Well, unfortunately, I could not dig up any old Christmas reviews
from past seasons, so I had to go with Star Wars. Not that this is
bad, it's just not in the Christmas spirit, unless you give a friend
the soundtrack! Also, for a special gift to any Star Wars fan, get
them the re-released Star Wars Trilogy (it came out last month) and
it includes a special preview of the upcoming Episode II! Anyways,
check out the original soundtracks by John Williams.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VI--RETURN OF THE JEDI
THE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (1983)
by Josh M. Shepherd
Revelation, revenge, redemption, resolve. These predominant themes
made for a fast-paced, fulfilling conclusion to George Lucas's
original Star Wars Trilogy. But the exotic locales, high-stakes
drama, extraordinary action scenes of Episode VI--Return of the Jedi
created unique challenges for the man who scored it, John Williams.
Before he takes the baton, the twenty-two second "Twentieth Century
Fox Fanfare" rolls on as it does before every SW film, courtesy of
orchestral legend Alfred Newman. After the standard title crawl
accompanied by the booming, never-tiring "Main Title," the music
variates into a dark, conspiring spin on Darth Vader's theme.
Following these towering shots of a second Death Star under
construction, a short-lived break from cunning and battle occurs
when "Han Solo Returns," restored to life by his fiance in disguise.
Their reunion quickly fades, spoiled by the introduction of Jabba the
Hutt, and a suitably deformed, slimy theme. This tuba/trombone solo
defines the overgrown slug as only Williams could. The Jedi returns
in track four, "Fight in the Dungeon," a frenetic, fitful brawl where
victory means only capture. But Luke Skywalker proves his abilities
to both foes and friends, in an escape that showcases the many Star
Wars combat cues with brass, percussion, and woodwind flourishes.
Row upon row of Imperial troops stand ready at attention as "The
Emperor Arrives," likely the grandest entrance Hollywood has ever
seen. War-weary and seasoned by years of instruction, the small-yet-
immense master Yoda passes away in "The Death of Yoda," which touches
on Obi-Wan Kenobi's theme using four-part strings harmony. Inspired
by the rugged, cuddly Ewoks and their lush home on Endor's forest
moon, "Parade of the Ewoks" is a balancing act of fanciful discovery
and collective excitement (this concert arrangement is heard often on
classical radio). While even casual fans of Star Wars can hum Han
and Leia's theme, discerning listeners appreciate the standout
instrumental of Return of the Jedi as much; "Luke and Leia,"
premiered during their evening conversation on the Ewok's wooden
bridge, paraphrases other melodies, featuring soaring violins in a
mature instrumental. When "The Emperor Confronts Luke," the
restraint of Skywalker and the conspiring of Palpatine are dramatized
with the greatest instrument--the human voice--as a male choir sings
a chorus of dismal, dissonant "ooh's." There are then three full
tracks of battle music, including a rousing Rebel Alliance anthem,
accelerated Ewok music, and improved interpretations of other films'
compositions. Past Lando's flight into the Second Death Star, Han's
destruction of the shield generator, and the Skywalkers' (father and
son) last lightsaber duel, Darth Vader reaches a crucial point in his
destiny, resulting in "The Emperor's Death." The elder Jedi's final
moments are handled with care, as falsetto strings take on an
enchanting version of the Force theme that highlights "Funeral Pyre
for a Jedi." Once the last story subplots are wrapped up, the most
odd two minutes of Star Wars music ever come on. While this first
part of "Ewok Celebration / End Credits" was rescored in the
1997 'Special Edition,' the original release has the scratchy, high-
pitched voices of the furry things chanting in their own language.
Obnoxious to be sure. Still, this film score succeeds in celebrating
ambitions both notorious and noble, and Williams brings Episode IV-VI
to a smashing, epic close.

Find more stuff about Star Wars, including all the soundtracks:
http://cMusicWeb.com/filmtv/episode1


AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER (on cMusicWeb.com)

POP: http://cMusicWeb.com/pop
Transparent - LaRue [01/23]

Click on the album titles on the genre page to order them and recieve
them on the release date.


CHRISTIAN HIT RADIO CHARTS FOR THIS WEEK
> Interesting. As SwF is looking for air, the leaders
> in modern worship/rock are pushing RstJ off the top.
1. Don't Worry - Rebecca St. James
2. Everything - delirious?
3. God is in this Place - PlusOne
4. Say the Words (Now) - dc Talk
5. More Than a Dream - Raze
6. Learning to Breathe - Switchfoot
7. Treasure - Tree63
8. The Change - Steven Curtis Chapman
9. God Loves You - Rachel Lampa
10. Every Reason - Smalltown Poets

SOURCE: CCM Update (http://www.ccmupdate.com/)


cMUSICWEB UPDATES
• More in the Christmas section:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/christmas


Next month we have two VHS items to give away. All members next
month will be entered to win the CREATION FESTIVAL video, with
performances from all the best artists. Also, another winner will
get the ARDENT WORSHIP video, which is a recording of All Together
Separate leading worship. So, stay tuned, and we'll have many more
exciting things in the next month! Also, we love to hear what you
think about the site, for sometimes we can be opinionated, so drop us
a line!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
ICQ - 43224317 AOL IM - dMusicWeb