hen the movie Tron premiered in 1982, most folks probably figured they'd hear only electronic melodies accompanying the adventure. After all, the futuristic film incorporated revolutionary computer effects, and the person hired to craft the music was pioneering synthesizer wizard Wendy Carlos. However, contrary to expectations, her compositions ingeniously intermingled orchestral and choral elements with artificial sounds, forming a truly memorable and novel score. In celebration of the picture's 20th anniversary, the soundtrack was recently issued on CD for the first time, allowing nostalgic fans not only to re-experience the movie's cherished themes, but also to listen to a few formerly unreleased tunes.
The first work, "Creation of Tron," builds from foreboding bass tones to a triumphant vocal climax in less than a minute, masterfully introducing the movie's major musical leitmotif. This simple melody is subsequently expanded and adapted on such numbers as "Water, Music, and Tronaction," "Miracle and
Magician" and "Anthem." A second menacing, martial motif is added on cuts like "We've Got Company," "Ring Game and Escape" and "A New Tron and the MCP," with glorious strings, a gossamer chorus and gorgeous electronics lightening the mood on "Love Theme."
Along with the 18 tunes that comprised the original album—including a couple of songs, "Only Solutions" and "1990's Theme," by the rock group Journey—the CD also features a trio of "bonus tracks." Two of these compositions, "Tronaction (Original Version)" and "Anthem for Keyboard Solo," spotlight simple synthesizer renditions of familiar cues, with "Break In (For Strings, Flutes, and Celesta)" showcasing full orchestration and a suitably fretful air.
Perfect notes for a groundbreaking picture
As electronic sounds became ever more popular during the "New Wave" music fad of the early 1980s, film scores increasingly began to incorporate artificial instrumentation. In addition to providing an otherworldly clamor when necessary, synthesizers could readily emulate a full orchestra or chorus, usually at a fraction of the cost of hiring a live ensemble. Part of the genius of the Tron soundtrack is that, rather than being used simply to imitate symphonic noises, the synthetic effects are instead blended with contributions from the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the UCLA Chorus. This fashions a unique sonic environment that perfectly accents the picture's high-tech visuals and Alice in Wonderland-inspired storyline.
"Wormhole" expertly combines these disparate components, utilizing blaring horns, crashing percussion and soft artificial shadings to clearly indicate a passage from the "real world" into the computer. "Tower Music—Let Us Pray" is an equally admirable amalgam of synthesized and spiritual
motifs, starting out with eerie, echoing tones before transforming into a magnificent, mystical aria enhanced with ethereal voices. Other standout cuts include the electrifying "Tron Scherzo" and the evocative "Ending Titles," which was largely replaced within the finished film by the song "Only Solutions"
The three previously unreleased compositions are enjoyable, too, especially the bittersweet "Anthem for Keyboard Solo," while the two Journey tunes, despite being sequenced among the other cues, are surprisingly non-intrusive. Although Tron is primarily remembered for its groundbreaking visuals, this long-overdue soundtrack CD reminds wistful fans that the film's mix of electronic and orchestral elements was similarly invigorating and innovative.
