Star Trek Music: Original Series, Theme, The Next Generation And Star Trek Movies

People despise Trekkies. The way they are perceived to talk, dress, philosophize--all come under intense scrutiny from the general public. Really, it is difficult to imagine a more vilified group of fans for a TV show; save possibly fans of "The Hills" or something along those lines. No matter the scrutiny, and possibly because of it, Trekkies have managed a near-religious fervor for Gene Roddenberry's creation. For decades, some form of "Star Trek" has graced the airwaves or theaters nationwide. As with any following so devout, seemingly obscure aspects of the show have gained much attention. One such example is the music of "Star Trek."

The original series of "Star Trek" has gained some attention for its theme because of the drama associated with it. Now so synonymous with the entirety Roddenberry's oeuvre, some might not realize how difficult a problem scoring for "Star Trek" posed for the original producers. Few composers offered their services for the pilot because of a lack of faith in "Star Trek" and the studio behind it. Composers gained compensation through scoring based primarily on the number of times the composition played, and if "Star Trek" failed, composers would thus gain very little out of completing the work. Regardless, the show's producers managed to convince Alexander Courage to score the theme for the show, and the score remained much the same through the history of the original series. However, Roddenberry managed to cheat Courage out of half of the royalties from the score by writing lyrics for it that never intended to air on the actual show. Despite the lack of airtime, the lyrics entitled Roddenberry to half the royalties for "Star Trek," thus making at least part of Courage's fears as composer for the show a reality.

Of course, music from all of various incarnations of "Star Trek" have caused the hearts of many a Trekkie to flutter. Scores from revamped editions such as "The Next Generation," and the movies released throughout, all have soundtracks available for purchase and enjoyment. Releases including scores from "The Next Generation" have published as far back as the early 90s, and including re-recordings, have continued to publish at least through 2003. A "best of" album compiling songs from the first five "Star Trek" movies has also released, retailing for around $15. At that price, it surely comes as a steal to any true Trekkie.

With no worry about the scorn a fan will surely incur for it, "Star Trek" followers can and do enjoy the music of the acclaimed series as it has progressed throughout the decades. Whether for the excitement caused behind the scenes or just to appreciate the interstellar style of the years of compositions, "Star Trek" fans make sure the tunes from the series dominate their speakers just as the show lives on in their TVs. Some may well consider the fascination unhealthy, but at least it has to be better than reality TV.


Sources:
"Star Trek Astral Symphony [SOUNDTRACK]." Amazon.Com. 2007. Amazon.Com. 11 Oct. 2007 http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Astral-Symphony/dp /B0000268YE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0891942-3414217?ie />