The music of the famous composer is held mainly a- tonal, however, Goldsmith relies on his sense of thematic material. The matching "Main Title" is skilfully incorporated into the score, which receives particularly in the second half momentum. This wonderful, free and yet eerie and darkly underlaid motif has a very simple, but erzaugt precisely because a great effect, and is also, of course, one of the highlights of the score.
Goldsmith avails itself of many horror elements and creates a truly frightening atmosphere and in our minds we are already seeing the landing of Ripley and her crew on the extraterrestrial planet. Very interesting: Although the music in the film actually does not really stand out, so they make it but on this CD, the images of the film recall.
Later in the scores the action takes more the upper hand, the character of the music is still maintained, and thus gets more depth. Especially the disturbing pieces "The Shaft", "Parkers Death" or "Out The Door" are good examples. And in the great "End Title" the main theme returns and can end the score still bombastic when he was introduced!
Comparing album and- Complete Core: At 57 minutes, the CS provides more natural, than its predecessor. The old version is basically a "best of" of the score, making it ideal for listening, for fans of this classic I recommend but definitely the Complete Score because also very nice alternate cues obtained as a bonus here.
"Alien" is a masterpiece, both as a film, as well as music and Jerry Goldsmith puts a perfect start for the series. The mix of horror, sci-fi and thriller is a listening pleasure of movie music lovers (for "beginners" but it is not particularly useful ...). However, the sequels are (written by Horner, Goldenthal and Frizzel) not cheap copies, but just as separate works, who it also deserves a listen time!