The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Vol 4
Label: Varèse Sarabande
Catalogue No: VSD 5421
Release Date: 1994
Total Duration: 75:36
UPN: 0-3020-65421-2-7
The fourth in Varèse's notable series of music from the Lucasfilm TV series may be the best thus far. Vol. 3 was comprised primarily of 1920's jazz music, appropriate enough for the episodes they accompanied but somewhat restrictive, dramatically. Vol. 4, however, is purely and thoroughly dramatic adventure music. Rosenthal’s “Ireland, 1916” is steeped in Irish folk music, utilizing numerous quotes from Irish melodies while held together in a broader, grandiose theme which still retains an Irish quality in its melody. A fine, rich score; even its fight scenes retain the rhythmic, tuneful quality of Irish folk music. ”Northern Italy, 1916” is likewise drawn somewhat from ethnic melodies, and a tarantella rhythm is always close at hand; even the main series theme is given an Italian style in “Romantic Adventures”.
McNeely's “Indiana Jones and the Phantom Train of Doom” was a 2-hour TV movie set in Africa, closer in style to the feature films than the TV series, and McNeely's music is likewise larger and more involved than his slightly smaller TV scores. The music thunders along briskly, full brass and percussion, then smooths out for a woodwind interlude or a stately British theme which recurs from time to time. Once or twice an ethnic aborigine motif sets the scene, as in the percussive “Native Battle”. “Indy Hijacks the Balloon” is a standout cue, a fast-paced juggling act of themes, instruments, variations, a great action piece held together by McNeely’s symphonic glue.
Like the first three CD's, the booklet contains valuable background notes on the episodes and their scores by each composer, as well as a few words from George Lucas. The Western Australian Symphony provides a striking performance on their first film score (the Rosenthal episodes are the Munich Philharmonic). These fine scores contribute a great deal to this underrated series, and Varèse should be commended for preserving the music so well on CD.
Randall D. Larson – Originally published in Soundtrack Magazine Vol. 13 / No.50 / 1994
