Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

1977年の「新たなる希望」公開より紡がれた壮大なサーガがついに完結!
STAR WARSの歴史そのものと言えるスカイウォーカーの物語の終焉の物語を盛り上げる珠玉のスコアを、余すところなく詰め込んだオリジナル・サウンドトラックの2枚組LPがリリース!

Bidding farewell to one of the most beloved series of all time, composer John Williams takes one last turn on the conductors podium for his final contribution to the Star Wars cinematic universe with Episode IX, The Rise of Skywalker. Much like the events onscreen, the score is also a family reunion of sorts, incorporating all of Williams greatest Star Wars moments in one grand finale. Integrating these copious callbacks with the sequel trilogy newcomers is no minor task, but the composer does it with ease, unveiling even newer additions to the sonic canon (Anthem of Evil, The Rise of Skywalker) while trotting out almost every major theme from the previous eight films and weaving them throughout the soundtrack. Balancing light and dark side themes, the appropriate fear and dread are amplified by the skillful usage of the Emperors associated motifs, The Imperial March, Kylo Rens theme, and the ominous First Order theme (Prologue, Journey to Exegol, and Join Me), while past themes for each of the main heroes often combine to rouse and inspire (Destiny of a Jedi, They Will Come, and Reunion). Although these leitmotifs fly as freely as a Stormtroopers laser blasts, they land with precision in the masters hands, invoking nostalgia wherever necessary, creating unbearable tension, and tugging the heartstrings at all the appropriate moments (especially We Go Together and the redemptive Farewell). For fans in search of planet Pasaanas big Burning Man festival theme Lido Hey (composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and director J.J. Abrams) or the cool Omas Theme from planet Kijimi (Williams himself gets a cameo as the titular bar owner), theyll have to look elsewhere, as neither song is included here (The Speeder Chase and Fleeing from Kijimi serve as those planets respective score representatives). Nonetheless, the soundtrack already contains plenty of material to savor. Like the movie, there is a lot going on and repeat experiences slowly unveil all the layers of what Williams is attempting with this finale. Returning to where it all started, de facto finisher A New Home brings a victorious hero back to Tatooine and A New Hope, laying the past to rest at the setting of the twin suns. Its a proper close to this saga, right before Williams takes an 11-minute victory lap with Finale, which allows every major theme to take one last bow. As the final, triumphant notes blare, Williams cements his place as an indelible and vital part of the Star Wars universe, the man responsible for creating some of the most recognizable pieces of film music for multiple generations of fans. ~ Neil Z. Yeung