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John Williams's scores for the original STAR WARS trilogy are not only spectacular, but historically significant. For RETURN OF THE JEDI, the last movie in the first series, Williams builds upon many of his previous themes. However, he does this in a fresh, creative way. For example, the film's opening "Main Title/Approaching the Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous" includes snippets from Darth Vader's "The Imperial March." This is a menacing piece that underscores the ruthlessness of Vader and the wickedness of the Emperor. "Jabba's Baroque Recital" is of the few tracks on this two-disc set that does not use an orchestra, but rather, a keyboard. This composition actually sounds more like an early Mozart pianoforte piece than a baroque fugue, but this does not detract from its charm or its cinematic value. The most exciting piece on RETURN OF THE JEDI is "The Battle of Endor I." The conceptual scope of Williams's music is emphasized in this lengthy composition. Filled with great contrast--including beautiful string interludes and violent, percussive segues--this piece stands out on its own. In fact, "The Battle of Endor I" can easily be enjoyed out of context; this is a true testament to Williams's compositional acumen.

Genres: Soundtrack, Music, Original Score

Released: 1997

℗ 1997 LucasFilm Ltd.

Track Listing:

Disc: 1

1. 20th Century Fox Fanfare

2. Main Title/Approaching The Death Star/Tatooine Rendezvous

3. The Droids Are Captured

4. Bounty for A Wookiee

5. Han Solo Returns

6. Luke Confronts Jabba/Den Of The Rancor/Sarlacc Sentence

7. The Pit of Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault

8. The Emperor Arrives/The Death of Yoda/Obi-Wan's Revelation

9. Alliance Assembly

10. Shuttle Tydirium Approaches Endor

11. Speeder Bike Chase/Land Of The Ewoks

12. The Levitation/Threepio's Bedtime Story

13. Sourc Music: Jabba's Baroque Recital

14. Jedi Rocks

15. Archival Bonus Track: Sail Barge Assault (Alternate)

Disc: 2

1. Parade Of The Ewoks

2. Luke and Leia

3. Brother and Sister/Father and Son/The Fleet Enters Hyperspace

4. Emperor's Throne Room

5. The Battle Of Endor

6. The Lightsaber/The Ewok Battle

7. THE BATTLE OF ENDOR II

8. THE BATTLE OF ENDOR III

9. Leia's News/Light of the Force

10. Victory Celebration/End Title

11. Source Music: Ewok Feast/Part Of The Tribe

12. Archival Bonus Track: The Forest Battle (Concert Suite)