BLUMENKOHL 1,068 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 First, let me be clear, this is a great score. And the theme is actually quite lovely...in restrained bursts here and there (like on horns at the beginning of the track). But does anyone else feel...an irritating being nagged by someone feeling by the end of Theme from Jurassic Park? BA-DA-DAAA-da-da. Over and over and over, and it just gets higher pitched and higher pitched. It incites aggressive tendencies in me.That bit of it repeats 23 times in less than one minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 The theme is simple enough that repeated listens in a short amount of time damage it's emotional impact, I agree. The OST is poorly put together in that sense, as we get 3 full fleshed out variations of the theme in the first 7 tracks.I wouldn't say it's irritating, just that it has the potential to get boring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 Nope, sorry I don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 One of the greatest themes ever written for movies, sorry. russds and WilliamsStarShip2282 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,795 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 i think i could play that theme on loop for ever.exaggerating a little bit, only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brónach 1,302 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 The score is absolutely perfect for me. The theme is so simple yet so absurdly gorgeous that it's almost funny.This and Close Encounters are basically the definition of the sound that comes to mind when I think "John Williams". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,515 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 He, he....no, and I've heard this soundtrack (and theme) more than any other in my collection -- by a wide margin. Maybe 1000 times over the years, I don't know.However, in recent years I've been more conservative in putting on this soundtrack. It's my alltime favourite, so I wouldn't want to overdo it. I don't want to grow tired of it, if that's even possible. But when I play it now -- even after all these years and all the repetitions -- it's still goosebump-inducing. That says something about how powerful and everlasting it is (to me, anyway). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Penna 3,694 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 I've found this as well actually. The way it keeps building gets rather repetitive towards the end.Also agree that the album sequencing makes it worse - the opening titles/incident duo works so well in opening the film and score, not fully revealing anything... so what's Williams doing putting his majestic 'revelation' theme between them? Then you get the same thing in Journey to the Island, and *again* two minutes later in Welcome to....It's thanks mainly to this terrible album, that the word 'album' drives me up the wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brónach 1,302 Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 Yeah but the actual score is sublime!I find the repetition is part of the beauty of the cue as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,370 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's a special talent Williams has to write a piece of music that both perfectly matches the onscreen visuals and functions as a standalone concert arrangement (with a different intro tacked on) at the same time WilliamsStarShip2282 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's a special talent Williams has to write a piece of music that both perfectly matches the onscreen visuals and functions as a standalone concert arrangement (with a different intro tacked on) at the same timeI don't think anybody is questioning the existence of the concert version, just that it's placed right next to an identical presentation on th album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 There's a little thing I like to call the skip button. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brónach 1,302 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Yeah, there's also correctly presented scores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,370 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's a special talent Williams has to write a piece of music that both perfectly matches the onscreen visuals and functions as a standalone concert arrangement (with a different intro tacked on) at the same timeI don't think anybody is questioning the existence of the concert version, just that it's placed right next to an identical presentation on th album.Woah, I wasn't trying to comment on the OST whatsoever, I was just heaping praise on Williams for being in a genius. There's nothing wrong with Theme From Jurassic Park at all, it's all brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUMENKOHL 1,068 Posted June 2, 2013 Author Share Posted June 2, 2013 There's nothing wrong with Theme From Jurassic Park at all, it's all brilliant Well that's a fanboyish statement if I ever heard one! Bet if we asked John he could think of dozens of ways to improve on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandor 797 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 There's nothing wrong with Theme From Jurassic Park at all, it's all brilliant Well that's a fanboyish statement if I ever heard one! That's really what you were after with this thread, isn't it..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aviazn 273 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I feel the same way as the OP. Glad I'm not the only one! Actually, whenever I hear the end of the theme arrangement in my mind, it always segues to the buildup into the recapitulation of Hymn to the Fallen (3:49). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brónach 1,302 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I don't know what to say to you two.I think the piece works like an orgasm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,715 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Oh I have no problem with the piece, none what so ever.The fanboy has spoken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonesy 55 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I don't think this piece is irritating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodBoal 7,538 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I think the piece works like an orgasm.Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,515 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I think the piece works like an orgasm.Wow.I agree, actually. A mental orgasm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TownerFan 4,983 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 The point is that it's a very simple piece, based on good old triads (I-IV-V), it almost sounds "pop" in that sense. Maybe a tad too much, imho. But it's the truly perfect music for the scene it was written for. The sense of awe and wonder in the scene is almost totally dictated by the music. It seems Williams heightened to the highest level possible that "Spielberg face" feeling. So it was important for him (I guess!) to find a musical solution that would convey a sense of simplicity and directness, based on something familiar and reassuring, even singable (the music almost spells "Jurassic Park") almost to the point of sounding "pop". We know from interviews that Williams usually starts the writing process from a key moment in the film, a scene which can become the pivot around which he'll be able to build the whole composition. I guess this was the scene he tackled first, because it was important to get it right. BLUMENKOHL and Pieter Boelen 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,370 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Well said Maurizio, some good points made Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faleel 5,358 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I would say the Raider's March Concert Version, as heard on the OST, is worse in this regard actually... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 We know from interviews that Williams usually starts the writing process from a key moment in the film, a scene which can become the pivot around which he'll be able to build the whole composition. I guess this was the scene he tackled first, because it was important to get it right.Really? I thought he's always said he starts figuring out the themes in the abstract, and THEN tackles the specific scenes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joni Wiljami 1,206 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I agree with Blume. It's Ok with the film but without it, it really gets boring.But there are many other highlights in this score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy 4,139 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I must also empathize with Blume also, to some extent. It does get a bit too much when the chorus joins in, just before the crescendo finish. That said, the moment in Journey to the Island where the theme finishes, and the martial rhythmic bit begins is a wonderful segue. BLUMENKOHL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alejandro 26 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 I skip the theme as presented on the OST because of the ending. I used to use iTunes to stop the track early. Now I just listen to Welcome to JP. Erich Kunzel added a new ending which I prefer, and that's used as a standard now--even Williams uses it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 It does get a bit too much when the chorus joins in, just before the crescendo finish.That's my favourite part and one of my most powerful Johnnygasms ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy 4,139 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 I can understand that. But for me, it seems like just one repetition too many. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,370 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Well, it's timed to fit the film scene, it only became a concert arrangement after the fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Christ, what's with all the hate for Jurassic Park all of a sudden! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter Boelen 740 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 There's nothing wrong with Theme From Jurassic Park at all, it's all brilliant Well that's a fanboyish statement if I ever heard one! Bet if we asked John he could think of dozens of ways to improve on it. Sure. And we'd find we wouldn't like the end results as much as the version we got! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muad'Dib 1,802 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Christ, what's with all the hate for Jurassic Park all of a sudden!Damn hipsters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 That's exactly it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 all I can say it the score to Jurassic Park is better than any score from any film this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alejandro 26 Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 ^^ I was thinking the same thing after seeing Now You See Me and Star Trek II Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,515 Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 all I can say it the score to Jurassic Park is better than any score from any film this summer.I think JURASSIC PARK is better than all scores in all summers since the dawn of film! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,782 Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 What a crappy score. This John Williams fella lacks a proper musical knowledge to pull off anything close to Herrmann, Rozsa, Steiner, North or Korngold, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 all I can say it the score to Jurassic Park is better than any score from any film this summer.I think JURASSIC PARK is better than all scores in all summers since the dawn of film! it's pretty close, but I like Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., Raiders, and TOD probably a bit better. it's a win win situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUMENKOHL 1,068 Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 Why are we stating the obvious? You are such a politician Joey!It's like walking into a room and yelling "Mister Rogers is a nicer man than Hitler!" to get everyone on your side. Who's gonna say no? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,715 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Absolutely right Blume! Stir the status quo, rip old platitudes to shreds! We want controversy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Why are we stating the obvious? You are such a politician Joey!It's like walking into a room and yelling "Mister Rogers is a nicer man than Hitler!" to get everyone on your side. Who's gonna say no? sometimes the truth goes unspoken and must occasionally be brought forth. Hitler was a better painter than Mr. Rogers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 2,044 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 The incessant repetition only works because of the variety in the orchestration. Put it on a single instrument and it becomes extremely repetitive - I notice that when I play it on piano, for instance.For me, the bigger annoyance with "Theme from Jurassic Park" is the actual ending itself, which feels sudden and half-assed. We've just come off of this enormous climax and then Williams just lets us off with a simple major triad with a harp arpeggio, and then it's over. It's a little puzzling. He had the time and inspiration to write the concert intro, which is as lovely as anything in the score proper, and he certainly managed to write a great cue that functions perfectly in the film AND as the main body of a concert piece...but when it came to the ending, I think he dropped the ball.Not that it especially matters - I can forgive a single flaw in a staggeringly great score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alejandro 26 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 ^^ yep, and that's why Erich Kunzel fixed it and Williams uses Kunzels version now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,370 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 This one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A24 4,345 Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Does anyone else find Theme from Jurassic Park...insufferably irritating?Yes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brónach 1,302 Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 I just like the piece to go into the little march and then oboe and strings statement. That's where it belongs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSM 126 Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Theme is wonderfully introduced and developed IMO. The ending is perfect. If anything, I don't like the ending of End Credits (as a concert track I mean, in the movie it is the perfect close).^^ yep, and that's why Erich Kunzel fixed it and Williams uses Kunzels version now. How do you know it is not the other way around? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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