This CD is a 1999 reissue of a 1978 LP, and so only contains tracks originally from A New Hope (the first Star Wars movie from 1977).Well now, the king of instruments meets the king of soundtracks...how could you go wrong? Actually...in a number of ways.
John Rose plays the organ in a strangely detached, cold and mechanical way. Haltingly, abruptly and staccato, the sounds constantly evokes an image as if the organ is 'out of breath' (I know it's a strange metaphor, but it's like the tones are still being formed with the organist already being three bars ahead and the organ hurrying to catch up). This is a very irritating and grinding, not to mention very ill conceived artistic interpretation of a score that's supposed to be lyrical and romantic, something that's indeed VERY feasible on a great organ (e.g. any Helmut Walcha recording).
Secondly, the sound engineers and editors should be shot. The organ sounds so cold, my first impression was that I was actually listening to an ancient MIDI recording of the soundtrack of one of the earlies Star Wars PC games! (And as I said, Rose's uninvolved playing style doesn't help). Aside from that, about 95% of the CD is so pianissimo you can barely make out any melody and the most you're left with is a monotonous background hum.
Last of all, the interpretations and transcriptions are less than inspired. I've actually heard Star Wars techno remixes which were more engaging and creative! Absolutely no creative use is made of the enormous range of a great organ. This might have been SO great!
Best parts: eerie intro of Inner City, an almost Debussy-esque version of Princess Leia's theme (best track of the CD) and (just as I had given up (New) hope) a rousing Throne Room and End Title.
Worst parts: Cantina Band (picture yourself on a merry-go-round...), all the action cues (Blasting off, TIE Fighter Attack etc.) which are completely devoid of any adrenalin or inspiration, and the Main Title (what's WITH these damn staccatos? Even the X-Wing game sounded better than this!)
In summary: only for the truly curious (...like me...) or for true Star Wars fans who need to 'have it all' (...like me...*sigh*). Others beware.
