The Map Room vs Miracle of the Ark

[indy4 155]

"The Map Room":

Begins with a mysterious flute variation of the Ark theme. After the first 3 notes, a sinister low note is sustained, adding danger to the intrigue. The variation ends, followed by a some subtle military music. A motif from "Idol's Temple" is reintroduced, suddenly replaced by a stronger variation of the Ark theme, with swiriling strings in the background. The theme cuts off abruptly to give way for a mecabre variation of the Medallion's Theme, which ascends up into one loud trumpet blast. More military music, then more uncertain swirling strings, which cresecendoe into trumpet accompianment, which all lead into a truly terrifying variation of the Ark theme, this time accompanied by full on choir. The theme gives way to ascending notes, which cresendoe and start slowing, leading to the cue's climax, as a trumpet blast of triumph is sounded. To resolve, we get a more subtle variation, that slowly fades out.

"Miracle of the Ark":

Starts with low and uncertain music. Sounds almost alien. Trumpets sneak in with a devious variation of the Ark Theme, with wicked strings accompanying. Trumpets and flutes pass off the theme, ending with bold notes that lead into a loud, upfront trumpet variation. This gives way to a variation of the Medallion's Theme (which establishes it as a B Theme for the Ark by this point). There is a tamborine with the B theme, adding a layer of exotic mystery to the Ark. Trumpets then play the last two notes of the primary Ark theme. Suddenly, we hear a Psycho-like motif played by trumpets, repeating one note again and again. A couple moments of chaos and terror, the orchestra sounding uncontrollable, then we regain the motif. This motif ends, giving way to the most dangerous and bold variation of the Ark theme ever heard. First played by lower instruments, then moving straight to trumpets, we hear the themes fantastic resolution, but instead of the being triumphant like the Map Room, we get a sense that the Ark is finished completely, that it had done its duty and is finished now. Marion's Theme comes in uncertainly, and we get a peaceful conclusion.

My vote goes to "Map Room," but it was a very tough decision.

[Richard Penna 3,696]

Map Room: Dawn.

By miles.

[Quintus 5,399]

The bridge (Medallion's theme) of the Ark theme in the second option is freaking brilliant, but the first option wins, hands down.

[Bryant Burnette 654]

"The Map Room: Dawn" has been one of my favorite pieces of music for something like twenty years, so it's definitely got my vote. But "Miracle of the Ark" is great, too.

[paleo 63]

Well, I like "Miracle of the Ark", but it really can't compete with "The Map Room" :-)

[Henry B 50]

Both.

[Red 75]

I really can't decide.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Hard choice, but I voted for "Miracle." The ending is just awesome.

[Nick Parker 3,040]

Agghh... My head is going to burst like Belloq's if I try to determine the winner any longer....

[Charlie Brigden 7]

The winner? Clearly us.

[Nick Parker 3,040]

Whoever wins, we win?

[John Crichton 4]

The Miracle of the Ark.

[Ollie 1,059]

The Map Room wins.

Miracle Of The Ark is pretty damn good as well.

[MrScratch 294]

I love both, but have always preferred "Miracle".

[crocodile 8,020]

Both great. But Map Room has one advantage over the other one: it feels more like a concert arrangment of the theme, so it is better as a standalone piece of music.

Karol

[pixie_twinkle 48]

The Map Room, although that dramatic half-cadence in the bridge passage of Miracle is a wonderful moment.

[Wojo 2,453]

Very little in Raiders can top The Map Room: Dawn.

[indy4 155]

Very little can top The Map Room: Dawn.

[Marian Schedenig 8,211]

Map Room: Dawn.

By miles.

It's brilliant as a standalone piece of music. Miracle always seemed a little too disconnected to me, too much dictated by the exact events on screen. Although I agree what has been said about the medallion bridge.

[indy4 155]

The Map Room scene is like a silent movie. Barely any sound effects, no dialouge, the viewer must completely rely on visuals and music to tell the story.

[BTR1701 59]

Suddenly, we hear a Psycho-like motif played by trumpets, repeating one note again and again.

It's actually not just the trumpets. It's nearly the entire orchestra. Only the strings, trombones and horns are exempt. The strings are playing long, sustained dissonances. The trombones have a growling sextuplet lick going on in the background and the horns are resting. Everyone else is playing the eight-note ostinato in half-step dissonances all up and down the scale, accompanied by a slap-stick in the percussion to drive the down-beat home.

(I've been studying the written score to "Miracle of the Ark" lately and it's an amazing piece of writing.)

[Pieter Boelen 740]

Map Room: Dawn from me. I don't much care for the scary part of Miracle of the Ark.