My Star Trek Live
by Me. @FilmScoreFans
In the history of film scores, few franchises have given us as much consistently solid music (from such a varied group of composers) as Star Trek. I think there are about 78 total films now, and 4 billion television episodes. I didn't check my math, but I'm 110% sure that's accurate. If you're visiting this site, you already know that Trek music and composers are beloved. You know we've been lucky enough to get music from standards like Goldsmith & Horner, television regular McCarthy, and new-comer turned genre-dominator Giacchino. And don't forget the one-and-done greats: Rosenman and Eidelman. What a dream roster.
I'm a life long Trek fan. I don't care about the pace of The Motion Picture. I don't care about the horrible special effects in The Final Frontier. I don't care about the rapid promotions in Trek 2009. The "rule of odd numbered sequels" doesn't even mean anything to me. I don't care. As long as there is a beautiful two nacelled ship on screen - I'm a happy fan.
My wife, Mrs. FilmScoreFans, is not really a fan. Don't get me wrong, she enjoys fantasy and science fiction. I'm lucky there. But, she was never really into Trek. Her first experience was early in our marriage while I watched the complete Voyager series on Netflix. She enjoyed it, but for some reason has since refused to go through The Next Generation with me. And now, a few years later, as I'm going through Enterprise, she sits and watches THAT with me. She needs to get her Trek priorities straight.
In the history of film scores, few franchises have given us as much consistently solid music (from such a varied group of composers) as Star Trek. I think there are about 78 total films now, and 4 billion television episodes. I didn't check my math, but I'm 110% sure that's accurate. If you're visiting this site, you already know that Trek music and composers are beloved. You know we've been lucky enough to get music from standards like Goldsmith & Horner, television regular McCarthy, and new-comer turned genre-dominator Giacchino. And don't forget the one-and-done greats: Rosenman and Eidelman. What a dream roster.
I'm a life long Trek fan. I don't care about the pace of The Motion Picture. I don't care about the horrible special effects in The Final Frontier. I don't care about the rapid promotions in Trek 2009. The "rule of odd numbered sequels" doesn't even mean anything to me. I don't care. As long as there is a beautiful two nacelled ship on screen - I'm a happy fan.
My wife, Mrs. FilmScoreFans, is not really a fan. Don't get me wrong, she enjoys fantasy and science fiction. I'm lucky there. But, she was never really into Trek. Her first experience was early in our marriage while I watched the complete Voyager series on Netflix. She enjoyed it, but for some reason has since refused to go through The Next Generation with me. And now, a few years later, as I'm going through Enterprise, she sits and watches THAT with me. She needs to get her Trek priorities straight.
Anyway, the point is that my wife kind of gets it (or she just humors me). When I heard about Star Trek Live, I knew I'd be able to talk her into going. And so, we found ourselves heading to the Mann Music Center. Michael Giacchino would be on hand and David Newman would lead our amazing Philadelphia Orchestra through Star Trek Into Darkness. I had no idea what to expect. Could they really mix live music with recorded sound effects and dialogue? Would there even be a crowd? Would we be the only ones not dressed in cosplay? (I hate cosplay. You're grown-ups and it isn't Halloween, people.)
Below are random things that have stayed with me after my Star Trek Live experience.
Below are random things that have stayed with me after my Star Trek Live experience.
Michael Giacchino Wears Trucker Hats
Here in the Philly area, we have a rock station called WMMR. Their morning show, Preston and Steve, is your standard goofball crew. But, there's just something enjoyable about them. They're nerds. And, they're the popular crowd. They love talking about comics as much as they love talking about naked women (and everything in between). This morning, they were total nerds. Giacchino came on to get some press for the event. It was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've ever heard with a composer. The hosts were genuinely interested in his music, the process, ...and his trucker hat. They were amazed by his life, career, and how non-composer-ish he looked. It was funny and a good time was had by all.
But, Giacchino stole the show. He was humorous, insightful, and had anecdotes aplenty. He told stories about The Incredibles. ("Your music could ruin my movie." -Brad Bird) He talked about his south Jersey upbringing. And of course, he talked about Star Trek. Mrs. FilmScoreFans and I listened to this podcast on our (traffic filled) drive into the city. It was the perfect lead in for the concert.
But, Giacchino stole the show. He was humorous, insightful, and had anecdotes aplenty. He told stories about The Incredibles. ("Your music could ruin my movie." -Brad Bird) He talked about his south Jersey upbringing. And of course, he talked about Star Trek. Mrs. FilmScoreFans and I listened to this podcast on our (traffic filled) drive into the city. It was the perfect lead in for the concert.
I Had Great Seats
The Music
Disclaimer - I'm a huge Philadelphia Orchestra fan. Probably one of the youngest season ticket holders they have. At least it feels that way when Mrs. FilmScoreFans and I walk into Kimmel Center. We often hear how great it is that someone "like us" is there. Nice to be wanted.
Our orchestra nailed it. There's not much to say beyond that. I didn't hear one off note. It really was amazing how closely their (David Newman's) interpretation matched the original recording. Part of me wanted to hear a different "version" but in the end I was so glad to hear the score the way I know it. There's just nothing better than hearing the music and watching those bows work the strings. Well done.
The only let down was that the choir parts were on the recording, not live. I get it. Hiring a choir would have doubled the performance cost so they just can't do it. But, hey, I have to write at least one negative comment, don't I?
What about the composition itself? Well, who doesn't love a score with numerous great themes? From Spock, to Nero, Kirk, Klingons, Khan, and the Enterprise herself, Giacchino has given us two films full of wonderful thematic material. I'm a firm believer that the 1990's were a golden age of thematic writing. Various cluprits (no names here) are to blame, but film score music seems to have moved away from that. I rarely hear a score that carries my interest from track one to track done. There are the Kung Fu Pandas and How To Train Your Dragons, but John Powell can't be expected to carry that load alone forever. Thank you Michael Giacchino!
The themes show up everywhere in multiple variations. And it especially helps the action writing. I don't want a pounding ostinato with meaningless whirlwinds written on top. I want to hear Kirk's theme when he's flying through trash in space. I want to hear Spock's theme when he's jumping 55 feet onto a flying trash collector. I want to hear Khan's theme when he's beating up Spock... on a trash collector. Giacchino is a true rarity in that his themes get thorough development.
Speaking of greatness, how about that opening main theme played on the French horn? It might be my favorite moment in the film, and it is scored just over the production logos. It feels like coming home after a long time away. I felt the same way when I heard the first few notes of Howard Shore's Unexpected Journey.
Our orchestra nailed it. There's not much to say beyond that. I didn't hear one off note. It really was amazing how closely their (David Newman's) interpretation matched the original recording. Part of me wanted to hear a different "version" but in the end I was so glad to hear the score the way I know it. There's just nothing better than hearing the music and watching those bows work the strings. Well done.
The only let down was that the choir parts were on the recording, not live. I get it. Hiring a choir would have doubled the performance cost so they just can't do it. But, hey, I have to write at least one negative comment, don't I?
What about the composition itself? Well, who doesn't love a score with numerous great themes? From Spock, to Nero, Kirk, Klingons, Khan, and the Enterprise herself, Giacchino has given us two films full of wonderful thematic material. I'm a firm believer that the 1990's were a golden age of thematic writing. Various cluprits (no names here) are to blame, but film score music seems to have moved away from that. I rarely hear a score that carries my interest from track one to track done. There are the Kung Fu Pandas and How To Train Your Dragons, but John Powell can't be expected to carry that load alone forever. Thank you Michael Giacchino!
The themes show up everywhere in multiple variations. And it especially helps the action writing. I don't want a pounding ostinato with meaningless whirlwinds written on top. I want to hear Kirk's theme when he's flying through trash in space. I want to hear Spock's theme when he's jumping 55 feet onto a flying trash collector. I want to hear Khan's theme when he's beating up Spock... on a trash collector. Giacchino is a true rarity in that his themes get thorough development.
Speaking of greatness, how about that opening main theme played on the French horn? It might be my favorite moment in the film, and it is scored just over the production logos. It feels like coming home after a long time away. I felt the same way when I heard the first few notes of Howard Shore's Unexpected Journey.
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The new Trek theme is one of the greatest themes of the 2000's. And it was even better live. The sound was mixed and coming out of giant speakers all around the outdoor venue. At times, the music didn't even sound live. But, the sound tech did a good job at the opening. He pushed the sound back stage so it really sounded like a live person playing back there. I know that might seem like a small thing, but it was at that moment that I realized how cool the concert could be.
This trend continued all night. It was the solo or soli sections that really captured my attention. The mix always felt natural and almost acoustic (in those moments). There were many scenes where I'd be so into the movie, that I'd go a few minutes without looking at Newman or the orchestra. Those solos always pulled me back.
I hadn't originally planned to purchase Varese Sarabande's deluxe release. I really have a problem with purchasing an album, only to have the full score released months later. Money doesn't grow on trees. It comes from my wallet. Well, experiencing the full score live might have changed my mind on this one...
This trend continued all night. It was the solo or soli sections that really captured my attention. The mix always felt natural and almost acoustic (in those moments). There were many scenes where I'd be so into the movie, that I'd go a few minutes without looking at Newman or the orchestra. Those solos always pulled me back.
I hadn't originally planned to purchase Varese Sarabande's deluxe release. I really have a problem with purchasing an album, only to have the full score released months later. Money doesn't grow on trees. It comes from my wallet. Well, experiencing the full score live might have changed my mind on this one...
The Audience
I didn't really know what to expect here. I've been to Philadelphia's version of Comicon. I have a deal with my friend that goes every year: I can take it once every 5 years. And I'm thinking of asking to renegotiate that contract to about once every 10 years. I just can't stand cosplay. I want to be drawn into the world - not have it invade mine.
So, when arrived at the concert and found out that there would be a costume contest, I was honestly worried. Well, this time, Philadelphia seemed to agree with my opinion. Sure I saw tons of t-shirts, but there were barely any cosplayers in the crowd. (The best T-shirt was a Geordi LaForge/Reading Rainbow mash-up.)
So, when arrived at the concert and found out that there would be a costume contest, I was honestly worried. Well, this time, Philadelphia seemed to agree with my opinion. Sure I saw tons of t-shirts, but there were barely any cosplayers in the crowd. (The best T-shirt was a Geordi LaForge/Reading Rainbow mash-up.)
I was so proud. But then I grew worried again... What if this crowd ALSO didn't have an appropriate appreciation for the music and virtuoso performers? What if we appeared bored and the audience response didn't feed the performance? Again, Philadelphia came to the rescue.
Surprisingly, the audience actually made me enjoy the night even more. As I looked around, I was surrounded by an ecclectic group. I saw: 1) the standard senior citizen orchestra concert go-er, 2) the trekkie, 3) people who don't even really like Star Trek but were bored that night, 4) and a few film score nuts.
Group 1) I actually heard one of them ask if William Shatner was in this one. Another asked if this was "the one with the whales."
Group 2) Right next to me was a guy with a 25 year old TNG cast photo t-shirt. You know the one, from the first few seasons before they added those bad-ass collars to the uniforms.
Surprisingly, the audience actually made me enjoy the night even more. As I looked around, I was surrounded by an ecclectic group. I saw: 1) the standard senior citizen orchestra concert go-er, 2) the trekkie, 3) people who don't even really like Star Trek but were bored that night, 4) and a few film score nuts.
Group 1) I actually heard one of them ask if William Shatner was in this one. Another asked if this was "the one with the whales."
Group 2) Right next to me was a guy with a 25 year old TNG cast photo t-shirt. You know the one, from the first few seasons before they added those bad-ass collars to the uniforms.
Group 3) Directly behind me was a family with accents straight out of south Philly that sounded like they were on their 3rd round of drinks. I don't know what they were arguing about, but those kids "didn't want to hear about it, Mom."
Group 4) Right next to that family, a teenager was repeatedly exlaiming to his father how amazing it was that we were about to see David Newman. He rattled off a long list of Newman's films, ending with Galaxy Quest. I couldn't resist - I turned around, smiled, and gave him a high five. The dad just smiled and shook his head.
So, which group made the night more memorable? Oddly enough, it was Group 3. Take the opening sequence when the Enterprise (*gasp*) is under water. As Spock is preparing to be lowered down into the volcano, he is arguing the Prime Directive with Kirk. These folks thought it was hysterical. They completely caught onto the Star Trek humor and ate it up. When I saw the film the first two times, this was almost like throw away dialogue for me. Been there, done that. But this is why I love Group 3. Everything was new to them. And I immediately enjoyed the movie from their perspective. Every single one liner, every tense moment... I was totally hooked like I had never seen the movie or heard the music before. The drunk lady behind me actually gasped "Oh no!" out loud when Spock's line breaks and he falls into the volcano.
I know I said I love all Star Trek, and I really do. But there were moments when I first saw Into Darkness that I felt a little let down. Not this time. Thank you, drunk lady.
Group 4) Right next to that family, a teenager was repeatedly exlaiming to his father how amazing it was that we were about to see David Newman. He rattled off a long list of Newman's films, ending with Galaxy Quest. I couldn't resist - I turned around, smiled, and gave him a high five. The dad just smiled and shook his head.
So, which group made the night more memorable? Oddly enough, it was Group 3. Take the opening sequence when the Enterprise (*gasp*) is under water. As Spock is preparing to be lowered down into the volcano, he is arguing the Prime Directive with Kirk. These folks thought it was hysterical. They completely caught onto the Star Trek humor and ate it up. When I saw the film the first two times, this was almost like throw away dialogue for me. Been there, done that. But this is why I love Group 3. Everything was new to them. And I immediately enjoyed the movie from their perspective. Every single one liner, every tense moment... I was totally hooked like I had never seen the movie or heard the music before. The drunk lady behind me actually gasped "Oh no!" out loud when Spock's line breaks and he falls into the volcano.
I know I said I love all Star Trek, and I really do. But there were moments when I first saw Into Darkness that I felt a little let down. Not this time. Thank you, drunk lady.
Giacchino and Newman
I've been a Film Score Fan almost my entire life. And in that wonderful life, I've never actually seen a real film score composer in person. Star Trek Live gave me two for one.
Giacchino came out to speak before the show began. I was hoping for some behind the scenes stories about scoring the film, maybe even some music theory talk. It was not to be. He spoke fondly of his days growing up in the area. He applauded the Philadelphia Orchestra (well deserved). He made a few jokes. And then he introduced David Newman.
David Newman said zero words. (I think I heard that kid behind me crying.)
After the concert, Giacchino and Newman took their bows (twice) and then came back a third time. I looked at Mrs. FilmScoreFans and excitedly said, "An encore!?" I saw video online of another Trek Live performance where Giacchino debuted some of the music he was writing/recording for the latest Apes movie. How cool!
Just as I was trying to review his upcoming list of films from my internal IMDB, they both turned and walked off the stage. Oh, well. I'm still planning on telling everyone about the night I got to hang out with Michael and David. I'm totally in the first-name-basis club now.
David Newman said zero words. (I think I heard that kid behind me crying.)
After the concert, Giacchino and Newman took their bows (twice) and then came back a third time. I looked at Mrs. FilmScoreFans and excitedly said, "An encore!?" I saw video online of another Trek Live performance where Giacchino debuted some of the music he was writing/recording for the latest Apes movie. How cool!
Just as I was trying to review his upcoming list of films from my internal IMDB, they both turned and walked off the stage. Oh, well. I'm still planning on telling everyone about the night I got to hang out with Michael and David. I'm totally in the first-name-basis club now.
Incoming Ship
I'll end my thoughts in the middle. Makes sense to me.
I figured there would be an intermission, but I just couldn't figure out where they'd cut the film. They chose the absolutely BEST scene. You know the part where the Enterprise is done sitting in the middle of Klingon space? (and not getting attacked by Klingons?) They're racing Khan back home and Sulu picks up an incoming ship. Kirk asks how far away it is, and the response is three seconds. BAM. The Vengeance is there. No time for anticipation.
Not this time! A soon as the Vengeance is about to come out of warp, the screen goes dark and the word "Intermission" come up on the screen. Again, I go back to the audience. You should have heard them. There were cheers, boos, gasps, everything. And then, we had 15 minutes for everyone to guess what the ship was. Just like the opening logos, this 15 minute period might have been one of my favorite parts of the night.
I figured there would be an intermission, but I just couldn't figure out where they'd cut the film. They chose the absolutely BEST scene. You know the part where the Enterprise is done sitting in the middle of Klingon space? (and not getting attacked by Klingons?) They're racing Khan back home and Sulu picks up an incoming ship. Kirk asks how far away it is, and the response is three seconds. BAM. The Vengeance is there. No time for anticipation.
Not this time! A soon as the Vengeance is about to come out of warp, the screen goes dark and the word "Intermission" come up on the screen. Again, I go back to the audience. You should have heard them. There were cheers, boos, gasps, everything. And then, we had 15 minutes for everyone to guess what the ship was. Just like the opening logos, this 15 minute period might have been one of my favorite parts of the night.
Keep on listening!