Revision as of 12:01, 23 February 2008 editMelodia (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Rollbackers8,921 edits →Superman IV: The Quest for Peace: No need for 'as of' in this context← Previous edit | Revision as of 00:27, 28 February 2008 edit undoMxscore (talk | contribs)96 edits →External linksNext edit → | ||
(106 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
:''This article is about the music in dramatic works featuring the character ]. For songs about the topic of Superman or references to Superman in popular music, see ]. | :''This article is about the music in dramatic works featuring the character ]. For songs about the topic of Superman or references to Superman in popular music, see ]. | ||
The various film and television renditions of the ] character have usually been accompanied by dramatic, heroic musical scores, typically featuring the brass section. Most of |
The various film and television renditions of the ] character have usually been accompanied by dramatic, heroic musical scores, typically featuring the brass section to emphasize the character's heroics. Most of the main themes have featured a triad, a 3-note sequence, in conjunction with a dotted rhythm which combine to suggest the three syllables of the character's name. | ||
==Radio, cartoons, early films== | ==Radio, cartoons, early films== | ||
*The |
*The radio shows of the early 1940s already had the famous phrases, "Faster than a speeding bullet... It's a bird... it's a plane... it's Superman!" uttered by studio announcer ]. Initially the radio series had no theme tune under its introductory lines. | ||
*The ''Superman'' cartoon series produced by the ] during the 1940s included a triad-based theme composed by Fleischer musical director ]. The cartoons were clearly intended to extend the characters from radio, as Jackson Beck again provided the introduction voiceover of the famous phrases, and ] reprised his radio role as the Man of Steel. |
*The ''Superman'' cartoon series produced by the ] during the 1940s included a triad-based theme composed by Fleischer musical director ]. The cartoons were clearly intended to extend the characters from radio, as Jackson Beck again provided the introduction voiceover of the famous phrases, and ] reprised his radio role as the Man of Steel. The heroic theme devised for the cartoons was subsequently brought into the radio series, usually played live on the organ, a typical instrument in dramatic radio shows. | ||
*The two ''Superman'' ] ]s of the late 1940s, starring ], featured a theme that began with an obvious triad, repeated once. The rest of the theme was a standard orchestral march that did not refer back to the original triad. This theme was composed by Mischa Bakaleinikoff, who scored a number of the Columbia serials' themes. | *The two ''Superman'' ] ]s of the late 1940s, starring ], featured a theme that began with an obvious triad, repeated once. The rest of the theme was a standard orchestral march, in a minor key, that did not refer back to the original triad. This theme was composed by Mischa Bakaleinikoff, who scored a number of the Columbia serials' themes. | ||
All of the above (as well as some TV and movie themes) were recorded by a modern orchestra and released on a 1999 CD called ''Superman: The Ultimate Collection''. | All of the above (as well as some TV and movie themes) were recorded by a modern orchestra and released on a 1999 CD called ''Superman: The Ultimate Collection'' released by ] Records. | ||
*The theatrical release '']'' initially had |
*The 1951 theatrical release '']'' initially had an orchestral score by Darrel Calker featuring standard "sci fi" movie overtones. That film was eventually edited down into the two-part episode which closed the TV series' first season, with the standard TV theme wrapped around it. | ||
==Television and Broadway== | ==Television and Broadway== | ||
*The TV theme for the 1950s series '']'', starring ], had the unusual lead-in of a harp playing a kind of stringed "drumroll" as the camera moved through space, |
*The TV theme for the 1950s series '']'', starring ], had the unusual lead-in of a harp playing a kind of stringed "drumroll" as the camera moved through space, segueing into a dramatic brass triad accompanied by cymbals, drums, etc., at the moment when a shooting star explodes on the screen and the title card appears. A variation on the classic "Faster than a speeding bullet..." was rendered by deep-voiced actor ]. | ||
The opening and closing theme, as well as a number of recurring underscore themes from the first season (the "] episodes"), were released in 2000 on the CD ''Adventures of Superman: The Original 1950s TV Series''. The liner notes make the point that although series musical arranger Leon Klatzkin is conventionally credited with composing the theme, that credit is in some doubt. | The opening and closing theme, as well as a number of recurring underscore themes from the first season (the "] episodes"), were released in 2000 on the CD ''Adventures of Superman: The Original 1950s TV Series'' from ] Records. The liner notes make the point that although series musical arranger Leon Klatzkin is conventionally credited with composing the theme, that credit is in some doubt. The use of the Superman theme in the show became ingrained in viewers' minds because the same section of music was played nearly every time the scene cut to Superman flying. | ||
*The |
*The 1966 ] musical ''It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman!'', starring ], was scored by ] and ]. The script was written by David Newman and ], who would go on to write the second draft of the screenplay for the first '']'' film (1978). | ||
*The theme for the 1990s series '']'', starring ] and ], was composed by Jay Gruska. This was another dramatic orchestral rendition, with a triad again in evidence, but not so prominently placed in the theme's score. | *The theme for the 1990s series '']'', starring ] and ], was composed by Jay Gruska, the son in-law of ], composer of the score for the first '']''' film (1978). This was another dramatic orchestral rendition, with a triad again in evidence, but not so prominently placed in the theme's score. | ||
*In keeping with the early 2000s trend, '']'', starring ], has a vocal, rock-oriented theme rather than the traditional "heroic" orchestral score. | |||
*In an effort to appeal to young audiences and keeping with the early 2000s trend, '']'', starring ], has a vocal, rock-oriented main theme rather than a traditional "heroic" one. But although songs are used in key dramatic moments, composer ] employs traditional orchestral underscore regularly. In several episodes he has also musically alluded to themes from ]' score for the first '']'' film (1978). | |||
Those two recent series have also yielded soundtrack CD collections. | Those two recent series have also yielded soundtrack CD collections. | ||
Line 29: | Line 30: | ||
*The 1966 series ''The New Adventures of Superman'' produced by ] was scored by John Gart, under the name John Marion. Its main theme was based on a rising four-note motif evocative of previous Superman themes, but jazzier in style. | *The 1966 series ''The New Adventures of Superman'' produced by ] was scored by John Gart, under the name John Marion. Its main theme was based on a rising four-note motif evocative of previous Superman themes, but jazzier in style. | ||
*The 1988 animated series from Ruby-Spears was scored by ]. Its main titles opened with the John Williams theme from the Christopher Reeve movies, then segueing into a similarly-styled original theme by Jones which was used as the primary Superman leitmotif in the episodes' underscores. | *The 1988 animated series from Ruby-Spears was scored by ]. Its main titles opened with the ] theme from the ] movies, then segueing into a similarly-styled original theme by Jones which was used as the primary Superman leitmotif in the episodes' underscores. This short-lived series (13 episodes) was distinctive for its "Superman's Family Album" vignettes, which each presented an event from some point during Clark Kent's Smallville upbringing. For these mini episodes, Jones continued to follow Williams' lead by employing a Coplandesque Americana sound. | ||
Jones' music for this series was released in its entirety on its own CD as part of the 8-disc collection ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'', issued by ] in 2008. | |||
*]'s theme for the 1996 '']'' is yet another brassy orchestral piece with a triad-based melody. It was occasionally used as Superman's ] in episodes of '']''. | *]'s theme for the 1996 '']'' is yet another brassy orchestral piece with a triad-based melody. It was occasionally used as Superman's ] in episodes of '']''. | ||
Line 36: | Line 39: | ||
==The movies== | ==The movies== | ||
The most widely available |
The most widely available and well-known Superman music is from the four ] films (1978-1987) and the remainder of this article focuses on these, plus the ] film, starring ]. | ||
*The '']'' score was |
*The '']'' score was composed by ]. Music recorded for the film was reused in '']''. | ||
*The '']'' and '']'' scores were composed |
*The '']'' and '']'' scores were composed by ], adapting Williams' themes extensively. | ||
*The '']'' score was composed by ], with three new themes composed by Williams. | *The '']'' score was composed by ], adapting Williams' original and combining it with three new themes composed by Williams as well as two motifs of his own. | ||
*The '']'' score was composed |
*The '']'' score was composed by ], also using Williams' compositions. | ||
Williams' "Superman Theme", which is first heard during the opening credits to the first ''Superman'' film, has been reused (with varying arrangements) as the opening music for every ''Superman'' film made since. It is also referenced in |
Williams' "Superman Theme", which is first heard during the opening credits to the first '']'' film, has been reused (with varying arrangements) as the opening music for every ''Superman'' film made since. It is also referenced in ]'s score to the 1984 film '']'' during a scene in which the title character sees a poster of Superman. | ||
==Principal leitmotifs== | ==Principal leitmotifs== | ||
A ] is a |
A ] is a melody associated with a particular character or story element in any mode of drama in which music is employed, such as a musical play, opera, ballet, or film. | ||
=== |
====Leitmotifs introduced in ''Superman''==== | ||
* "Superman Fanfare". A short triad-based motif, played just before the "Main Theme", or standalone when Superman appears in a quick-cut on-screen. Also restated many times in the "Superman March". | * "Superman Fanfare". A short triad-based motif, played just before the "Main Theme", or as a standalone when Superman appears in a quick-cut on-screen. Also restated many times in the "Superman March". | ||
* "Superman March" or "Superman Main Theme". Used over opening and closing credits. | * "Superman March" or "Superman Main Theme". Used over opening and closing credits. It consists of two sections, an "A" theme which is the main part of the melody and a "B" theme which is a bit lighter in mood and which often connects the "March" to the "Fanfare." | ||
* "]" or the "Love Theme". Typically used when Lois and Superman (or sometimes Clark) find themselves alone together. A portion of |
* "]" or the "Love Theme". Typically used when Lois and Superman (or sometimes Clark) find themselves alone together. A portion of is introduced as an interlude in the midst of the "Superman March". Lyrics for the melody were written by longtime ] collaborator ], for the purpose of having a song during the film's extended "flying sequence." ], who plays Lois Lane, speaks the lyrics in the film, but cover versions of the song have been recorded by ], ] and others. | ||
* "] fanfare". Used as the viewer zooms in on Krypton, and again with the self-construction of the Fortress of Solitude. | * "] fanfare". Used as the viewer zooms in on Krypton, and again with the self-construction of the Fortress of Solitude. It represents advanced Kryptonian society as well as the character of Jor-El. | ||
* "Krypton crystal" motif or the "Secondary Krypton" motif. Mysterious-sounding theme associated with the |
* "Krypton crystal" motif or the "Secondary Krypton" motif. Mysterious-sounding theme associated with the physicality of the planet Krypton, both the crystals sent by Jor-El to Earth with his son and the radioactive kryptonite which is deadly to Superman. | ||
* "Personal" motif. A melody related to the duality of Superman and Clark Kent which musically connects the Fanfare to the Love Theme. | |||
* "Clark Kent" motif. | |||
* "]" or " |
* "]" or "Growing Up Theme". A Coplandesque, Americana melody used during the Smallville sequences which in some ways is a simpler or undeveloped version of the the March's "A" theme. It bears a similarity to a theme written by ] for the 1972 ] western "The Cowboys". | ||
* " |
* "The March of the Villains" or "Lex Luthor theme". A comedic ]-inspired march associated with the villain Lex Luthor and his henchman Otis. | ||
=== |
====Leitmotifs introduced in ''Superman II''==== | ||
Composer/arranger ] was mandated to reuse the first film's themes for '']''. He based the music for the Kryptonian villains on the Williams material associated with Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude. He also added a descending three-note motif for the villains and a briefly heard ominous melody associated with General Zod. | |||
] contributed a cue called "Honeymoon Hotel" corresponding to the first scene in Niagara Falls. | |||
=== |
====Leitmotifs introduced in ''Superman III''==== | ||
] was given a freer hand in the scoring of '']'' in accordance with the series' change in direction and more comedic tone. His new thematic material consisted of related themes for Gus Gorman and a general theme for computers, plus an ominous "Supercomputer" theme heard in the latter part of the score. Thorne also supplied a love theme for Lana Lang and Clark Kent, based on a melody written for the film by ]. Lois Lane's theme is not present in the score because she only appears in the film briefly. | |||
According to the score analysis at , Ken Thorne contributed 66% of new material for the film (the other 34% being John Williams' themes). Lois Lane's theme is not present because she is not in the film for more than five minutes. | |||
====Leitmotifs introduced in ''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace''==== | |||
The 66% in question involves themes for Ross Webster and Gus Gorman, an erotic cue for the scene in which Lorelie Ambrosia is implied to have sex with Superman, and the climactic fight between Clark Kent and Evil Superman, among others. | |||
] composed three new themes for '']'', attaching to three new characters. | |||
*"Lacy's Theme," also known as "Someone Like You," is a sultry, sexy melody for the daughter of the new owner of the Daily Planet, who has eyes for Clark Kent. The theme is often played by saxophone and hearkens back to some of the comedy scores Williams wrote in the 1960s. | |||
*"Jeremy's Theme" is a light, lyrical melody for the young boy who appeals to Superman to rid the world of nuclear weapons. | |||
*"Nuclear Man Theme" is a driving action theme used for Superman's battle with the villain created when Lex Luthor places Superman's genetic material on a nuclear warhead detonated by the sun. | |||
] adapted Williams' themes for the film, integrating the three new ones with all of the existing themes from the first film. He also supplied two new themes of his own: a "missile" motif for when nuclear arms are shown or discussed, and a "Russian" motif, a minor mode march used when Soviets and their weapons appear. | |||
Courage completed a 100 minute score for a version of '']'' that ran over two hours. It had been long rumored that a version of the film previewed in Orange County, California in late June 1987 ran 134 minutes. Screenwriter ] recalls a version of that length on his DVD commentary for the film, but existing documentation suggests that the film was actually 10 minutes shorter than that when previewed. In any event, as a result of negative audience response to the preview, the picture was cut down to a length of 89 minutes for U.S. release. At the urging of visual effects supervisor Harrison Ellenshaw, two action scenes were reinstated for the international version, which ran 92 minutes and was later shown on U.S. television. As a result of this cutting of running time, much of the music was not heard and "Jeremy's Theme" in particular was virtually undetectable in the final version. No music from the film was released for over twenty years until ] issued an 8-CD box set called ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' which presents the complete score to '']''. | |||
=== |
====Leitmotifs introduced in ''Superman Returns''==== | ||
Three new themes were composed for the 2006 film (which loosely followed the continuity of the first two Reeve films): a personal theme for Superman, a motif for Lois and her son, and a darker theme for Lex Luthor. Composer ] also incorporated several themes from the first film, such as "Superman March", Lois Lane's love theme ("]"), "Smallville" theme, and the "Krypton" theme. A reprise of "The Fortress of Solitude" from the original 1978 soundtrack is heard at the end of the airplane rescue sequence as Superman is re-introduced to the public after Lois Lane sees him for the first time. | |||
Two new themes were composed for the film, for the characters Lacy Warfield and Nuclear Man. Since the themes are considered below John Williams' usual level of quality, rumors have surfaced that it was ] (who adapted Williams' themes for the film) who wrote them, but other have claimed that Alexander Courage only adapted the themes. It is unclear which of these cases, or an alternate explanation, is the truth. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
==Diegetic (source) music== | |||
===First appearance in ''Superman Returns''=== | |||
This refers to music which originates within the narrative of a film, i.e. the characters in the story are aware of the music. | |||
Three new themes were composed for the film, a personal theme for Superman, a motif for Lois and her son, and a darker theme for Lex Luthor. Ottman also incorporated several themes from the first film, such as "Superman March", Lois Lane's love theme ("Can You Read My Mind?"), "Smallville" theme, and the "Krypton" theme. Also, a reprise of "The Fortress of Solitude" from the original 1978 soundtrack is heard in the scene where Superman save the plane from falling. | |||
==Diegetic (or original source) music== | |||
This refers to music that is audible to the characters in the film, i.e., it forms part of the story. | |||
''Superman'': | |||
* "Luthor's Luau" (''Superman''). A Hawaiian-themed cue heard in the background, on a radio, in Lex Luthor's secret hideaway the day after Superman's debut around the city. | |||
A selection of existing popular songs were featured in '']'', not included on any version of the soundtrack albums, but readily available elsewhere: | |||
*"]", by ], was playing on the radio of the "]" being driven by some of Clark Kent's high school classmates. The song seems out of context, as it was presumably 1964 at that point in the narrative, yet this song debuted in 1955. (It is later established that Kal-El's ship crashed in 1951, and in ''Superman III'' it is established that Clark graduates high school in 1965.) However, coincidentally (or not) the song introduces ]'s final scene in the film. Ford starred in the 1955 film '']'', in which that song was prominently featured. Incidentally, this song was not used in the television versions of the film, which instead used an original ] source cue composed and recorded for the film, called "Kansas Kids." This particular cue can be found on ]'s Superman music anthology CD box set, ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)''. | |||
*"]", by ], is playing on the teenage Clark's bedside radio when he is awakened by the sound that leads him to the discovery of his spacecraft beneath the barn. This song was also not heard in the television cuts, which instead used only radio static. | |||
*Ten seconds of ]'s 1977 song, "Give a Little Bit" from the album '']'', were heard on Lois Lane's car radio just prior to the climactic earthquake scene. The song was a then-recent hit. Its appearance in the film seems to be for no ''obvious'' thematic reason, though there could be a subtle message or two: The group having "Super" in its name; and the words heard on-screen, "Give a little bit... give a little bit of my life for you." | |||
Source music written for the film: A Hawaiian-themed cue called "Luthor's Luau," heard in the background in Lex Luthor's secret hideaway the day after Superman's debut around the city was composed by ], who also wrote additional pieces of source music that were not used in the film. In some cases these were replaced by the existing songs listed above. However, some of Williams' versions were used in the extended television broadcast versions of the film in place of these. Most of these cues can be found on the aforementioned Superman music anthology box set. | |||
A couple of popular songs were also featured in ''Superman'', not carried on any version of the soundtrack albums, but readily available elsewhere: | |||
*"]", by ], was playing on the radio of the "]" being driven by some of Clark's high school classmates. The song seems out of context, as it was presumably the mid-1960s at that point in the narrative, not the mid-1950s. However, coincidentally (or not) it introduces ]'s final scene in the film. Ford starred in the 1955 film '']'', in which that song was prominently featured. | |||
*A couple of bars of ]'s 1977 song, "Give a Little Bit" from the album '']'', were heard on Lois' car radio during the climactic earthquake scene. The song was a then-recent hit. Its appearance in the film seems to be for no ''obvious'' thematic reason, though there could be a subtle message or two: The group having "Super" in its name; and the words heard on-screen, "Give a little bit... give a little bit of my life for you." | |||
''Superman II'': | ''Superman II'': | ||
*"]", by ], can be heard in the East Houston |
*"]", by ], can be heard in the East Houston sequence. This replaced a piece called "East Houston Café" composed by ], which was not used. Thorne had been asked by director ] to write a "sound-alike" version of "]," but this was used for the scene in Don's Diner at the end of the film. Thorne wrote a few other pieces for various radios as well as "Honeymoon Hotel," a piece played as Clark Kent and Lois Lane are shown around a tacky hotel suite at Niagara Falls. | ||
''Superman III'': | ''Superman III'': | ||
*"]" by ] and "]" by ] can be heard at Clark's high school reunion. |
*"]," the ] hit as performed by ], and "]" by ] can be heard at Clark Kent's high school reunion. The use of a Beatles song was something of an in-joke referencing the films '']'' and '']'', both helmed by '']'' director ]. ] was also commissioned to write several original songs for '']'', some of which can be heard as source music in various scenes. | ||
''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace'': | ''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace'': | ||
*"]" by ] can be heard in Lenny Luthor's car when he's |
*"]" by ] can be heard in Lenny Luthor's car when he's about to release his uncle, Lex Luthor, from prison. Paul Fishman, head of the 80s rock group ], was commissioned to write original songs for the film, but only one of these, "Workout," was used in the released version of the film, when Clark and Lacy are seen at the Metropolis Fitness Center. Some of Fishman's other songs were intended for a deleted Metro Club discotheque sequence. | ||
==Concert suites== | ==Concert suites== | ||
These are regularly performed in symphony and pops concerts, including those by composer ], and have also been featured in re-recordings for various CD compilations. | |||
* "The March of the Villains" (''Superman''). | * "The March of the Villains" (''Superman''). | ||
* "Love Theme from ''Superman''" (''Superman''). | * "Love Theme from ''Superman''" (''Superman''). | ||
* "Theme from Superman" (''Superman''). This suite includes "Superman Fanfare", "Superman March" and the "Love Theme". | * "Theme from Superman" (''Superman''). This suite includes "Superman Fanfare", "Superman March" and the "Love Theme". | ||
==Original recording information== | |||
''Superman'' | |||
The score for ''],'' composed and conducted by ], was performed by the ], with John Georgiadis as concertmaster. Recording took place on July 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, September 9, 10, 11, October 6 (Irvine Arditti, concertmaster), 15, 24, 31 (Richard Studt, concertmaster), and November 4, 1978 at the Anvil Studios in Denham, Bucks, England. Source music was recorded on July 17. The recording engineer was Eric Tomlinson, assisted by Alan Snelling. Orchestrations were by Herbert Spencer, Arthur Morton, ] and ]. The music editor was Bob Hathaway, assisted by Ken Ross. | |||
''Superman II'' | |||
The score was composed and conducted by ] (from original material composed by ]). Recorded took place on March 25, 26, 27, 29, April 17, 18, 25, and May 2, 1980 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England. The recording engineer was John Richards, assisted by Tim Pennington and James Abramson, and the music editor was Bob Hathaway. | |||
''Superman III'' | |||
The score was composed and conducted by ] (with original Superman themes by ]). Recording took place on February 14, 15, 16, March 7, 8, 9 and 18, 1983 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England. The recording engineer was John Richards. Orchestrations were by ]. The music editor was Bob Hathaway. | |||
''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace'' | |||
The score was adapted and conducted by ] (from music by ]). Recording took place from May 11-18, 1987 at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, Germany, performed by Symphony-Orchestra Graunke. Recording engineer was Peter Kramper. Additional recording took place May 23-June 2, 1987 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England, performed by the ]. Recording engineer was Dick Lewzey, assisted by Steve Price and Jonathan Ruttley. Orchestrations were by Frank Barber and Harry Roberts, and the music editor was Bob Hathaway. Jack Fishman was musical advisor. Songs by Paul Fishman were recorded in September 1986 in Hampstead, London, England. | |||
==The soundtracks== | ==The soundtracks== | ||
===''Superman''=== | ===''Superman''=== | ||
====Original release==== | |||
*First release on LP by ''Warner'' December 20, 1978. | |||
*December 20, 1978: 2 LP set from Warner Bros. Records. | |||
====Track listing for this release:==== | |||
===== |
=====WB Records Track Listing:===== | ||
======Side 1====== | |||
#"Theme from ''Superman'' (Main Title)" (4:24) | |||
#Theme from ''Superman'' (Main Title) (4:24) | |||
#"The Planet Krypton" (4:45) | |||
# |
#The Planet Krypton (4:45) | ||
# |
#Destruction of Krypton (5:58) | ||
# |
#The Trip to Earth (2:23) | ||
#Growing Up (2:34) | |||
======Side 2====== | |||
#Love Theme from ''Superman'' (5:00) | |||
#Leaving Home (4:48) | |||
#The Fortress of Solitude (8:29) | |||
======Side 3====== | |||
#The Flying Sequence and Can You Read My Mind (vocal: ]) (8:10) | |||
#Super Rescues (3:24) | |||
#Lex Luthor's Lair (2:52) | |||
#Superfeats (5:00) | |||
===== |
======Side 4====== | ||
# |
#The March of the Villains (3:33) | ||
# |
#Chasing Rockets (7:33) | ||
# |
#Turning Back the World (2:01) | ||
#End Title (6:24) | |||
Total Time: 79:21 | |||
This album was released on CD in 1989 and is still in print, but it is missing the tracks "Growing Up" and "Lex Luthor's Lair". The Japanese issue, which was released in 1990, presents the full program, but is out of print and rare. | |||
=====SIDE 3:===== | |||
#"The Flying Sequence" (4:16) | |||
#"Can You Read My Mind" (3:54) | |||
#"Super Rescues" (3:24) | |||
#"Lex Luthor's Lair" (2:52) | |||
#"Superfeats" (5:00) | |||
=====SIDE 4:===== | |||
#"The March of the Villains" (3:33) | |||
#"Chasing Rockets" (7:33) | |||
#"Turning Back the World" (2:01) | |||
#"End Title" (6:24) | |||
Total Time: 79:21 | |||
*2000 release by ] including the complete recordings for the first time. | |||
====Track listing for this release:==== | |||
=====DISC 1:===== | |||
#"Prelude and Main Title March" (5:29) | |||
#"The Planet Krypton" (6:39) | |||
#"Destruction of Krypton" (7:52) | |||
#"Star Ship Escapes" (2:21) | |||
#"The Trip to Earth" (2:28) | |||
#"Growing Up" (2:34) | |||
#"Death of Jonathan Kent" (3:27) | |||
#"Leaving Home" (4:49) | |||
#"The Fortress of Solitude" (9:17) | |||
#"Welcome to Metropolis" (2:11) | |||
#"Lex Luthor's Lair" (4:48) | |||
#"The Big Rescue" (5:55) | |||
#"Super Crime Fighter" (3:20) | |||
#"Super Rescues" (2:14) | |||
#"Luthor's Luau" (Source music) (2:48) | |||
#"The Planet Krypton" (Alternate) (4:24) | |||
#"Main Title March" (Alternate) (4:38) | |||
<br> | |||
*Total Time: 75:18 | |||
=====DISC 2:===== | |||
#"''Superman'' March" (Alternate) (3:48) | |||
#"The March of the Villains" (3:36) | |||
#"The Terrace" (1:36) | |||
#"The Flying Sequence" (8:12) | |||
#"Lois and Clark" (0:50) | |||
#"Crime of the Century" (3:24) | |||
#"Sonic Greeting" (2:21) | |||
#"Misguided Missiles and Kryptonite" (3:26) | |||
#"Chasing Rockets" (4:56) | |||
#"Super Feats" (4:53) | |||
#"Super Dam and Finding Lois" (5:11) | |||
#"Turning Back the World" (2:06) | |||
#"Finale and End Title March" (5:42) | |||
#"Love Theme from ''Superman''" (5:06) | |||
#"Can You read My Mind" (Alternate) (2:56) | |||
#"The Flying Sequence/Can You Read My Mind" (8:12) | |||
#"Can You Read My Mind" (Alternate: Instrumental) (2:56) | |||
#"Theme from ''Superman''" (Concert Version) (4:24) | |||
<br> | |||
*Total Time: 73:38 | |||
====Note on the Superman March==== | |||
====Varese Sarabande Re-recording==== | |||
No album has ever presented the ''actual recording'' used over the opening credits. That track only appears standalone in the "music only" track of the DVD. As mentioned in the liner notes for the Rhino CD (whose version of the march does not precisely match the DVD track), the opening march was ''edited'' from two different tracks. The CD's version of the track is "clean", and includes the "plink" of a harp between the introduction and the triad that begins the actual march. All versions of the movie track are a somewhat different mix, emphasizing the bass more than any album version does. The DVD track also emphasizes some noticeable auditory flaws that existed in the original 1978 track: the volume noticeably fades at one point in the intro; and the track lacks the "plink" of the harp at the point where the edit occurs, which calls attention to the pitch turning slightly sharp. | |||
*1999: 2-CD set from ] | |||
This release is a re-recording of the score by ] and the ] including the first release of additional music from the film in any form. This recording is based on surviving score notes that existed at the time, so many cues presented are different from what was heard in the film. | |||
=====Varese Track Listing===== | |||
======Disc 1====== | |||
#Prologue & Main Title (5:31) | |||
#The Planet Krypton (4:35) | |||
#The Destruction of Krypton (5:27) | |||
#Trip to Earth (2:38) | |||
#Growing Up (2:05) | |||
#Jonathan's Death (4:09) | |||
#Leaving Home (4:46) | |||
#The Fortress of Solitude (8:22) | |||
======Disc 2====== | |||
#Helicopter Rescue (6:16) | |||
#The Penthouse (1:50) | |||
#The Flying Sequence (4:16) | |||
#The Truck Convoy (1:54) | |||
#To The Lair (2:18) | |||
#March of the Villains (3:56) | |||
#Chasing Rockets (5:12) | |||
#Pushing Boulders (2:24) | |||
#Flying to Lois (2:58) | |||
#Turning Back the World (2:01) | |||
#The Prison Yard and End Title (6:27) | |||
#Love Theme from Superman (5:01) | |||
====Expanded release==== | |||
*February 15, 2000: 2-CD set from ] | |||
This release combines the master for the original album with what were believed at the time to be the only surviving elements to reconstruct the full length of the original Williams recording. This release went out of print in 2005, though it may still be available online through many internet music services. | |||
=====Rhino Track Listing:===== | |||
======Disc 1====== | |||
#Prelude and Main Title March (5:29) | |||
#The Planet Krypton (6:39) | |||
#Destruction of Krypton (7:52) | |||
#Star Ship Escapes (2:21) | |||
#The Trip to Earth (2:28) | |||
#Growing Up (2:34) | |||
#Death of Jonathan Kent (3:27) | |||
#Leaving Home (4:49) | |||
#The Fortress of Solitude (9:17) | |||
#Welcome to Metropolis (2:11) | |||
#Lex Luthor's Lair (4:48) | |||
#The Big Rescue (5:55) | |||
#Super Crime Fighter (3:20) | |||
#Super Rescues" (2:14) | |||
#Luthor's Luau (source music) (2:48) | |||
#The Planet Krypton (alternate) (4:24) | |||
#Main Title March (alternate) (4:38) | |||
Total Time: 75:18 | |||
======Disc 2====== | |||
#"Superman" March (alternate) (3:48) | |||
#The March of the Villains (3:36) | |||
#The Terrace (1:36) | |||
#The Flying Sequence (8:12) | |||
#Lois and Clark (0:50) | |||
#Crime of the Century (3:24) | |||
#Sonic Greeting (2:21) | |||
#Misguided Missiles and Kryptonite (3:26) | |||
#Chasing Rockets (4:56) | |||
#Super Feats (4:53) | |||
#Super Dam and Finding Lois (5:11) | |||
#Turning Back the World (2:06) | |||
#Finale and End Title March (5:42) | |||
#Love Theme from ''Superman'' (5:06) | |||
#Can You Read My Mind (Alternate) (performed by ]) (2:56) | |||
#The Flying Sequence/Can You Read My Mind (album version) (performed by ]) (8:12) | |||
#Can You Read My Mind (alternate: Instrumental) (2:56) | |||
#Theme from ''Superman'' (concert version) (4:24) | |||
Total Time: 73:38 | |||
====Restored complete score release==== | |||
*February 29, 2008: part of ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' 8-CD set from ]. | |||
This release restores the complete score from newly-discovered high quality original masters and includes previously unreleased material. Discs 1 and 2 of this 8 disc set present music from the film. Additional material is presented on disc 8. | |||
=====FSM Track Listing:===== | |||
======Disc 1====== | |||
#Theme From Superman | |||
#Prelude and Main Title | |||
#The Planet Krypton | |||
#Destruction of Krypton | |||
#The Kryptonquake | |||
#The Trip to Earth | |||
#Growing Up | |||
# Jonathan's Death | |||
#Leaving Home | |||
#The Fortress of Solitude | |||
#The Mugger | |||
#Lex Luthor's Lair | |||
#Helicopter Sequence | |||
#The Burglar Sequence/Chasing Crooks | |||
#Super Rescues | |||
#The Penthouse | |||
#The Flying Sequence | |||
#Clark Loses His Nerve | |||
Total Time: 78:36 | |||
======Disc 2====== | |||
#The March of the Villains | |||
#The Truck Convoy/Miss Teschmacher Helps | |||
#To the Lair | |||
#Trajectory Malfunction/Luthor’s Lethal Weapon | |||
#Chasing Rockets | |||
#Superfeats | |||
#Pushing Boulders/Flying to Lois | |||
#Turning Back the World | |||
#The Prison Yard/End Title | |||
#Love Theme From Superman | |||
#Prelude and Main Title (original version) | |||
#The Planet Krypton (alternate) | |||
#The Dome Opens (alternate) | |||
#The Mugger (alternate) | |||
#I Can Fly (Flying Sequence segment) | |||
#Can You Read My Mind (film version) | |||
#Trajectory Malfunction (alternate) | |||
#Turning Back the World (alternate) | |||
#The Prison Yard/End Title (film version) | |||
Total Time: 67:27 | |||
======Disc 8====== | |||
#Prelude and Main Title (film version) | |||
#The Flying Sequence (album version) | |||
#Can You Read My Mind (original version) | |||
#Can You Read My Mind (non-vocal version) | |||
#Kansas High School (source) | |||
#Kansas Kids (source) | |||
#Lois Car Radio (source) | |||
#Luthor’s Luau (source) | |||
Total Time: 28:13 | |||
===''Superman II''=== | ===''Superman II''=== | ||
All of the cues in the film, with the exception of one, were John Williams cues adapted by Ken Thorne and played by a 60-piece orchestra (as opposed to the first film, which was played by a 90-piece), which accounts for its somewhat less "rich" sound. | |||
====Original release==== | |||
The exception was track 6, "Honeymoon Hotel", and was the only cue directly composed by Thorne. | |||
*1980 on LP from Warner Bros. Records. | |||
=====WB Records Track Listing===== | |||
#Preface (01:04) | |||
#Main Title March (05:32) | |||
#Lift Into Space - Release Of The Villians (01:38) | |||
#Lex Escapes (02:09) | |||
#Honeymoon Hotel (03:16) | |||
#Lex & Miss Teschmacher To Fortress (02:07) | |||
#Clark Exposed As Superman (03:17) | |||
#Lover Fly North (00:52) | |||
#Mother's Advice (01:56) | |||
#T.V. President Resigns - Clark To Fortress (02:48) | |||
#Aerial Battle - Superman Save Spire (02:51) | |||
#Sad Return (01:43) | |||
#Ursa Flies Over The Moon (02:28) | |||
#Clark Fumbles Rescue (02:11) | |||
#End Title March (04:16) | |||
Total Time: 38:08 | |||
This album and the original album for '']'' were combined for an out-of-print Japanese CD release. | |||
A score album was released on LP and Tape in 1980 featuring 37 minutes of the score. A CD of this score and the score to ''Superman III'' was released in Japan. | |||
Director ] cut of the movie (known as '']'') uses the actual tracks conducted by Williams from the first movie with a few additional cues from Ken Thorne. | |||
====Restored complete score release==== | |||
These include: | |||
*February 29, 2008: part of ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' 8-CD set from ]. | |||
* Superman saving the boy from falling into the waterfall is the music played when Superman catches the helicopter in ''Superman''. | |||
This release restores the complete score, which is presented on disc 3 of the 8 disc set, with additional music presented on disc 8. | |||
* When the mortal Clark tries to call out to his father, the bell chimes play which were originally used in the scene for Jonathan Kent's death in ''Superman''. | |||
=====FSM Track Listing===== | |||
* The music played for when Jor-El restores his son's powers was taken from the music when Clark built the Fortress in ''Superman''. | |||
======Disc 3====== | |||
* The music played for when Clark kisses Lois at the end of the theatrical ''Superman II'' is heard in two scenes. First when Lois draws Clark's image over a picture of Superman and again when Superman destroys the Fortress. | |||
#Preface/Villains in Zone/ Main Title March | |||
* The music played from where Superman discovers Lois dead body in ''Superman'' is heard again when Superman returns Lois to her apartment. | |||
#Superman to Paris/ Lois Climbs Tower | |||
* The end credit's music is an edited version from the credits to ''Superman''. | |||
#Walkie-Talkies/Gelignite Bangs/ Superman Saves Lift | |||
#Lift Into Space—Releasing the Villains | |||
#Orange Juice/Prison Intro/ My Little Black Box | |||
#Ursa Flies Over Moon/Spacecraft Wrecked/Moon to Earth | |||
#Lex Escapes | |||
#Sleeping Arrangements/Relaxing at Niagara/Looks Familiar/Superman Saves Boy | |||
#Lex and Miss Teschmacher to Fortress/Lex Plans Partnership | |||
#Suspecting Lois Takes the Plunge/ Clark Fumbles Rescue/Villains Land by Lake | |||
#Clark Exposed as Superman | |||
#Sheriff and Duane Meet Villains/ Lovers Fly North | |||
#Daddy’s Rise and Fall/Flight for Flowers/East Houston Battle | |||
#Lovers at Dinner Table/ Zod Meets General | |||
#Mother’s Advice | |||
#To Bed—Mount Rushmore— Sweet Dreams | |||
#President Kneels Before Zod | |||
#Fight in Diner | |||
#TV President Resigns— Clark to Fortress | |||
#Return of the Green Crystal/Bored Zod | |||
#Non Wrecks Office | |||
#Aerial Battle/Zod Throws Slab/ Superman Saves Spire | |||
#Superman Saves Petrol Tanker/ Superman Fights Zod/Superman Flies Off | |||
#Villains Take Lex and Lois to Fortress/School Games | |||
#Superman Pulls Big Switch/Superman Triumphs Over Villains | |||
#Sad Return | |||
#Lois Forgets | |||
#Happy Lois Back to Normal/ Superman Replaces Stars and Stripes/End Title March | |||
Total Time: 79:46 | |||
======Disc 8====== | |||
#Honeymoon Hotel | |||
#Country & Western | |||
#East Houston Café | |||
#Car Radio for Ride Back | |||
#Diner Jukebox #1 | |||
#Diner Jukebox #2 | |||
Total Time: 13:17 | |||
===''Superman III''=== | ===''Superman III''=== | ||
''Superman III'' was the first of the films to have a score and soundtrack on the same release. Side A was devoted to 14 minutes of Ken Thorne's score (including new material such as a comedic cue that corresponds with the opening slapstick sequence, a theme for Richard Pryor's character, Gus Gorman, and the climactic fight between Clark Kent and Evil Superman). | |||
====Original release==== | |||
Side B was devoted to music by pop mogul ]. He specifically contributed a synthesized version of the "''Superman II'' March", but wasn't used in the film and has been considered by fans an insult to John Williams' original cue. He also created a new love theme for Clark and Lana Lang. He contributed three other songs that appear mostly in instrumentals in the film, the most prominent being "They Won't Get Me" for ], which appears when Gus shows up in a baby blue ten gallon hat to bribe Brad with alcohol. A CD of this score and the score to ''Superman II'' was released in Japan. | |||
*1983 on LP from Warner Bros. Records. | |||
=====WB Records Track Listing===== | |||
#Main Title (05:23) | |||
#Saving The Factory - The Acid Test (06:09) | |||
#Gus Finds A Way (00:59) | |||
#The Two Faces Of Superman (02:50) | |||
#The Struggle Within - Finale (04:16) | |||
#Rock On - Marshall Crenshaw (03:35) | |||
#No See, No Cry - Chaka Khan (03:18) | |||
#They Won't Get Me - Roger Miller (03:20) | |||
#Love Theme - Helen St. John (03:14) | |||
#Main Title March (04:20) | |||
Total Time: 37:24 | |||
'']'' was the first of the films to have a score and song soundtrack combined on the same release, a common trend in the mid 1980s. Side A presented 19 minutes of ]'s score, while Side B contained music composed and produced by pop mogul ]. These included three sung versions (with lyrics by ]) of songs heard as source music in the film, plus Moroder's love theme for Clark Kent and Lana Lang (used by Thorne as the basis for his own theme), and ending with a completely synthesized version of the '']'' main title march. | |||
This album and the original album for '']'' were combined for an out-of-print Japanese CD release. | |||
====Restored complete score release==== | |||
*February 29, 2008: part of ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' 8-CD set from ]. | |||
This release restores the complete score, which is presented on disc 4 of the 8 disc set, with additional music presented on disc 8. | |||
=====FSM Track Listing===== | |||
======Disc 4====== | |||
#Main Title (The Streets of Metropolis) | |||
#Gus on Computer After the Cents | |||
#Saving the Factory—The Acid Test | |||
#Pay Day for Gus/School Gym—Earth Angel/Vulcan | |||
#Lana and Clark in Cornfield/Clark Rescues Ricky | |||
#Gus Shows the Booze/Gus Finds a Way | |||
#Montage | |||
#Colombian Storm | |||
#Kryptonite/Gus Down Building/Searching for Kryptonite | |||
#Lana and Clark on Telephone/Kryptonite Sting/Superman Affected by Kryptonite/Superman Too Late | |||
#Tower of Pisa/What Will It Do for Me | |||
#Superman and Lorelei on Statue/Superman Ruins Tanker | |||
#Boxes in Canyon/Drunken Superman | |||
#The Two Faces of Superman | |||
#The Struggle Within | |||
#The Final Victory | |||
#Preparing Balloons/Superman Coming/Computer | |||
#Rockets/Video Games/Big Missile | |||
#Superman Confronts Ross/Computer Takes Over/ Gus Fights Ross | |||
#The Computer Comes Alive/Superman Leaves Computer Cave | |||
#Metal Vera/Computer Blows Up | |||
#Gus Flying With Superman | |||
#Diamond Sting/Thank You Superman/Superman Gus/Clark Gives Lana Diamond Ring | |||
#End Credits | |||
Total Time: 64:18 | |||
======Disc 8====== | |||
#Main Title (The Streets of Metropolis) (alternate) | |||
#Pay Day for Gus (alternate) | |||
#Colombian Storm Part 1 | |||
#Olympic Parade | |||
#Après Ski | |||
Total Time: 8:57 | |||
===''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace''=== | ===''Superman IV: The Quest for Peace''=== | ||
* Complete score release, February 29, 2008: part of ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' 8-CD set from ]. | |||
* Previously, no soundtrack had been released. Alexander Courage's reasoning for this was that most of the material for ''Superman IV'' was on the ''Superman: The Movie'' CD, but much better in quality. In February 2008, the soundtrack enthusiast label ] has made available for the first time an officially sanctioned release of the original soundtrack recording as part of the comprehensive Superman music anthology box set. | |||
Although an album release for '']'' was produced in 1987, it was aborted when the film was shortened shortly before release. As with '']'', it was to contain several songs (by Paul Fishman of ]) and a small sampling of the score by ] (adapting ]' themes). Not until 2008 was any '']'' music released, when the ] 8-CD box set ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)'' premiered the entire score for '']'' as composed for the long version of the film. Also included were all of Paul Fishman's songs created for the deleted Metro Club disco and other scenes in the film. The presentation is spread across discs 5 and 6 of the 8-disc set. | |||
=====FSM Track Listing===== | |||
======Disc 5====== | |||
#Fanfare/Space Saver | |||
#Main Title/Back in Time | |||
#Pow!/Good Morning | |||
#Smoke the Yokes/Nefarious | |||
#To Work/Train Stopper | |||
#Someone Like You (Lacy’s Theme) | |||
#Jeremy’s Theme | |||
#For Real/The Class | |||
#Hair Raisers | |||
#Lacy/The Visit | |||
#First Nuclear Man | |||
#Nuke 1 Fight/Ashes | |||
#Headline | |||
#Fresh Air | |||
#United Nations/Net Man | |||
#Sunstroke/Enter Nuclear Man 2 | |||
#Flight to Earth/Introducing Nuclear Man 2 | |||
#Lacy (disco version) | |||
#Lacy’s Place | |||
#Ear Ache/Confrontation/Tornado | |||
#Volcano | |||
#Statue of Liberty Fight | |||
Total Time: 76:44 | |||
======Disc 6====== | |||
#Nuclear Man Theme | |||
#Down With Flu | |||
#Two-Faced Lex/Missile Buildup | |||
#Persuader/Awakened | |||
#Abducted/Mutual Distrust | |||
#Metropolis Fight/Lift to the Moon | |||
#Moon Fight/Goodbye Nuke | |||
#Come Uppance/Lifted/Quarried/Flying With Jeremy/End Credits | |||
#Fresh Air (album version) | |||
#Someone Like You (Lacy’s Theme) (slow version) | |||
#Red Square Band | |||
#Superfly Guy | |||
#Headphone Heaven | |||
#Revolution Now | |||
#Saxy Sadie | |||
#Krypton Nights | |||
#Life’s Too Dangerous | |||
#Workout | |||
#Lois Love | |||
Total Time: 75:44 | |||
Tracks 12-19 of this disc are songs and source music by Paul Fishman. | |||
===''Superman Returns''=== | ===''Superman Returns''=== | ||
{{main|Superman Returns#Original Soundtrack release}} | {{main|Superman Returns#Original Soundtrack release}} June 27, 2006: on CD from Warner Sunset/Rhino Records. | ||
* The score CD was released Tuesday, June 27th, 2006 by Warner Sunset/Rhino Records. | |||
#Main Titles (3:47) | #Main Titles (3:47) | ||
#Memories (3:05) | #Memories (3:05) | ||
Line 215: | Line 492: | ||
#In The Hands of Mortals (2:09) | #In The Hands of Mortals (2:09) | ||
#Reprise/Fly Away (4:17) | #Reprise/Fly Away (4:17) | ||
Total Time: 54:59 | |||
<br> | |||
*Total Time: 54:59 | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
* ''Superman: The Music (1978-1988)''; Liner notes by Mike Matessino, Lukas Kendall and Jeff Eldridge (160-page book accompanying 8-CD box set from ]) with interviews with ], ], ] et. al., 2008. | |||
* Michael Matessino's liner notes for the release of the complete score of ''Superman: The Movie'' on the Rhino label. | |||
* ], interview by Mike Matessino, ], February 2008, vol. 13, no 2. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Line 226: | Line 503: | ||
* | * | ||
* | * | ||
* | |||
] | ] |
Revision as of 00:27, 28 February 2008
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Music of Superman" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2007) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
- This article is about the music in dramatic works featuring the character Superman. For songs about the topic of Superman or references to Superman in popular music, see musical depictions of Superman.
The various film and television renditions of the Superman character have usually been accompanied by dramatic, heroic musical scores, typically featuring the brass section to emphasize the character's heroics. Most of the main themes have featured a triad, a 3-note sequence, in conjunction with a dotted rhythm which combine to suggest the three syllables of the character's name.
Radio, cartoons, early films
- The radio shows of the early 1940s already had the famous phrases, "Faster than a speeding bullet... It's a bird... it's a plane... it's Superman!" uttered by studio announcer Jackson Beck. Initially the radio series had no theme tune under its introductory lines.
- The Superman cartoon series produced by the Fleischer Studios during the 1940s included a triad-based theme composed by Fleischer musical director Sammy Timberg. The cartoons were clearly intended to extend the characters from radio, as Jackson Beck again provided the introduction voiceover of the famous phrases, and Bud Collyer reprised his radio role as the Man of Steel. The heroic theme devised for the cartoons was subsequently brought into the radio series, usually played live on the organ, a typical instrument in dramatic radio shows.
- The two Superman Columbia Pictures serials of the late 1940s, starring Kirk Alyn, featured a theme that began with an obvious triad, repeated once. The rest of the theme was a standard orchestral march, in a minor key, that did not refer back to the original triad. This theme was composed by Mischa Bakaleinikoff, who scored a number of the Columbia serials' themes.
All of the above (as well as some TV and movie themes) were recorded by a modern orchestra and released on a 1999 CD called Superman: The Ultimate Collection released by Varese Sarabande Records.
- The 1951 theatrical release Superman and the Mole Men initially had an orchestral score by Darrel Calker featuring standard "sci fi" movie overtones. That film was eventually edited down into the two-part episode which closed the TV series' first season, with the standard TV theme wrapped around it.
Television and Broadway
- The TV theme for the 1950s series Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves, had the unusual lead-in of a harp playing a kind of stringed "drumroll" as the camera moved through space, segueing into a dramatic brass triad accompanied by cymbals, drums, etc., at the moment when a shooting star explodes on the screen and the title card appears. A variation on the classic "Faster than a speeding bullet..." was rendered by deep-voiced actor Bill Kennedy.
The opening and closing theme, as well as a number of recurring underscore themes from the first season (the "Phyllis Coates episodes"), were released in 2000 on the CD Adventures of Superman: The Original 1950s TV Series from Varese Sarabande Records. The liner notes make the point that although series musical arranger Leon Klatzkin is conventionally credited with composing the theme, that credit is in some doubt. The use of the Superman theme in the show became ingrained in viewers' minds because the same section of music was played nearly every time the scene cut to Superman flying.
- The 1966 Broadway musical It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman!, starring Bob Holiday, was scored by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams. The script was written by David Newman and Robert Benton, who would go on to write the second draft of the screenplay for the first Superman film (1978).
- The theme for the 1990s series Lois & Clark, starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher, was composed by Jay Gruska, the son in-law of John Williams, composer of the score for the first Superman' film (1978). This was another dramatic orchestral rendition, with a triad again in evidence, but not so prominently placed in the theme's score.
- In an effort to appeal to young audiences and keeping with the early 2000s trend, Smallville, starring Tom Welling, has a vocal, rock-oriented main theme rather than a traditional "heroic" one. But although songs are used in key dramatic moments, composer Mark Snow employs traditional orchestral underscore regularly. In several episodes he has also musically alluded to themes from John Williams' score for the first Superman film (1978).
Those two recent series have also yielded soundtrack CD collections.
- The 1966 series The New Adventures of Superman produced by Filmation Associates was scored by John Gart, under the name John Marion. Its main theme was based on a rising four-note motif evocative of previous Superman themes, but jazzier in style.
- The 1988 animated series from Ruby-Spears was scored by Ron Jones. Its main titles opened with the John Williams theme from the Christopher Reeve movies, then segueing into a similarly-styled original theme by Jones which was used as the primary Superman leitmotif in the episodes' underscores. This short-lived series (13 episodes) was distinctive for its "Superman's Family Album" vignettes, which each presented an event from some point during Clark Kent's Smallville upbringing. For these mini episodes, Jones continued to follow Williams' lead by employing a Coplandesque Americana sound.
Jones' music for this series was released in its entirety on its own CD as part of the 8-disc collection Superman: The Music (1978-1988), issued by Film Score Monthly in 2008.
- Shirley Walker's theme for the 1996 Superman: The Animated Series is yet another brassy orchestral piece with a triad-based melody. It was occasionally used as Superman's leitmotif in episodes of Justice League.
- When the later Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series were combined to form a "new" series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, another new theme was composed by Danny Elfman, although his theme has a darker tone in the mold of his earlier theme for the Batman movies and animated series.
The movies
The most widely available and well-known Superman music is from the four Christopher Reeve films (1978-1987) and the remainder of this article focuses on these, plus the 2006 film, starring Brandon Routh.
- The Superman score was composed by John Williams. Music recorded for the film was reused in Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.
- The Superman II and Superman III scores were composed by Ken Thorne, adapting Williams' themes extensively.
- The Superman IV: The Quest for Peace score was composed by Alexander Courage, adapting Williams' original and combining it with three new themes composed by Williams as well as two motifs of his own.
- The Superman Returns score was composed by John Ottman, also using Williams' compositions.
Williams' "Superman Theme", which is first heard during the opening credits to the first Superman film, has been reused (with varying arrangements) as the opening music for every Superman film made since. It is also referenced in Jerry Goldsmith's score to the 1984 film Supergirl during a scene in which the title character sees a poster of Superman.
Principal leitmotifs
A leitmotif is a melody associated with a particular character or story element in any mode of drama in which music is employed, such as a musical play, opera, ballet, or film.
Leitmotifs introduced in Superman
- "Superman Fanfare". A short triad-based motif, played just before the "Main Theme", or as a standalone when Superman appears in a quick-cut on-screen. Also restated many times in the "Superman March".
- "Superman March" or "Superman Main Theme". Used over opening and closing credits. It consists of two sections, an "A" theme which is the main part of the melody and a "B" theme which is a bit lighter in mood and which often connects the "March" to the "Fanfare."
- "Can You Read My Mind" or the "Love Theme". Typically used when Lois and Superman (or sometimes Clark) find themselves alone together. A portion of is introduced as an interlude in the midst of the "Superman March". Lyrics for the melody were written by longtime John Williams collaborator Leslie Bricusse, for the purpose of having a song during the film's extended "flying sequence." Margot Kidder, who plays Lois Lane, speaks the lyrics in the film, but cover versions of the song have been recorded by Maureen McGovern, Shirley Bassey and others.
- "Krypton fanfare". Used as the viewer zooms in on Krypton, and again with the self-construction of the Fortress of Solitude. It represents advanced Kryptonian society as well as the character of Jor-El.
- "Krypton crystal" motif or the "Secondary Krypton" motif. Mysterious-sounding theme associated with the physicality of the planet Krypton, both the crystals sent by Jor-El to Earth with his son and the radioactive kryptonite which is deadly to Superman.
- "Personal" motif. A melody related to the duality of Superman and Clark Kent which musically connects the Fanfare to the Love Theme.
- "Smallville" or "Growing Up Theme". A Coplandesque, Americana melody used during the Smallville sequences which in some ways is a simpler or undeveloped version of the the March's "A" theme. It bears a similarity to a theme written by John Williams for the 1972 John Wayne western "The Cowboys".
- "The March of the Villains" or "Lex Luthor theme". A comedic Prokofiev-inspired march associated with the villain Lex Luthor and his henchman Otis.
Leitmotifs introduced in Superman II
Composer/arranger Ken Thorne was mandated to reuse the first film's themes for Superman II. He based the music for the Kryptonian villains on the Williams material associated with Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude. He also added a descending three-note motif for the villains and a briefly heard ominous melody associated with General Zod.
Leitmotifs introduced in Superman III
Ken Thorne was given a freer hand in the scoring of Superman III in accordance with the series' change in direction and more comedic tone. His new thematic material consisted of related themes for Gus Gorman and a general theme for computers, plus an ominous "Supercomputer" theme heard in the latter part of the score. Thorne also supplied a love theme for Lana Lang and Clark Kent, based on a melody written for the film by Giorgio Moroder. Lois Lane's theme is not present in the score because she only appears in the film briefly.
Leitmotifs introduced in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
John Williams composed three new themes for Superman IV, attaching to three new characters.
- "Lacy's Theme," also known as "Someone Like You," is a sultry, sexy melody for the daughter of the new owner of the Daily Planet, who has eyes for Clark Kent. The theme is often played by saxophone and hearkens back to some of the comedy scores Williams wrote in the 1960s.
- "Jeremy's Theme" is a light, lyrical melody for the young boy who appeals to Superman to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
- "Nuclear Man Theme" is a driving action theme used for Superman's battle with the villain created when Lex Luthor places Superman's genetic material on a nuclear warhead detonated by the sun.
Alexander Courage adapted Williams' themes for the film, integrating the three new ones with all of the existing themes from the first film. He also supplied two new themes of his own: a "missile" motif for when nuclear arms are shown or discussed, and a "Russian" motif, a minor mode march used when Soviets and their weapons appear. Courage completed a 100 minute score for a version of Superman IV that ran over two hours. It had been long rumored that a version of the film previewed in Orange County, California in late June 1987 ran 134 minutes. Screenwriter Mark Rosenthal recalls a version of that length on his DVD commentary for the film, but existing documentation suggests that the film was actually 10 minutes shorter than that when previewed. In any event, as a result of negative audience response to the preview, the picture was cut down to a length of 89 minutes for U.S. release. At the urging of visual effects supervisor Harrison Ellenshaw, two action scenes were reinstated for the international version, which ran 92 minutes and was later shown on U.S. television. As a result of this cutting of running time, much of the music was not heard and "Jeremy's Theme" in particular was virtually undetectable in the final version. No music from the film was released for over twenty years until Film Score Monthly issued an 8-CD box set called Superman: The Music (1978-1988) which presents the complete score to Superman IV.
Leitmotifs introduced in Superman Returns
Three new themes were composed for the 2006 film (which loosely followed the continuity of the first two Reeve films): a personal theme for Superman, a motif for Lois and her son, and a darker theme for Lex Luthor. Composer John Ottman also incorporated several themes from the first film, such as "Superman March", Lois Lane's love theme ("Can You Read My Mind"), "Smallville" theme, and the "Krypton" theme. A reprise of "The Fortress of Solitude" from the original 1978 soundtrack is heard at the end of the airplane rescue sequence as Superman is re-introduced to the public after Lois Lane sees him for the first time.
Diegetic (source) music
This refers to music which originates within the narrative of a film, i.e. the characters in the story are aware of the music.
Superman:
A selection of existing popular songs were featured in Superman, not included on any version of the soundtrack albums, but readily available elsewhere:
- "Rock Around the Clock", by Bill Haley & His Comets, was playing on the radio of the "Woodie" being driven by some of Clark Kent's high school classmates. The song seems out of context, as it was presumably 1964 at that point in the narrative, yet this song debuted in 1955. (It is later established that Kal-El's ship crashed in 1951, and in Superman III it is established that Clark graduates high school in 1965.) However, coincidentally (or not) the song introduces Glenn Ford's final scene in the film. Ford starred in the 1955 film Blackboard Jungle, in which that song was prominently featured. Incidentally, this song was not used in the television versions of the film, which instead used an original John Williams source cue composed and recorded for the film, called "Kansas Kids." This particular cue can be found on Film Score Monthly's Superman music anthology CD box set, Superman: The Music (1978-1988).
- "Only You", by The Platters, is playing on the teenage Clark's bedside radio when he is awakened by the sound that leads him to the discovery of his spacecraft beneath the barn. This song was also not heard in the television cuts, which instead used only radio static.
- Ten seconds of Supertramp's 1977 song, "Give a Little Bit" from the album Even in the Quietest Moments, were heard on Lois Lane's car radio just prior to the climactic earthquake scene. The song was a then-recent hit. Its appearance in the film seems to be for no obvious thematic reason, though there could be a subtle message or two: The group having "Super" in its name; and the words heard on-screen, "Give a little bit... give a little bit of my life for you."
Source music written for the film: A Hawaiian-themed cue called "Luthor's Luau," heard in the background in Lex Luthor's secret hideaway the day after Superman's debut around the city was composed by John Williams, who also wrote additional pieces of source music that were not used in the film. In some cases these were replaced by the existing songs listed above. However, some of Williams' versions were used in the extended television broadcast versions of the film in place of these. Most of these cues can be found on the aforementioned Superman music anthology box set.
Superman II:
- "Pick up the Pieces", by Average White Band, can be heard in the East Houston sequence. This replaced a piece called "East Houston Café" composed by Ken Thorne, which was not used. Thorne had been asked by director Richard Lester to write a "sound-alike" version of "Pick Up the Pieces," but this was used for the scene in Don's Diner at the end of the film. Thorne wrote a few other pieces for various radios as well as "Honeymoon Hotel," a piece played as Clark Kent and Lois Lane are shown around a tacky hotel suite at Niagara Falls.
Superman III:
- "Roll Over Beethoven," the Chuck Berry hit as performed by The Beatles, and "Earth Angel" by The Penguins can be heard at Clark Kent's high school reunion. The use of a Beatles song was something of an in-joke referencing the films A Hard Day's Night and Help, both helmed by Superman III director Richard Lester. Giorgio Moroder was also commissioned to write several original songs for Superman III, some of which can be heard as source music in various scenes.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace:
- "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" by Jerry Lee Lewis can be heard in Lenny Luthor's car when he's about to release his uncle, Lex Luthor, from prison. Paul Fishman, head of the 80s rock group Re-Flex, was commissioned to write original songs for the film, but only one of these, "Workout," was used in the released version of the film, when Clark and Lacy are seen at the Metropolis Fitness Center. Some of Fishman's other songs were intended for a deleted Metro Club discotheque sequence.
Concert suites
These are regularly performed in symphony and pops concerts, including those by composer John Williams, and have also been featured in re-recordings for various CD compilations.
- "The March of the Villains" (Superman).
- "Love Theme from Superman" (Superman).
- "Theme from Superman" (Superman). This suite includes "Superman Fanfare", "Superman March" and the "Love Theme".
Original recording information
Superman
The score for Superman, composed and conducted by John Williams, was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, with John Georgiadis as concertmaster. Recording took place on July 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, September 9, 10, 11, October 6 (Irvine Arditti, concertmaster), 15, 24, 31 (Richard Studt, concertmaster), and November 4, 1978 at the Anvil Studios in Denham, Bucks, England. Source music was recorded on July 17. The recording engineer was Eric Tomlinson, assisted by Alan Snelling. Orchestrations were by Herbert Spencer, Arthur Morton, Angela Morley and John Williams. The music editor was Bob Hathaway, assisted by Ken Ross.
Superman II
The score was composed and conducted by Ken Thorne (from original material composed by John Williams). Recorded took place on March 25, 26, 27, 29, April 17, 18, 25, and May 2, 1980 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England. The recording engineer was John Richards, assisted by Tim Pennington and James Abramson, and the music editor was Bob Hathaway.
Superman III
The score was composed and conducted by Ken Thorne (with original Superman themes by John Williams). Recording took place on February 14, 15, 16, March 7, 8, 9 and 18, 1983 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England. The recording engineer was John Richards. Orchestrations were by Ken Thorne. The music editor was Bob Hathaway.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
The score was adapted and conducted by Alexander Courage (from music by John Williams). Recording took place from May 11-18, 1987 at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, Germany, performed by Symphony-Orchestra Graunke. Recording engineer was Peter Kramper. Additional recording took place May 23-June 2, 1987 at CTS Studios (The Music Centre) in Wembley, Middlesex, England, performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Recording engineer was Dick Lewzey, assisted by Steve Price and Jonathan Ruttley. Orchestrations were by Frank Barber and Harry Roberts, and the music editor was Bob Hathaway. Jack Fishman was musical advisor. Songs by Paul Fishman were recorded in September 1986 in Hampstead, London, England.
The soundtracks
Superman
Original release
- December 20, 1978: 2 LP set from Warner Bros. Records.
WB Records Track Listing:
Side 1
- Theme from Superman (Main Title) (4:24)
- The Planet Krypton (4:45)
- Destruction of Krypton (5:58)
- The Trip to Earth (2:23)
- Growing Up (2:34)
Side 2
- Love Theme from Superman (5:00)
- Leaving Home (4:48)
- The Fortress of Solitude (8:29)
Side 3
- The Flying Sequence and Can You Read My Mind (vocal: Margot Kidder) (8:10)
- Super Rescues (3:24)
- Lex Luthor's Lair (2:52)
- Superfeats (5:00)
Side 4
- The March of the Villains (3:33)
- Chasing Rockets (7:33)
- Turning Back the World (2:01)
- End Title (6:24)
Total Time: 79:21
This album was released on CD in 1989 and is still in print, but it is missing the tracks "Growing Up" and "Lex Luthor's Lair". The Japanese issue, which was released in 1990, presents the full program, but is out of print and rare.
Varese Sarabande Re-recording
- 1999: 2-CD set from Varese Sarabande Records
This release is a re-recording of the score by John Debney and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra including the first release of additional music from the film in any form. This recording is based on surviving score notes that existed at the time, so many cues presented are different from what was heard in the film.
Varese Track Listing
Disc 1
- Prologue & Main Title (5:31)
- The Planet Krypton (4:35)
- The Destruction of Krypton (5:27)
- Trip to Earth (2:38)
- Growing Up (2:05)
- Jonathan's Death (4:09)
- Leaving Home (4:46)
- The Fortress of Solitude (8:22)
Disc 2
- Helicopter Rescue (6:16)
- The Penthouse (1:50)
- The Flying Sequence (4:16)
- The Truck Convoy (1:54)
- To The Lair (2:18)
- March of the Villains (3:56)
- Chasing Rockets (5:12)
- Pushing Boulders (2:24)
- Flying to Lois (2:58)
- Turning Back the World (2:01)
- The Prison Yard and End Title (6:27)
- Love Theme from Superman (5:01)
Expanded release
- February 15, 2000: 2-CD set from Rhino
This release combines the master for the original album with what were believed at the time to be the only surviving elements to reconstruct the full length of the original Williams recording. This release went out of print in 2005, though it may still be available online through many internet music services.
Rhino Track Listing:
Disc 1
- Prelude and Main Title March (5:29)
- The Planet Krypton (6:39)
- Destruction of Krypton (7:52)
- Star Ship Escapes (2:21)
- The Trip to Earth (2:28)
- Growing Up (2:34)
- Death of Jonathan Kent (3:27)
- Leaving Home (4:49)
- The Fortress of Solitude (9:17)
- Welcome to Metropolis (2:11)
- Lex Luthor's Lair (4:48)
- The Big Rescue (5:55)
- Super Crime Fighter (3:20)
- Super Rescues" (2:14)
- Luthor's Luau (source music) (2:48)
- The Planet Krypton (alternate) (4:24)
- Main Title March (alternate) (4:38)
Total Time: 75:18
Disc 2
- "Superman" March (alternate) (3:48)
- The March of the Villains (3:36)
- The Terrace (1:36)
- The Flying Sequence (8:12)
- Lois and Clark (0:50)
- Crime of the Century (3:24)
- Sonic Greeting (2:21)
- Misguided Missiles and Kryptonite (3:26)
- Chasing Rockets (4:56)
- Super Feats (4:53)
- Super Dam and Finding Lois (5:11)
- Turning Back the World (2:06)
- Finale and End Title March (5:42)
- Love Theme from Superman (5:06)
- Can You Read My Mind (Alternate) (performed by Margot Kidder) (2:56)
- The Flying Sequence/Can You Read My Mind (album version) (performed by Margot Kidder) (8:12)
- Can You Read My Mind (alternate: Instrumental) (2:56)
- Theme from Superman (concert version) (4:24)
Total Time: 73:38
Restored complete score release
- February 29, 2008: part of Superman: The Music (1978-1988) 8-CD set from Film Score Monthly.
This release restores the complete score from newly-discovered high quality original masters and includes previously unreleased material. Discs 1 and 2 of this 8 disc set present music from the film. Additional material is presented on disc 8.
FSM Track Listing:
Disc 1
- Theme From Superman
- Prelude and Main Title
- The Planet Krypton
- Destruction of Krypton
- The Kryptonquake
- The Trip to Earth
- Growing Up
- Jonathan's Death
- Leaving Home
- The Fortress of Solitude
- The Mugger
- Lex Luthor's Lair
- Helicopter Sequence
- The Burglar Sequence/Chasing Crooks
- Super Rescues
- The Penthouse
- The Flying Sequence
- Clark Loses His Nerve
Total Time: 78:36
Disc 2
- The March of the Villains
- The Truck Convoy/Miss Teschmacher Helps
- To the Lair
- Trajectory Malfunction/Luthor’s Lethal Weapon
- Chasing Rockets
- Superfeats
- Pushing Boulders/Flying to Lois
- Turning Back the World
- The Prison Yard/End Title
- Love Theme From Superman
- Prelude and Main Title (original version)
- The Planet Krypton (alternate)
- The Dome Opens (alternate)
- The Mugger (alternate)
- I Can Fly (Flying Sequence segment)
- Can You Read My Mind (film version)
- Trajectory Malfunction (alternate)
- Turning Back the World (alternate)
- The Prison Yard/End Title (film version)
Total Time: 67:27
Disc 8
- Prelude and Main Title (film version)
- The Flying Sequence (album version)
- Can You Read My Mind (original version)
- Can You Read My Mind (non-vocal version)
- Kansas High School (source)
- Kansas Kids (source)
- Lois Car Radio (source)
- Luthor’s Luau (source)
Total Time: 28:13
Superman II
Original release
- 1980 on LP from Warner Bros. Records.
WB Records Track Listing
- Preface (01:04)
- Main Title March (05:32)
- Lift Into Space - Release Of The Villians (01:38)
- Lex Escapes (02:09)
- Honeymoon Hotel (03:16)
- Lex & Miss Teschmacher To Fortress (02:07)
- Clark Exposed As Superman (03:17)
- Lover Fly North (00:52)
- Mother's Advice (01:56)
- T.V. President Resigns - Clark To Fortress (02:48)
- Aerial Battle - Superman Save Spire (02:51)
- Sad Return (01:43)
- Ursa Flies Over The Moon (02:28)
- Clark Fumbles Rescue (02:11)
- End Title March (04:16)
Total Time: 38:08
This album and the original album for Superman III were combined for an out-of-print Japanese CD release.
Restored complete score release
- February 29, 2008: part of Superman: The Music (1978-1988) 8-CD set from Film Score Monthly.
This release restores the complete score, which is presented on disc 3 of the 8 disc set, with additional music presented on disc 8.
FSM Track Listing
Disc 3
- Preface/Villains in Zone/ Main Title March
- Superman to Paris/ Lois Climbs Tower
- Walkie-Talkies/Gelignite Bangs/ Superman Saves Lift
- Lift Into Space—Releasing the Villains
- Orange Juice/Prison Intro/ My Little Black Box
- Ursa Flies Over Moon/Spacecraft Wrecked/Moon to Earth
- Lex Escapes
- Sleeping Arrangements/Relaxing at Niagara/Looks Familiar/Superman Saves Boy
- Lex and Miss Teschmacher to Fortress/Lex Plans Partnership
- Suspecting Lois Takes the Plunge/ Clark Fumbles Rescue/Villains Land by Lake
- Clark Exposed as Superman
- Sheriff and Duane Meet Villains/ Lovers Fly North
- Daddy’s Rise and Fall/Flight for Flowers/East Houston Battle
- Lovers at Dinner Table/ Zod Meets General
- Mother’s Advice
- To Bed—Mount Rushmore— Sweet Dreams
- President Kneels Before Zod
- Fight in Diner
- TV President Resigns— Clark to Fortress
- Return of the Green Crystal/Bored Zod
- Non Wrecks Office
- Aerial Battle/Zod Throws Slab/ Superman Saves Spire
- Superman Saves Petrol Tanker/ Superman Fights Zod/Superman Flies Off
- Villains Take Lex and Lois to Fortress/School Games
- Superman Pulls Big Switch/Superman Triumphs Over Villains
- Sad Return
- Lois Forgets
- Happy Lois Back to Normal/ Superman Replaces Stars and Stripes/End Title March
Total Time: 79:46
Disc 8
- Honeymoon Hotel
- Country & Western
- East Houston Café
- Car Radio for Ride Back
- Diner Jukebox #1
- Diner Jukebox #2
Total Time: 13:17
Superman III
Original release
- 1983 on LP from Warner Bros. Records.
WB Records Track Listing
- Main Title (05:23)
- Saving The Factory - The Acid Test (06:09)
- Gus Finds A Way (00:59)
- The Two Faces Of Superman (02:50)
- The Struggle Within - Finale (04:16)
- Rock On - Marshall Crenshaw (03:35)
- No See, No Cry - Chaka Khan (03:18)
- They Won't Get Me - Roger Miller (03:20)
- Love Theme - Helen St. John (03:14)
- Main Title March (04:20)
Total Time: 37:24
Superman III was the first of the films to have a score and song soundtrack combined on the same release, a common trend in the mid 1980s. Side A presented 19 minutes of Ken Thorne's score, while Side B contained music composed and produced by pop mogul Giorgio Moroder. These included three sung versions (with lyrics by Keith Forsey) of songs heard as source music in the film, plus Moroder's love theme for Clark Kent and Lana Lang (used by Thorne as the basis for his own theme), and ending with a completely synthesized version of the Superman II main title march.
This album and the original album for Superman II were combined for an out-of-print Japanese CD release.
Restored complete score release
- February 29, 2008: part of Superman: The Music (1978-1988) 8-CD set from Film Score Monthly.
This release restores the complete score, which is presented on disc 4 of the 8 disc set, with additional music presented on disc 8.
FSM Track Listing
Disc 4
- Main Title (The Streets of Metropolis)
- Gus on Computer After the Cents
- Saving the Factory—The Acid Test
- Pay Day for Gus/School Gym—Earth Angel/Vulcan
- Lana and Clark in Cornfield/Clark Rescues Ricky
- Gus Shows the Booze/Gus Finds a Way
- Montage
- Colombian Storm
- Kryptonite/Gus Down Building/Searching for Kryptonite
- Lana and Clark on Telephone/Kryptonite Sting/Superman Affected by Kryptonite/Superman Too Late
- Tower of Pisa/What Will It Do for Me
- Superman and Lorelei on Statue/Superman Ruins Tanker
- Boxes in Canyon/Drunken Superman
- The Two Faces of Superman
- The Struggle Within
- The Final Victory
- Preparing Balloons/Superman Coming/Computer
- Rockets/Video Games/Big Missile
- Superman Confronts Ross/Computer Takes Over/ Gus Fights Ross
- The Computer Comes Alive/Superman Leaves Computer Cave
- Metal Vera/Computer Blows Up
- Gus Flying With Superman
- Diamond Sting/Thank You Superman/Superman Gus/Clark Gives Lana Diamond Ring
- End Credits
Total Time: 64:18
Disc 8
- Main Title (The Streets of Metropolis) (alternate)
- Pay Day for Gus (alternate)
- Colombian Storm Part 1
- Olympic Parade
- Après Ski
Total Time: 8:57
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
- Complete score release, February 29, 2008: part of Superman: The Music (1978-1988) 8-CD set from Film Score Monthly.
Although an album release for Superman IV was produced in 1987, it was aborted when the film was shortened shortly before release. As with Superman III, it was to contain several songs (by Paul Fishman of Re-Flex) and a small sampling of the score by Alexander Courage (adapting John Williams' themes). Not until 2008 was any Superman IV music released, when the Film Score Monthly 8-CD box set Superman: The Music (1978-1988) premiered the entire score for Superman IV as composed for the long version of the film. Also included were all of Paul Fishman's songs created for the deleted Metro Club disco and other scenes in the film. The presentation is spread across discs 5 and 6 of the 8-disc set.
FSM Track Listing
Disc 5
- Fanfare/Space Saver
- Main Title/Back in Time
- Pow!/Good Morning
- Smoke the Yokes/Nefarious
- To Work/Train Stopper
- Someone Like You (Lacy’s Theme)
- Jeremy’s Theme
- For Real/The Class
- Hair Raisers
- Lacy/The Visit
- First Nuclear Man
- Nuke 1 Fight/Ashes
- Headline
- Fresh Air
- United Nations/Net Man
- Sunstroke/Enter Nuclear Man 2
- Flight to Earth/Introducing Nuclear Man 2
- Lacy (disco version)
- Lacy’s Place
- Ear Ache/Confrontation/Tornado
- Volcano
- Statue of Liberty Fight
Total Time: 76:44
Disc 6
- Nuclear Man Theme
- Down With Flu
- Two-Faced Lex/Missile Buildup
- Persuader/Awakened
- Abducted/Mutual Distrust
- Metropolis Fight/Lift to the Moon
- Moon Fight/Goodbye Nuke
- Come Uppance/Lifted/Quarried/Flying With Jeremy/End Credits
- Fresh Air (album version)
- Someone Like You (Lacy’s Theme) (slow version)
- Red Square Band
- Superfly Guy
- Headphone Heaven
- Revolution Now
- Saxy Sadie
- Krypton Nights
- Life’s Too Dangerous
- Workout
- Lois Love
Total Time: 75:44
Tracks 12-19 of this disc are songs and source music by Paul Fishman.
Superman Returns
Main article: Superman Returns § Original Soundtrack releaseJune 27, 2006: on CD from Warner Sunset/Rhino Records.
- Main Titles (3:47)
- Memories (3:05)
- Rough Flight (5:11)
- Little Secrets/Power of the Sun (2:47)
- Bank Job (2:19)
- How Could You Leave Us? (5:47)
- Tell Me Everything (3:11)
- You're Not One of Them (2:20)
- Not Like the Train Set (5:10)
- So Long Superman (5:29)
- The People You Care For (3:25)
- I Wanted You to Know (2:54)
- Saving the World (3:10)
- In The Hands of Mortals (2:09)
- Reprise/Fly Away (4:17)
Total Time: 54:59
References
- Superman: The Music (1978-1988); Liner notes by Mike Matessino, Lukas Kendall and Jeff Eldridge (160-page book accompanying 8-CD box set from Film Score Monthly) with interviews with John Williams, Ken Thorne, Ron Jones (composer) et. al., 2008.
- Ken Thorne, interview by Mike Matessino, Film Score Monthly, February 2008, vol. 13, no 2.
External links
- Complete score analysis of Superman
- Complete score analysis of Superman II
- Complete score analysis of Superman III
- Complete score analysis of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
- Ain't It Cool News interview with Mike Matessino and Lukas Kendall, February 28, 2008.