The Soundtrack Show

Latest Episodes:

The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part III Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

Our in-depth look at The Empire Strikes Back continues as we examine the middle of the film: the asteroid field, the planet Dagobah, and more. Continuous changes to the final score are discussed, and we get our first listen to an instrument that makes its debut in the Star Wars saga: the synthesizer.

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The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part II Mar 27, 2019

Show notes

We look at the music of the first act of The Empire Strikes Back: the planet Hoth. Multiple cues are discussed, as well as the creative process of iterating on musical ideas. We even get to hear restored music that was written and performed for many long sequences, but was cut from the film. Lastly, we focus on the battle in the snow, and the moment that the Imperial March is established as a theme for Darth Vader himself.

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The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part I Mar 20, 2019

Show notes

When approaching the film score to The Empire Strikes Back, the sequel to the unprecedented smash hit Star Wars just three years before, John Williams made it all look easy. It wasn't. The pressure was intense, and the timeline was challenging. We discuss the initial spotting session for Empire, as well as the new, central musical themes that emerge in this sequel... one that changed the Star Wars franchise, and its music, forever.

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2018 Wrap-Up Show Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

We celebrate our first year of The Soundtrack Show with a glimpse behind the scenes on how the show is written. We share listener emails, give a year in review, take a quick look at (and listen to) some holiday music, and offer a sneek-peak of what's to come in 2019.

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Producing Soundtrack Albums: an Interview with Mike Matessino (part II) Dec 05, 2018

Show notes

In part 2 of our interview, Mike Matessino candidly discusses the challenges facing the music industry, while sharing his insights into the popularity of film scores performed live. Some of his favorite soundtrack releases are discussed, and we get a sample of a new project Mike's been working on.

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Producing Soundtrack Albums: an Interview with Mike Matessino (part I) Nov 28, 2018

Show notes

Mike Matessino has been producing film and television soundtrack albums for over 20 years, and has worked with some of the most famous film music of all time. We discuss everything that goes into the releases of our favorite albums, and get a few behind-the-scenes stories... including one about how older movie soundtracks often times are barely rescued before they are restored.

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Lesser-Known Scores: John Williams Nov 21, 2018

Show notes

We all know Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter... but what about Hook, Dracula, The Cowboys or Catch Me If You Can? We take a listen to excerpts of lesser-known works by John Williams.

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Rocky: the Music Nov 15, 2018

Show notes

Recorded in just three hours, this iconic score has been an inspiration to athletes all over the world for decades. We look at its creation, and how music is used to tell the story of a down-on-his luck athlete whose life changes forever.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: the Music Part III Nov 07, 2018

Show notes

In our final look at Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, we explore the music for "he who must not be named." The original soundtrack album is also discussed, and we review the 9-part children's suite for orchestra that John Williams penned while he was writing the film score.

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: the Music Part II Oct 31, 2018

Show notes

Using musical examples, we explore how the films and books of Harry Potter are a metaphor for common struggles that take place during the normal school year. Themes for Harry, the Potter family, Quidditch, and Hogwarts are also discussed.

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