Melody Map: Star Trek I-VI
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by JDH - @FilmScoreFans
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Last updated - 1/14/21
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Star Trek - proof that multiple composers can create something inconsistent yet beautiful. Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Leonard Rosenman, and Cliff Eidelman (& Yellowjackets...?) each brought their best to the franchise. Continuity has its benefits, but the variety found in these original six films is a treasure trove of musical excellence. Ask the question "What is your favorite Trek score?" and you're sure to get just as wide a variety of answers.
No matter your preference, the world of film score fans will agree that there is not a failure in the set. And so, this was an easy choice when considering the topic for our latest Melody Map! |
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Love the music of Star Trek, but hate our website?
We get it. Just click here to get right to the Melody Map!
We get it. Just click here to get right to the Melody Map!
This Melody Map is a listening guide that follows the standard releases of each score. We will be getting to the expanded editions!
The melodies listed below, and in the Melody Map document, are presented in a variety of transcription forms. It sometimes made sense to notate them in their simplest form. But, in some cases, they are written out in the form of their most common or first use. Disclaimer: I am a professional music educator and performer. I am not a music theorist or musicologist. My freshman Theory 1 professor would be horrified to know that I'm putting together content like this. Please don't tell him... But, if you see mistakes, or have ideas to add to this collection, please make your voice heard! Melody Maps are always works in progress.
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The list below is organized across films using the following categories: Main Themes, The Original Series, Supporting Characters, Antagonists, and Miscellaneous. Remember to open the Melody Map document to view the list organized by movie. Cues are named with the following information: Title - Composer - Film Appearances.
We hope you enjoy our guide to the amazing music of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy! |
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THE MELODIES
- Main Themes -
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Main Theme A - Goldsmith - I & V
Main Theme B - Goldsmith - I & V
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For many, this is the gold standard by which all other Trek music is judged.
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Main Theme A - Horner - II & III
Main Theme B - Horner - II & III
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The A theme is prominent in Wrath of Khan while the B theme takes center stage in Search for Spock.
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Main Theme A - Rosenman - IV
Main Theme B - Rosenman - IV
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Follow Goldsmith and Horner?
Hold my baton... |
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Main Theme - Eidelman - VI
A case could be made for the Conspiracy or Undiscovered Country content (see Miscellaneous below) to be the Main Theme of this concluding chapter. But, the prominence of this melody in the Sign-Off and Suite is just too strong a case to ignore.
What do you think? |
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- The Original Series -
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TOS Intro - Courage
TOS Fanfare - Courage
TOS Theme - Courage
The use of Alexander Courage's original material is the glue that holds it all together.
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- Supporting Characters -
Presented in Alphabetical Order
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Chekov's Run - Rosenman - IV
What happens next..? Hilarity and head trauma!
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Gillian Searches - Rosenman - IV
Not exactly a theme, but it does stand out in setting the mixed tone of comedy and stress in this scene.
Oh, and excellent mime work, Ms. Hicks! |
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Ilia Ostinato - Goldsmith - I
Ilia A - Goldsmith - I
Ilia B - Goldsmith - I
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Who doesn't love that the original release of this film included Ilia's Theme as a musical overture?
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Spock Returns - Goldsmith - I
Spock - Horner - II & III
Spock A - Eidelman - VI
Spock A - Eidelman - VI
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Not sure it is really a theme, but his return to the Enterprise in TMP is a great moment.
Horner and Eidelman give Spock appropriately substantial material. Although, Eidelman's B theme could really represent mystery or the unknown. |
- Antagonists -
Presented in Alphabetical Order
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Conspiracy - Eidelman - VI
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This could easily be called the main theme of this movie based on it's prominence in the Overture and how often it shows up in the score. But isn't it just too dark to be a Trek main theme?
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Khan - Horner - II
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Notated in its most abbreviated form here, this melody has many variations. Most versions include repeating the sextuplet figure in different ascending or descending combinations.
Klingons - Goldsmith - I & V
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From the cameo appearance in The Motion Picture to the subpar representation in The Final Frontier... this theme is eventually used to represent Worf in The Next Generation films.
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Klingons - Horner - III
Not any options for listening on Spotify... but I hear there is a place called Youtube?
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Completely unrelated to Goldsmith's theme in form, rhythm, and tonality - but both focus on the primitive nature of Klingon violence. These two themes would actually work as a great A and B duo. Maybe it's just me, though?
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Klingons 1 - Eidelman - VI
Klingons 2 - Eidelman - VI
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These probably aren't Klingon themes, but both play a big role in scenes on Kronos One.
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The Probe - Rosenman - IV
The Probe Bell Tones - Rosenman - IV
Both of these never show up the same way twice. But, they often show up as partners.
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Sybok - Goldsmith - V
Brother of Spock, sometimes performed in a... 70's Western style?
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V'Ger - Goldsmith - I
There is a lot of material related to V'Ger (see Miscellaneous below), but this one really seems to be the most directly related to the immensity of the V'Ger mystery.
V'Ger Blasterbeam - Goldsmith - I
I have yet to identify any repeated melodic content here, but the sound is immediately identifiable as V'Ger. So, instead of a transcription, enjoy this 2012 live demonstration by inventor/performer Craig Huxley!
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- Miscellaneous -
Presented in Alphabetical Order
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Action Ostinato 1 - Eidelman - VI
Action Ostinato 2 - Eidelman - VI
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I know the second one isn't really an ostinato, but I'm labeling it as such based on the repeated pattern in the upper voice. Have a better option?
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Assassination - Eidelman - VI
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We're just beaming over to say Hi.
We promise. |
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The Barrier - Goldsmith - V
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No ship can cross... until the plot calls for that.
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Damage - Horner - II
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This figure shows up when the crew is assessing damage during Khan's attack. There is also a low strings line that could be considered a partner melody to this material.
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The Danger Motif - Horner - II
Whether you think it is stolen from Rachmaninoff, inspired by Rachmaninoff, a tribute Rachmaninoff, or just a coincidence, it is still great stuff! The real question is this: should they have kept the Reliant right-side-up or stuck with the mistake of reading the plans upside down? Oh, and which one of Khan's people switched out the bulbs for the red lighting? So many important questions!
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End Titles - Horner - II & III
This melody shows up at the beginning of the end credits of both films. It serves as a great transition from the end of story telling to the presentation of the main themes over the titles.
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Excelsior - Horner - III
We all love-hated this ship at first, right?
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Fanfare - Eidelman - VI
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One. Quarter. Impulse.
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The Final Frontier - Goldsmith - V
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I'm still not sure if this represents a particular part of The Final Frontier, and it is more prominently used in the TNG movies. What do you think it should be called?
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Genesis - Horner - III
I could be way off on this one. More listening (on the expanded release) is definitely needed!
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Hospital Chase A - Rosenman - IV
Hospital Chase B - Rosenman - IV
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One of the highlights of the slightly different style that Rosenman brought to the series!
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Katra - Horner - III
This three note figure can be heard during discussions of the Katra, but is used most prominently during the Katra Ceremony.
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Main Theme Bell Tones - Rosenman - IV
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A joyful way to start things off!
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Market Street - Yellowjackets - IV
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I get it. It was the 80's.
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The Mountain A - Goldsmith - V
The Mountain B - Goldsmith - V
Wish this was used more in the film!
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Praxis - Eidelman - VI
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Boom.
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Rhythm Ostinato 1 - Eidelman - VI
Rhythm Ostinato 2 - Eidelman - VI
Rhythm Ostinato 3 - Eidelman - VI
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Rura Penthe - Eidelman - VI
Rura Penthe Chant - Eidelman - VI
The "Alien's Graveyard" gave us some great stuff!
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Sha Ka Ree A - Goldsmith - V
Sha Ka Ree B - Goldsmith - V
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The awe of searching for and finding a God - represented perfectly through music.
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Spacedock - Horner - III
Beautiful shots of the Enterprise coming home are accompanied by this appropriately large statement.
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Starfleet Ostinato - Goldsmith - I
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Most often heard during moments of anticipation for the crew.
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Stealing the Enterprise - Horner - III
The most prominent use of this theme is when the doors part and the Enterprise barely clears the opening. Incredible moment.
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Undiscovered Country - Eidelman - VI
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Another candidate for the main theme, but just too dark?
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V'Ger Arpeggio - Goldsmith - I
V'Ger Calls - Goldsmith - I
V'Ger Cloud - Goldsmith - I
V'Ger Flyover - Goldsmith - I
All heard in a wide range of variations throughout the movie.
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Vulcan - Goldsmith - I
Not really sure if this can be called a theme, but it is front and center in the mix in Spock's first scenes.
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Whale Fugue - Rosenman - IV
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Heard when the whales and crew celebrate and the Probe leaves.
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The Whaler - Rosenman - IV
Whaler Rhythmic Ostinato - Rosenman - IV
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There is probably more to this theme. The ostinato is one of the most used accent patterns in action writing.
THE MELODY MAP
Your listening guide to all six films!
@FILMSCOREFANS |
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