Originally released 21 May 1980, The Empire Strikes Back:
Symphonic Suite from the Original Motion Picture Score
presented selections of composer John Williams’ music for
STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, which had premiered
in theatres justtwo days before. Performed by The National
Philharmonic Orchestra underthe baton of conductor
Charles Gerhardt,the one-disc record was intended to
supplement – not compete with – the “official” two-record
soundtrack released one month earlier by RSO Records.
This album consists ofthe Concert Suite from THE EMPIRE
STRIKES BACK (The Imperial March, Han Solo and the Princess,
Yoda's Theme, and The Asteroid Field), supplemented by
several other cues from the film score, including Alfred
Newman's Fox Fanfare, plus Maestro Williams’ Main Title/The
Imperial Probe, and Training of a Jedi Knight.
To avoid repetition of familiar material, Williams, conductor
Charles Gerhardt, and producer George Korngold (son of
composer Erich Korngold, one of Williams’ musical heroes)
presented new arrangements and orchestrations, performed
by 96-member National Symphonic Orchestra.
