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Battlestar Galactica Music: Series, Sci Fi Channel, Music, Composers And Soundtracks
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Published: October 12, 2007
When the Sci Fi Channel remade the campy 1970s series, “Battlestar Galactica,” fans of the science fiction genre were not certain how to react. Many fans of the older show were apprehensive about the remake, sincerely hoping that the cheese factor would be reduced in the new series. Fans of science fiction in general, aware of some of the lackluster Sci Fi Channel productions, shared the opinion that the cable channel would not be able to pull it off.
Fortunately for all fans of the genre, “Battlestar Galactica” turned out to be spectacular. The new series is visually stunning, packed with extraordinarily, well-acted drama. However, the station's effort would not be the success that it is without complimentary music.
While “Battlestar Galactica” is getting ready to begin its fourth season on the Sci Fi Channel, soundtracks are available for only the first two seasons. Both soundtracks are comparable, and they have been well received by critics. Bear McCreary, is almost exclusively responsible for the music of the new “Battlestar Galactica." The composer employs the use of exotic instrumentation, driving percussion and synthesizers on the majority of the tracks, only occasionally relying on a symphony. According to McCreary, the use of a symphony is minimized to compliment the documentary style visuals featured in the show.
McCreary's role on the preceding “Battlestar Galactica” miniseries was a secondary one, focusing mostly on percussion. Following the miniseries, McCreary took over the composing duties exclusively, and he has excelled in the leading role. Not surprisingly, the signature sound featured on “Battlestar Galactica” is the intense tribal percussion work. The driving rhythms are occasionally interrupted by appropriately spaced dramatic pauses, and are often implemented during onscreen aerial battles. "Starbuck Takes On All Eight," from Season One, is an excellent example of McCreary's rhythmic prowess.
The exotic sound of both soundtracks is the result of McCreary choice of instruments. The composer employs the use of taikos, duduks and various percussion instruments for the unique music of “Battlestar Galactica." The resultant sound is quite versatile. McCreary's instrumentation delivers an uplifting vibe on "A Good Lighter," but on the preceding track, "Helo Rescued," the sound is eerie in nature. Though the use of a symphony is infrequent, the symphonic performance, "The Shape Of Things To Come," is the most powerful track from Season One.
The Season Two soundtrack is equally solid. One reviewer asserted that McCreary's association with “Battlestar Galactica” is similar in nature to John Williams with “Star Wars.” It is an apt assessment. Rabid fans of “Battlestar Galactica” are as familiar with the composer's name as they are with the names of the actors. McCreary claims he is not getting comfortable with “Battlestar Galactica,” but listeners will think he is settling in just fine.
Sources:
"ScoreKeeper Interviews Battlestar Galactica's Bear McCreary." 7 June 2006. aintitcool.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23532.
Schultz, Paul. "Music Review: Bear McCreary, 'Battlestar Galactica: Season 2' Soundtrack." 9 July 2006. Reviews. The-trades.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4496.
"Battlestar Galactica – Season 2 Soundtrack." 22 Sept. 2006. soundtrackreport.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://soundtrackreport.com/2006/09/22/battlestar- galactica-season-2-soundtrack/.
"The Battlestar Galactica (soundtrack) Series." Amazon.com. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.amazon.com/gp/series/92788/ref=pd_serl_ music/103-3738314-8750251?ie=UTF8&edition=audi
While “Battlestar Galactica” is getting ready to begin its fourth season on the Sci Fi Channel, soundtracks are available for only the first two seasons. Both soundtracks are comparable, and they have been well received by critics. Bear McCreary, is almost exclusively responsible for the music of the new “Battlestar Galactica." The composer employs the use of exotic instrumentation, driving percussion and synthesizers on the majority of the tracks, only occasionally relying on a symphony. According to McCreary, the use of a symphony is minimized to compliment the documentary style visuals featured in the show.
McCreary's role on the preceding “Battlestar Galactica” miniseries was a secondary one, focusing mostly on percussion. Following the miniseries, McCreary took over the composing duties exclusively, and he has excelled in the leading role. Not surprisingly, the signature sound featured on “Battlestar Galactica” is the intense tribal percussion work. The driving rhythms are occasionally interrupted by appropriately spaced dramatic pauses, and are often implemented during onscreen aerial battles. "Starbuck Takes On All Eight," from Season One, is an excellent example of McCreary's rhythmic prowess.
The exotic sound of both soundtracks is the result of McCreary choice of instruments. The composer employs the use of taikos, duduks and various percussion instruments for the unique music of “Battlestar Galactica." The resultant sound is quite versatile. McCreary's instrumentation delivers an uplifting vibe on "A Good Lighter," but on the preceding track, "Helo Rescued," the sound is eerie in nature. Though the use of a symphony is infrequent, the symphonic performance, "The Shape Of Things To Come," is the most powerful track from Season One.
The Season Two soundtrack is equally solid. One reviewer asserted that McCreary's association with “Battlestar Galactica” is similar in nature to John Williams with “Star Wars.” It is an apt assessment. Rabid fans of “Battlestar Galactica” are as familiar with the composer's name as they are with the names of the actors. McCreary claims he is not getting comfortable with “Battlestar Galactica,” but listeners will think he is settling in just fine.
Sources:
"ScoreKeeper Interviews Battlestar Galactica's Bear McCreary." 7 June 2006. aintitcool.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23532.
Schultz, Paul. "Music Review: Bear McCreary, 'Battlestar Galactica: Season 2' Soundtrack." 9 July 2006. Reviews. The-trades.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4496.
"Battlestar Galactica – Season 2 Soundtrack." 22 Sept. 2006. soundtrackreport.com. 10 Oct. 2007. http://soundtrackreport.com/2006/09/22/battlestar- galactica-season-2-soundtrack/.
"The Battlestar Galactica (soundtrack) Series." Amazon.com. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.amazon.com/gp/series/92788/ref=pd_serl_ music/103-3738314-8750251?ie=UTF8&edition=audi
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