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The Dark Crystal (25th Anniversary Edition) composed by Trevor Jones and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marcus Dods
01/12/2007 . Source: Sue Davies 
CD. pub: La-La Land Records LLLCD 1059. Time: 40mins. Price: $15.98 (US). Buy The Dark Crystal in the USA - or Buy The Dark Crystal in the UK  check out website: www.lalalandrecords.com
The movie 'The Dark Crystal' brought out in 1982, was a brave attempt at a fantasy plot brought to screen. It had all the talent of the Muppet masters Jim Henson and Frank Oz and it had huge ambition.
An over reliance on the in-house talent meant that credibility for me was lost when the voice of Fozzie Bear issued from the Skeksis Masters. Nevertheless, it has a following and now the 25th Anniversary has rolled around and this CD has been re-issued. There is another reason as there is a film sequel in the works. The new producers have re-hired where they can the original project members. It is set for release in 2009. It should be interesting in an age of CGI if these guys are going for live-action puppets.
Never mind, the music on the CD reflects the grand ambition of the original project. Prolific composer Trevor Jones with a CV to die for, including recently 'The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen' and 'Dinotopia' to name two from a list of many. In fact, his CV goes back to Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns' and incorporates both SF and mainstream movies.
A movie is brought down or lifted up by a soundtrack and this one certainly lifts it. This soundtrack bears listening to on its own. There are several tracks that epic in scale and you don't need the film to notice themes within it. Listen closely and you can feel the conflicts, journeys, trials and triumphs. It feels its way through the film and you just need to close your eyes to recreate your own movie. I have never seen more than half of 'The Dark Crystal' but everything is here including the kettledrums to stir the blood.
Opening with the rather grim 'Overture And Power Ceremony', the music movies generally in a positive direction towards the light, thank goodness. My particular favourite is 'The Pod Dance'. No, it's not about your ipod but it is a worthy addition to that musical miracle. It is a light-hearted dance tune complete with penny whistle and possibly a kazoo. It brings the whole soundtrack to life. This track feels a little Irish in its origins and is actually a welcome change from the occasionally grim and loud epic movie music. 'The Love Theme' is also a rather gentler and reflective piece, which slows the pace right down between the more power-orientated music. Indeed, the music inspired by the Gelflings including 'The Gelfling Song' is gentler overall and more naturalistic in its origins and presence.
Going back to the conflict and resolution, we have 'The Landstrider Journey' and 'Great Conjunction'. The latter has a little overly 'War Of The Worlds' wa-wa in it but it will make you want to take the baton and conduct the invisible orchestra. Finally, with 'The Finale' (what else?), we get a comprehensive re-telling with all of the proceedings wrapped up in the last seven minutes.
This is a solid piece of music which fans will want to complement the movie but which also has legs of its own.
The running time is only 40 minutes so this is not overly long. It is played by, no less, than The London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Marcus Dods.
Sue Davies
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