeted by a crowd of election supporters (fanfare).
1.12	5:42	Bad, Bad Dog	0:00: Oswald agrees to have his gang tear apart the city so that a new mayor can be appointed (Penguin theme in tremolo textures/tolling bells/etc).
		Batman vs. Circus	0:45: The Red Triangle Gang causes chaos in the streets.  Batman intervenes (Circus music intercut with Batman theme).
		Selina's Shopping Spree	2:25: Catwoman saunters down the street and then cartwheels through a department store.  She practices using her whip (string glissandi/ethnic percussion/winds/pizz strings/etc). 3:21: Security guards arrive.  She scares them off.  Batman dispatches a few more henchmen (Batman theme). 4:17: Catwoman prepares a microwave bomb (string glissandi/ethnic percussion/harp/pizz strings/etc).  Batman confronts Cobblepot (brief Batman theme into Penguin motif developed).  Catwoman approaches them just before her bomb goes off (swelling figures, string gliss). "Meow."
1.13	2:12	Cat Chase	0:00: Cobblepot ascends in his umbrella-copter (comic string/wind figures).  Catwoman attacks Batman (Selina string gliss/bongos vs Batman brass and piano).  1:30: After Batman saves Catwoman from a fall, they flirt (heavy Batman theme fragment becoming light winds).  She ends up falling into a kitty litter truck (falling brass/harp).
1.14	0:58	Candidate Cobblepot	0:00: Back at the Batcave, Batman thinks about Catwoman (string glissandi). 0:08: Oswald greets his supporters in his new outfit and makes a speech announcing his run for mayor (fanfare, patriotic brass).
1.15	2:32	The Plan	0:00: Catwoman threatens Oswald's pet bird.  Oswald threatens a cat (string glissandi, wind ornaments).  They decide to work together against the Batman (Penguin themes/string gliss, Selina theme fragment in flute/vibraphone/string harmonics).
		Kidnapping	1:39: Bruce and Selina make a dinner date (Selina theme fragment).  Oswald kidnaps the "Ice Princess", a pretty Christmas host (low Penguin theme into sinister brass accents).
1.16	3:22	Sore Spots	0:00: Bruce and Selina talk by the fire.  They talk about identity and past relationships.  When they kiss they are distracted by the injuries they suffered as their alter egos (Batman and Selina themes blend and duel).
		Batman's Closet	2:22: Bruce gets into his Batman suit (Batman theme) intercut with Selina driving to the kidnap scene while preparing her own costume (frenetic low winds/strings).  When Batman arrives he "locks up" the Batmobile (bass, brass accents).
1.17	1:15	The Plot Unfolds	0:00: Red Triangle circus gang members approach the Batmobile (calliope/harp).  Batman sees the Ice Princess and grapples over (Batman theme). 0:41: The Batmobile is taken apart by the gang (comic wind/calliope interlude).  Batman frees the Ice Princess but Catwoman drops in (Batman theme, harp gliss).
1.18	4:49	Roof Top Encounters	0:00: Catwoman drags the Ice Princess up to the roof (aggressive piano figures).  The circus gang finishes sabotaging the Batmobile.  Batman approaches the Ice Princess on the roof.  Oswald appears and causes the girl to fall (and framing Batman) (falling figures into Penguin theme variation). 0:58: Bats swarm around the plaza (choir/organ Penguin theme fragment).  Batman is knocked off his feet by patrolmen, after which Catwoman gets on top of him and licks his face (high string tremoli/glissandi, Selina theme fragments).  Batman throws her off and flies away in his Batcape (Batman theme with choir). 2:53: The circus gang leave the Batmobile (warped Batman theme in organ).  Oswald tries to flirt with Selina but she rejects him (Selina and Penguin motif duel). 4:11: He tries to kill her with his umbrella-copter (frenetic winds/harp/choir).
1.19	4:19	Batman's Wild Ride	0:00: Batman lands at the Batmobile.  Oswald prepares to take control of the Batmobile (Penguin theme developed, Batman fragments).  0:46: The Penguin uses remote control to cause the Batmobile to wreak havoc (Batman theme vs Penguin theme circus calliope texture). 2:36: Batman identifies the foreign control device and works to get rid of it.  He stops just before running over an old woman. 3:08: Cobblepot becomes frustrated after he loses control.  Batman narrowly escapes the police through a small alley in the now-Batmissile (Batman theme).
1.20	4:17	Fall from Grace	0:00: Bruce opens the entrance to the Batcave from Wayne Manor (an iron maiden) (string accents/vibraphone, Batman theme, tremolo strings, etc).  0:49: Oswald makes a speech (grand fanfares).  Bruce hijacks the signal and exposes Oswald for the criminal he is (muted brass/vibraphone/harp/timpani rolls/etc).  The crowd turns against him (celeste, low brass/timpani). 2:55: Oswald opens fire on the crowd and runs to the zoo with police in pursuit (brass accents, swirling figures, Penguin theme).  He jumps into the river and then pilots a duck back to his lair.  He greets his penguins and some of his gang (Penguin theme march ending in harp ornaments).
1.21	3:18	Revealed	0:00: Bruce and Selina realize each others'  true identity (low Batman/high Selina in strings).
		Party Crasher	0:38: An explosion throws everyone to the ground.  The Penguin rises on a duck mobile with his rocket penguins (Batman theme in low strings/brass accents, Penguin theme fanfare). 1:21: Oswald explains that his troops are kidnapping children around town. (unused, Penguin theme in brass, winds). 1:52: Max convinces Oswald to take himself instead of his son (organ, ending in slow march).  The scene cuts to the Penguin's lair beneath Arctic World, with Max in a cage.
2.1	7:53	Umbrella Source	0:00: Source music: The Penguin opens up an umbrella and explains to Max how he lures the children.  He describes how he will then drown them (Penguin theme developed in glockenspiel).
		The Children's Hour	0:23: A circus train rolls through the night, with the circus gang gathering children in cages (low brass Penguin theme/Penguin motif in muted trombones).  Batman intervenes. 1:04: Back at the Penguin's lair, a monkey delivers a note from Batman to the Penguin (Batman in glockenspiel).  The Penguin screams (dissonant brass moans).
		War	1:44: The Penguin rallies his penguin rocket army with a speech (snare rolls/string and brass accents/low Penguin theme).  2:40: The penguin army begins diving into the water (Penguin army theme/march canon with Batman theme elements). 3:08: The Bat-ski-boat flies through a sewer tunnel, intercut with the penguins marching through the streets (Batman theme vs Penguin march). 3:52: The Penguin monitors his army's progress in his lair (organ).  Batman tracks the penguins.  Penguins launch rockets at the Bat-ski-boat but Batman spins out of the way (harp glissando).  Surface penguins continue toward Gotham Square as the Penguin has a snack (low winds).  The penguin army reaches the Square and the Penguin begins a launch countdown (Penguin march theme).  Batman and Alfred jam the penguins' control signal (mission strings with harp/snare). 5:35: The penguins disperse and are seen running back to the Penguin's Lair (comical low winds/muted brass), intercut with reactions (and themes) from the Penguin, Batman and Alfred. 6:19: Max tries to get the key to his cage from the monkey (string pizz), intercut with the Bat-ski-boat approaching the Lair (Batman march).  The Penguin's gang begins to slowly sneak away (low winds/pizz/low pulses).  The Penguin gets into his duck-mobile and makes for the surface.  The Bat-ski-boat alters course to intercept (action accents).
2.2	9:15	Final Confrontation	0:00: The Penguin attacks Batman (piano ostinato, Penguin theme in strings).  Batman shows Penguin the jamming device (muted brass). 0:37: The Penguin sees that they are surrounded by his penguin army (Penguin theme fragment).  He starts slashing at Batman and gets the control device.  He starts the missile launches, as bats from the Bat-ski-boat cause the Penguin to fall back into his lair.  The Missiles destroy Arctic World (Penguin theme fragment). 1:32: Max gets the keys to his cage and escapes (pizz strings/winds), intercut with more destruction on the surface from the missiles (fateful brass figures).  Catwoman causes Max to fall into the water, but he manages to grab a gun (celeste). 2:15: Max is pulled out of the water by Catwoman (string glissandi).  She threatens Max.  Batman grapples down and tries to stop Catwoman (Batman theme).  More destruction above occurs.  Bruce unmasks and tries to convince Selina that they are the same (string glissandi, Seline theme in harp/celeste, flute etc.). 5:00: Max shoots Batman (string tremoli/brass swells).  He shoots at Selina but she manages to get to him and kill him amidst a generator explosion (string glissandi, Selina theme fragment in fateful brass/timpani).
		Finale	6:34: The Penguin rises from the water (slam) and slowly approaches Batman, but finds that the umbrella he tries to shoot him with is non-lethal (pathetic/solemn Penguin theme variations). "Shit.  I picked a cute one." He drops dead from his injuries. 8:06: Giant emperor penguins come out and escort his body into the water (fateful Penguin theme developed in cor anglais, brass, strings, low Penguin motif variation).  Cut to Alfred driving Bruce on the street.
2.3	6:15	A Shadow of Doubt	0:00: When Bruce sees a Catwoman-like shadow, he tells Alfred to stop the car.  He only finds a black cat, which he brings back to the car (curious Batman fragments with string glissandi, poignant strings/harp, etc). 1:27: Bruce gets in his car and Alfred continues driving (Selina theme in celeste).  The camera pans up to the Gotham skyline.  The Batsignal is lit, and Catwoman's head rises into view  (Batman theme in brass).
		End Credits	End credits. 2:19: Batman march theme. 3:18: Low Penguin theme,Penguin motif in harp, developed on choir, cor anglais. 4:30: Slow processional variation/patriotic fanfare of Penguin theme. 5:03: Selina theme develeloped on flute, strings. 5:31: Selina theme in strings, ending with theme fragments blended.
2.4	4:18	Face to Face (Siouxsie And The Banshees)	Source music for Max's costume party.  Bruce sees Selina on the stairs.  They dance.  Selina tells Bruce that she plans to kill Max (uses a few fragments of Batman theme and Penguin motif)
ALTERNATES & ALBUM CUES:
2.5	1:00	The Zoo (alternate)	0:00: Max falls into a trap door (harp glissando).  The camera pans over Gotham Zoo and ends at the Arctic World display (hihat/choir/swirling strings/brass/organ).  Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Penguin theme developed over comical wind/brass march).  Oswald Cobblepot appears.
2.6	0:45	The List Begins (alternate)	0:00: Oswald takes notes at the city records office (Penguin themes). 0:26: Bruce studies old newspaper clippings about the Red Triangle Circus (Batman fragment).
2.7	2:13	Cat Chase (alternate ending)	0:00: Cobblepot ascends in his umbrella-copter (comic string/wind figures).  Catwoman attacks Batman (Selina string gliss/bongos vs Batman brass and piano).  1:30: After Batman saves Catwoman from a fall, they flirt (heavy Batman theme fragment becoming light winds).  She ends up falling into a kitty litter truck (Batman theme in hesitant low strings, falling brass/harp).
2.8	4:49	Rooftop Encounters (original)	0:00: Catwoman drags the Ice Princess up to the roof (aggressive piano figures).  The circus gang finishes sabotaging the Batmobile.  Batman approaches the Ice Princess on the roof.  Oswald appears and causes the girl to fall (and framing Batman) (falling figures into Penguin theme variation). 0:58: Bats swarm around the plaza (choir/organ Penguin theme fragment).  Batman is knocked off his feet by patrolmen, after which Catwoman gets on top of him and licks his face (high string tremoli/glissandi, Selina theme fragments).  Batman throws her off and flies away in his Batcape (Batman theme with choir). 2:53: The circus gang leave the Batmobile (twisted Batman theme in organ).  Oswald tries to flirt with Selina but she rejects him (Selina and Penguin motif duel). 4:11: He tries to kill her with his umbrella-copter (frenetic winds/harp gliss/etc).
2.9	4:17	Fall from Grace (alternate ending)	0:00: Bruce opens the entrance to the Batcave from Wayne Manor (an iron maiden) (string accents/vibraphone, Batman theme, tremolo strings, etc).  0:49: Oswald makes a speech (grand fanfares).  Bruce hijacks the signal and exposes Oswald for the criminal he is (muted brass/vibraphone/harp/timpani rolls/etc).  The crowd turns against him (celeste, low brass/timpani). 2:55: Oswald opens fire on the crowd and runs to the zoo with police in pursuit (brass accents, swirling figures, Penguin theme).  He jumps into the river and then pilots a duck back to his lair.  He greets his penguins and some of his gang (Penguin theme march ending in harp ornaments, sad cor anglais).
2.10	0:57	The Lair Part I	0:00: Max falls into a trap door (harp glissando).  The camera pans over Gotham Zoo and ends at the Arctic World display (choir/swirling strings/brass/organ).  Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Penguin theme developed over comical wind/brass march).  Oswald Cobblepot appears.
2.11	4:51	The Lair Part II	0:00: Max wakes up and finds himself surrounded by the Circus Gang and penguins (Penguin theme developed throughout this cue).  Oswald Cobblepot appears. 0:47: Oswald tries to find common ground with Shreck.  Oswald opens his hypno umbrella (saw/celeste/tremolo figures). 2:12: Oswald tells Max that he wants to ascend to the surface and rejoin humanity, learn his real name (plaintive cor anglais, strings, flute). 3:15: Oswald begins showing incriminating evidence to pressure Max into helping him (comical pizz string rhythm featured with low winds).  Max greets the severed hand of his old partner (tremolo strings/celeste).
2.12	1:12	Selina's Transformation Part I	0:00: Selina lies lifeless in the snow.  Cats converge and begin nibbling at her and she has seizures (low pulse with swirling string glissandi, ethnic percussion).  Selina's eyes snap open.
2.13	4:15	Selina's Transformation Part II	0:00: Selina returns home in a deranged state (string glissandi/harp pulse, Selina theme begins to surface). 1:22: Selina begins tearing apart her apartment (Selina theme in strings, developed into a macabre march). 2:22: Selina finds a vinyl dress and begins making a cat costume.  She eventually stretches out in front of her window (Selina theme joined by brass, winds, rhythmic strings, etc...ending with bongo roll).
2.14	2:35	Batman vs. the Circus	0:00: The Batsignal is lit and Bruce Wayne sees it (Batman in brass/strings/organ). 0:31: The Red Triangle Gang causes chaos in the streets (2nd time).  Batman intervenes (Circus music intercut with Batman theme).
2.15	5:43	Cat Suite	0:00: Cobblepot ascends in his umbrella-copter (comic string/wind figures).  Catwoman attacks Batman (Selina string gliss/bongos vs Batman brass and piano).  1:11: After Batman saves Catwoman from a fall, they flirt (heavy Batman theme fragment becoming light winds).  She ends up falling into a kitty litter truck (falling brass/harp). 1:51: Catwoman threatens Oswald's pet bird.  Oswald threatens a cat (string glissandi, wind ornaments).  They decide to work together against the Batman (Penguin themes/string gliss, Selina theme fragment in flute/vibraphone/string harmonics). 3:25: Catwoman saunters down the street and then cartwheels through a department store.  She practices using her whip (string glissandi/ethnic percussion/winds/pizz strings/etc). 4:22: Security guards arrive.  She scares them off.  4:37: Batman confronts Cobblepot (brief Batman theme into Penguin motif developed).  Catwoman approaches them just before her bomb goes off (swelling figures, string gliss). "Meow."
2.16	7:02	A Shadow of Doubt (alternate)	0:00: When Bruce sees a Catwoman-like shadow, he tells Alfred to stop the car.  He only finds a black cat, which he brings back to the car (curious Batman fragments with string glissandi, poignant strings/harp, etc). 1:27: Bruce gets in his car and Alfred continues driving (Selina theme in celeste).  The camera pans up to the Gotham skyline.  The Batsignal is lit, and Catwoman's head rises into view  (Batman theme in brass).
		End Credits (alternate)	End credits. 2:19: Batman march theme. 3:18: Low Penguin theme,Penguin motif in harp, developed on choir, cor anglais. 4:30: Slow processional variation/patriotic fanfare of Penguin theme. 5:03: Choral/string interlude on Penguin theme. 5:31: Selina theme variation on flute, strings. 6:20: Selina theme in strings, ending with theme fragments blended.
2.17	3:23	Superfreak  (Rick James & Alonzo Miller)	Source music for Max's costume party.

Links
iTunes Soundtrack Listing for 1992 Original Release
Spotify Listing (1992 Release)
Danny Elfman Batman Collection (Lala-Land Records)
Score Wiki Entry
Danny Elfman Wiki
Face to Face (Siouxsie and the Banshees song)
Filmtracks Review/Analysis
Movie Music UK Review
Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music Box