hen the TV series Enterprise premiered last fall, it seemed as if all Star Trek fans could talk about was the controversial main-title music. Since that time the debate about the tune has simmered down, but it's likely to be rekindled with the release of a new soundtrack CD devoted to the show. Hopefully, the recording will also spark some discussion about the accomplished score that accompanies the adventure, since, along with two separate renditions of the opening melody, the disc contains more than a dozen cues from the pilot episode, "Broken Bow."
That divisive main theme, performed by British singer Russell Watson and officially titled "Where My Heart Will Take Me," launches the LP in a lengthy "album version" and closes the collection with an abbreviated "TV version." Sandwiched between the pieces are 13 instrumental cuts from veteran franchise composer Dennis McCarthy. The first of these works, "New Enterprise," is a softly stirring tune that harmonically introduces the latest incarnation of the venerable Star Trek flagship. Other selections are more edgy, like "Klingon Chase—Shotgunned" and "Phaser Fight," with additional numbers such as "Breakthrough" and "New Horizons" offering a slower, more inspirational ambiance.
The disc also includes a CD-ROM component showcasing cast profiles and a live concert performance of "Where My Heart Will Take Me." Most of the liner notes are comprised of poignant comments from McCarthy, who recorded much of the score just hours after the World Trade Center attack on Sept. 11, 2001. He dedicates the album to the victims of that tragedy and, in a particularly meaningful observation for admirers of Star Trek's ever-audacious attitude, to "those men and women who rose to the challenge and showed us that the human spirit will prevail no matter what."
Faith of the heart and the music
Despite all the protests, petitions and passionate arguments that preceded the debut of Enterprise, the series has thus far remained relatively true to the exploratory spirit of the original Star Trek. The show's music represents one of the more subtle means by which that adventurous element has been maintained, and this superb soundtrack provides ample proof that, notwithstanding the contentious opening theme, the expressive and energetic score—at least for the initial episode—is a laudable and lovely addition to the tuneful Trek repertoire.
"New Horizons" is certainly among the most moving cues, utilizing sustained strings and peaceful horns to evoke a calm yet expectant air. It's a gripping work that truly summons forth senses of anticipation and promise. On the other hand, cuts like "Klang-Napped" and "Morph-O-Mama/Suli-Nabbed" belie their humorous names, generating an anxious atmosphere through ominous percussion and threatening tones. These compositions, in company with similarly tense numbers like "Grappled" and "The Rescue," allow McCarthy to thoroughly explore a range of musical emotions. His guitar-soaked "Archer's Theme" concludes the orchestral section, ending the score on a powerful and genuinely heartening note.
Even without the program's stunning main-title visuals, "Where My Heart Will Take Me" remains an uplifting song that, though perhaps a mite too sugary, ideally complements the series' optimistic, assured attitude. The tune does break with Trek tradition, and a few years from now it could conceivably end up sounding rather dated, but for the moment it discreetly augments the show's overall faith in a positive destiny for humankind. Folks may have differing opinions regarding the opening theme, but on the whole the music of Enterprise—particularly McCarthy's skilled contributions—is an excellent and eloquent accompaniment to this latest addition to the continually expanding Star Trek universe.
