Battlestar Galactica: Season 4 Original Soundtrack

Now having all the soundtracks from BSG, this is a great ending to a spectacular show and an astounding listening experience. I'm was very happy when I heard that Bear would be able to have two discs, clearly both were absolutely necessary to do his work justice and house the release of this amazing music. Compared to the previous soundtracks many pieces are the obligitory reworkings of themes that have appear on the previous three. This won't be an issue if you're completely new to these soundtracks, yet if you were already familiar, this one can seem a bit repetitive or recycled compared to the originality and freshness that were so vibrant on the first two soundtracks. Of course both the third soundtrack, and this new entry have their complete share of new fresh ideas, but it may not seem as revolutionary and groundbreaking as Season 1 & 2. Otherwise, it's an absolute pleasure to listen to. I felt the greatest and freshest tracks were: Gaeta's Lament (both versions) Resurrection Hub Elegy (the beauty of which was not immediately apparent in the show) Kara Remembers Diaspora Oratorio One track needs special mention: 'Assault on the Colony'. Being so furiously intense it almost puts 'Prelude to War' and 'Storming New Caprica' to shame (both of which were stunning pieces). What is most stunning about it is the way it starts overtly frenetic, and militaristic creating a sense of sheer panic and desperation, yet then leads into the destiny theme, which in it's newly ramped up and forbiddingly dark way induces even more terror then you thought this show and music were already delivering. I was never more on edge watching anything than during this part of Daybreak, and so much of that feeling comes from this amazing track. Everything culminates and so many of the different themes and influences from the rest of the show meld into the most intense climatic scenes and music from the entire show. Overall a wonderful addition to finish my collection, and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it! ---- PS. I'm giving 5 stars for the music. However I would like to add this note that the jewel cases for ALL of my BSG soundtracks have all *sucked*. I'm guessing LaLa is to blame. Far too much adhesive for the seals, and the cases are terribly brittle. I accidentally ended up breaking both cases for season 1 and 2. Even while being incredible careful and meticulous expect glue residue. And be careful if you try cleaning it since the crappy plastic will easily scratch and form a milky patch if scrubbed at all. And do yourself the favor of taking all the paper inserts out first. I didn't and water damaged the back with the tracklist. And this time it has special case that is the size of a single jewel case, yet has the plastic tray for 2 CD's. With the large booklet, the case is practically busting, yet it feels brittle and not very durable. Typical CD cases are better and easier to open. These are the worst I've ever seen. PSS. I had no trouble copying the music to my computer using BonkEnc. Easy as pie!

And so it ends. We Galactica addicts have been eagerly anticipating the soundtrack to Season Four for almost a year and a half, and it's even two discs! So, was it worth the wait? Was it everything you thought it would be? Is it the best Galactica soundtrack yet? In a word, yes. Battlestar Galactica: Season Four is a fantastic album, not just because of it's music, but because of the whole package deal. The liner notes, the arrangement of the album, and the music are all fantastic. I'll start with the definite highlights of the album, and of immediate note is Gaeta's Lament. The album version is a whole different beast than what you heard on the show, and it's fantastic. Alessandro Juliani's haunting vocals combine with Bear McCreary's fantastic instrumentation to make a truly unforgettable song. The Cult of Baltar is also of note, as we get the new Baltar theme from Season Four along with Raya Yarborough's beautiful vocals. Also of immediate note is Elegy and Dreilide Thrace Sonata No. 1. Both tracks come from "Someone to Watch Over Me", and they are beautifully haunting piano solos that demand numerous listenings. Resurrection Hub is also a completely new action piece that gives us something refreshing for action in Galactica. Finally, The Signal and Diaspora Oratorio come from "Revelations", and they're fantastic. The Signal is a great action theme with the use of a choir, and I can't say enough good things about Diaspora Oratorio. Season Four also has a lot of new renditions of older themes. We get a fantastic version of the Adama family theme in Farewell Apollo. There's a new version of the Roslin and Adama theme in Laura Runs, a beautiful piece that goes perfectly in the album. A definite fan favorite is Kara Remembers, and this is where we get the Final Four theme, piano style. The bridge of the song is unique to the album, and it's absolutely fantastic. Kara's Coordinates also features the Final Four theme, and it's definitely the rock-out track of the album. Also of note is The Heart of the Sun, a piece that combines the Adama family theme with the original theme, or the Colonial Anthem in the new show. There's also An Easterly View, the beautiful closing piece of the series that takes the "Shape of Things to Come" theme to new heights. But one of the best tracks of the album is So Much Life. It deftly and perfectly combines the Adama theme and the Roslin/Adama theme into one heartbreaking piece that is truly brilliant. So, I've been ranting and raving about the album for a while now, but is there anything it doesn't get right? Well, yes. Probably the biggest thing is that about half of the album is indeed new renditions of the same themes we've been hearing for four seasons. This isn't a bad thing in and of itself, but it leads to a few problems on the album. For example, we have Grand Old Lady and Roslin and Adama Reunited, two completely superfluous tracks that really shouldn't even be on the album. Taking these off could have made room for the "No Exit" prologue, but we get two new tracks for two themes that we already have three different versions of. Unfortunately, the only other problem with the album is Assault on the Colony. This is the big massive action piece from Daybreak, but it pales in comparison to both Prelude to War and Storming New Caprica. Prelude was an extremely simplistic yet unbelievably powerful action piece. Storming mixed it up a little bit with more variations on the timing, but it was still a powerful action piece throughout. Assault on the Colony has about five minutes, total, of great action music. But the track is 15 minutes long. The first ten are the preparations for the attack and then the attack itself. The last five consists of the scenes of Hera running through the Galactica and the visions being brought to reality. This track really should have been split into two. It would have given both sections a better chance to develop and become truly extraodinary. Unfortunately, by mashing the two together, it creates a clash that relegates Assault on the Colony to being only good. Let me reiterate, the Season Four soundtrack is definitely the best soundtrack of the entire series. It has a lot of fantastic themes and great music. Just stick to Prelude to War for your action piece and don't expect a whole lot of brand new material. I'd recommend the whole album, but the highlights are: Gaeta's Lament The Cult of Baltar Farewell Apollo Laura Runs Kara Remembers Dreilide Thrace Sonata No. 1 Diaspora Oratorio Assault on the Colony Kara's Coordinates The Heart of the Sun So Much Life An Easterly View However, you can't go wrong with this album. Just buy the whole thing, right frakkin' now. Trust me, you won't regret it.

I wondered after listening to the second season soundtrack and several magnificent tracks from the third season if Bear could possibly better his previous works. He did. When I saw the Fourth Season of BSG I didn't pick up on all the music. It was much like watching Star Wars in that one doesn't separate the music from the images initially. The music is as much the show as the characters are. That being said Bear McCreary has composed some of the most moving tracks I have ever heard. Most evoke emotions as well as those works from Williams, Horner and Zimmer. His music takes you on an emotional roller coaster of fear, hope, despair, pain, triumph, reflection, etc. Some personal standouts I particulary love: Please excuse my poor descriptions for I lack a proper knowledge of musical terms. 1. Track 1 Disc 2: "Caprica City, Before The Fall". This one almost pulled tears from me at times. (There is a seven note theme that is the centerpiece of this track played on a duduk)It perfectly evokes hope and foreboding. A fitting harbinger of things to come in the "Daybreak" episodes. It is easily my favorite track of the two discs. It is serious and solemn and underscores the tone of the series final episode. Bear uses leitmotif as well as John Williams through much of his work blending two other themes including the ominous 10 note theme from " All Along The Watchtowers". This piece evoked fear and hope. Fear in that this is the end, but hope that the characters will preservere till the end. A magnificent piece that captivates me like no other!!! 2. Track 20 Disc 1: "Diaspora Oratorio". A triumph. 3. Track 11 Disc 1: "Roslin and Adama Reunited" 4. Track 9 Disc 2: "Goodbye Sam" 5. Track 10 Disc 2: "Heart Of The Sun" 6. Track 13 Disc 2: "An Easterly View" As incomparable as the series is, it's still hard to believe some of these tracks were written for a television series. Fittingly enough though, they were written for Battlestar Galactica. Bravo and encore!

The first time I ever watched Battlestar Galactica, one of the very first things I noticed was the engaging, skillful soundtrack that set the mood perfectly for every scene. Incredibly, Bear McCreary's scores only got better and better as the series went on, and this is masterfully reflected in the Season 4 soundtrack. This is truly an awesome magnum opus and is a must own for EVERY BSG fan out there - heck, it's a must own for anyone who loves beautiful music. The use of literally dozens of different and unconventional instruments and styles again serves McCreary well - there's everything here from string variations to tribal drums to Celtic woodwinds and more. All the stirring and emotional moments of the series come back to vivid life with every replay. Mr. McCreary listened to his fans who proclaimed on his blog their overwhelming support for the S4 soundtrack to include the entire "Daybreak" score, and it is included as the second disk in this set. Really, I can't stress enough what a worthwhile purchase this is.

Unlike the previous BSG soundtracks, this one is two discs. Two discs of music from a low-budget sci-fi show, is that worth it? Hell yes. The second disc is exclusively the score from the epic finale, "Daybreak", which was an operatic journey through the entire series and absolutely needed to be presented in full. The first disc is music from the other episodes (not including Razor and the Plan, the TV movies which have a soundtrack album to themselves). The opening, an album version of Gaeta's Lament, is not sung impromptu and alone as it was on the show, but with an epic orchestral backing. It showcases the ability of the singer, though I do still wish some source version had been included. The instrumental version is also sightly different from the show's edit, but is tremendously entertaining and one that I skip to a lot. There's a strong Japanese element in season 4 that shows up in several tracks, as well as the long, sad string buildup from the episode in which they discover they spent most of the series in vain. More faithful renditions of everything from Roslin and Adama's reuniting theme to the eerie old english stylings of Baltar's harem are included. The "Watchtower" riff from last season is embedded in several tracks in radically different ways. There's also some solo piano, ostensibly from an important character on the show, and the climatic Diaspora Oratorio, a soaring choral ovation to the moment when (spoiler alert!) they find Earth. On the whole, the music of season 4 is richer and more orchestral than anything that came before it. The second disc is pretty much the finale score straight-up, unlike most of the BSG discs which have edited versions of the tracks and are ordered for emotional resonance, not in show order. It reprises virtually every theme of the shhow, introduces a few new ones, and builds to a massive climax in which an untold variety of sounds merge into one. As with the show, a long denouement of wistful reflection concludes the album. The Jimi Hendrix "Watchtower" that ended the show did not make it in (probably a wise financial decision on their part), but that's not exactly hard to find if you want it. Season 4 also includes a good-sized booklet with some great liner notes from people involved in the show. All in all, this is the only album I ever spent the entire shipping period checking anxiously to see if it would arrive in time for a (very emotional) trip I was taking. It got in just before I left, and it was and remains and incredibly satisfying musical journey.

The music is awesome and flawless! But I'm tired of always getting cracked jewel cases from Amazon. The price is also a bit steep for an older soundtrack.

Bear McCreary proves once again that he isn't just the best composer on television, he's one of the best composers of any medium. Although I own soundtracks for several films, this is the only television show that produces music I believe is worth listening to repeatedly. Bear McCreary started off strong with the Season 1 soundtrack, and yet has managed to top himself with each concurrent season. The Season 4 soundtrack is a culmination of everything done on the show thus far, and it really is amazing to listen to the progression throughout the years. The sheer number of instruments used is enough to inspire awe, but what's more, they're used perfectly, never becoming overbearing. They're also used in several different genres in a way that's unique to my ears. You don't have to like BSG to appreciate what he's done. You don't even have to watch BSG to appreciate what he's done. Just pop in the CD (or mp3s), sit back, and come to appreciate what the BSG viewers already know...Bear McCreary is a genius. A few tracks I'd recommend: Gaeta's Lament, Laura Runs, Funeral Pyre, Roslin and Adama Reunited, Kara Remembers, Laura's Baptism, Kara's Coordinates, Elegy and So Much Life. Truthfully, I'd recommend almost every song (Not a fan of The Cult of Baltar). If you love music, this is a must-own album.

In today's world of television, there is little time for quality music composition. When you think of your favorite shows, odds are the music is one of three things: DJ'ed from another source, original but full of minimalism, or non-existent. It is for this reason that the season 4 Galactica album will completely blow you away. We've all heard how incredible scores can be from movies. Even when they borrow from well-known classical composers, there are some that never fail to capture the essence of the story; the rush of emotion, the journey of the characters. Bear McCreary has taken these functions and augmented them in a way that is rarely seen even in movie scores. The music is part of the fabric of the story itself. Everything you hear meshes perfectly with what you are seeing. Character themes/motifs evolve and grow with the characters, and the music becomes a journey in and of itself. You can find these character themes woven into tracks all throughout the album. This two disc set is also an example of how staggering Bear's range really is. It encompasses nearly every style imaginable. Western sounds blend with Japanese, Middle-eastern sounds blend with Rock. The result is a synthesis the likes of which you have never heard. It is never out of place or jarring. In fact, the orchestration is masterful. Thundering Taiko drums amplify your racing heart rate during action scenes, yet never seem to overpower delicate string instruments or vocals. Ethnic solo instruments such as the Irish whistle, Duduk, Erhu, and Fiddle underscore introspective character moments. Strings soar in majestic melodies. Solo piano provides soft, eerie background music for montages. Yes, the range of this soundtrack is quite impressive. Without a doubt, the music of Battlestar Galactica (and in particular the third and fourth seasons) have re-defined the role music can (and often should) play in narrative. I not only encourage you to purchase this album, but also to watch the show and to see for yourself how this extraordinary craft evolved as part of the medium. There really is nothing else like it.

Tengo todos los discos de la serie, y el de esta temporada es, sin duda, mi preferido. Todo va a más y desde el primer tema quedas atrapado para siempre en los pasillos de la Galactica. Si cierras los ojos, podrás ver a Kara tocando sutilmente el piano, a Gaeta dándole vueltas a la cabeza, a la presidenta corriendo por la nave, a Adama tomando decisiones brutales...y toda la grandiosidad de las naves surcando el espacio. Banda sonora permanente en mi vida desde que lo tengo. Toda la serie tiene una música maravillosa, pero si vas a escoger únicamente el disco de una temporada, no lo dudes, la cuarta es LA QUE HAY QUE TENER!

This CD should be owned by every soundtrack fan. Bear McCreary's last take of Battlestar Galactica is epic, original and enjoyable from start to finish. Every queue in this 2 Cd set is completely worthwhile. If you are a fan of the Bear, this is a must-own. If you are not, then this CD is one of the best to start with. You will not regret it! Even though it's probably the best seasonal CD from BSG, part of what it makes it so good it to see the character themes and old leitmotivs return in full glory. Make no mistake though: this cd is a masterpiece on its own even without listening to previous seasons. The case and booklet are excellent quality and offer interesting insights of the music and the composition. This is an epic acomplishment. This is Bear McCreary in full glory. So Say We All!

Zum Abschluss der erfolgreichen Serie, bekommen die Fans und Filmmusik-Liebhaber, eine 2CD-Veröffentlichung geboten. Die erste CD, gibt von auserwählten Folgen, die musikalische Begleitung wieder, wie gewohnt durcheinander. Aber dennoch mit schöner Musik und man erlebt einen Flashback, in verschiedenen Situationen, der schicksalhaften vierten Staffel. Die vor Schicksalsschlägen und der eigenen Selbststörung nur so wimmelt, nur wenige Actionreiche Passagen von Schlachten und wenn, nur unter den Menschen selbst. Track 1: Vertont die Wachsende Instabilität von Gaeta`s Charakter, der schon immer etwas seltsam war, und sich nicht für eine Seite entscheiden konnte. Hauptsächlich durch einen Schicksalsschlag in der vierten Staffel! Track 4: Ist ein neues Thema, für die Glaubensentwicklung rund um Gaius Baltar. Track 5: Das Adama-Theme wird wieder aufgenommen, aber erklingt wieder im anderen und neuen Glanz. Track 7: Ist das reinste Gänsehautstück, dass in der 11. Folge der vierten Staffel spielt. Die wo die Serie kennen und gesehen haben, werden wissen was in diesen Moment passiert. Der absolute Alptraum, der Horror schlechthin, in einer dramatischen, ruhigen und unheilvollen Musikstück wiedergegeben. Track 8: Das Roslin und Adama-Theme, allerdings mehr für Roslin gespielt. Die ihr Krebsleiden, durch animiertes Joggen besiegen will, aber trotzdem das dramatische und verzweifelte rüberbringt. Track 11: Die Musik unterstützt die Liebe von Adama und Roslin perfekt! Natürlich keine Sex-Szene sondern ein Wiedersehen nach einiger Zeit, die der Angst um eines anderen, perfekt wiedergibt und auch gern die Augen zum funkeln bringt. Besonders wenn man die Folge kennt! Track 15: Den Beginn dieses Tracks, hörte man in der Serie öfters und länger. Sehr gut ausgedacht und passt perfekt! Track 17: Starkes Musikstück, bei der die Melodie von Along The Watchtower, zuerst mit Klavier und dann mit dröhnender E-Gitarre gespielt wird. Natürlich auch mit Schlaginstrumenten! Track 18: Ein flottes Actionstück! Track 20: Bei Folge 10 gegen Ende, ein wunderbares Hoffnungsstück, dass einem mitfreuen lässt. Eine gemeine Aktion, was danach folgt! Erste CD hat eine Laufzeit von knapp 78 Minuten! Die zweite CD, zum Dreiteilerfinale der vierten Staffel: DAYBREAK Diese CD, besitzt nur Musik, zum Finalenabschluss der großartigen Serie. Die mit drei Fortsetzungsfolgen zu ihrem Ende findet. Die Musik auf dieser CD bietet volle Punktzahl! Track 4 - The Line: Ist ein unglaublich geniales und geiles Stück, dass sehr heroisch ist, aber auch das Roslin & Adama-Theme beinhaltet. Track 5 - Assault on the Colony: Ist das längste Actionstück der Serie, zwar leider nicht das Beste, aber trotzdem nicht übel! Ein starkes variiertes Stück, das mal dramatisch und dann wieder kämpferisch ist! Auch irgendwie logisch in dieser Schlacht! Track 7 - Kara`s Coordinates: Das Schicksal von Starbuck tritt in Kraft! Ein starkes Actionstück, dass mich zum jubeln und aufspringen brachte! Wirklich wahr ein geiles Musikstück - mit der Along the Watchtower-Melodie Track 8 und 9: Man merkt das es aufs traurige Ende zuläuft. Ich liebe Track 10, als Admiral Adama als letztes, aus der Galactica fliegt und sein ramponiertes Schiff betrachtet. Eine unglaubliche traurige Szene, bei der das alte Battlestar Galactica-Theme, erst sanft und still angespielt wird - danach etwas lauter. Bei Track 12, konnte ich jedes mal heulen, das Roslin & Adama-Theme, in seiner längsten und traurigsten Form. Fünf Minuten, die man voller Mitleid anhört und in der Serie, in Begleitung von Bildern auf ewig in Erinnerung hat. Ein beeindruckendes Stück! Bei Track 13, verabschiedetet man sich nun endgültig und man ist teilweise froh, aber auch traurig, weil die Serie nun zu Ende ist. Egal ob filmisch oder musikalisch! Letzter Track #14 - The Passage of Time, trat ebenfalls am Ende der zweiten Staffel auf, ist auch auf der Soundtrack-CD der zweiten Staffel zu hören. Ein guter Titel! Zweite CD hat eine Laufzeit von knapp 60 Minuten und ist mein persönlicher Favorit dieser Doppelausgabe! Auch wenn die CD nicht von Amazon verkauft wird, hab ich sie trotzdem, dass Serien-Prequel: Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome. Ebenfalls von Bear McCreary und ebenfalls eine bombastische Musik, die einige Themen und fehlende Musikstücke, der Serie beinhaltet sowie der beiden Serienupdates. Ich füge den Link bei, wo man diesen Soundtrack erhalten kann! Limitierte Auflage! Zum Abschluss: Ich besitze alle Soundtrack seit länger Zeit, wollte aber diesen, nun ebenfalls eine Rezension hier widmen, da sie es wert sind! Eine geniale Filmmusik, die Fans der Serie besitzen sollten, ebenso wie Filmmusik-Fans die innovative Filmmusik mögen. Danke fürs lesen und viel Spaß beim anhören! Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Quoi de mieux qu'un double-CD pour conclure en beauté un si magnifique voyage musical ? Cette BO est sublime, émouvante, tous les thèmes principaux bien connus sont là. Il s'agit de l'album le plus orchestral de tous. A noter que le deuxième CD est entièrement consacré au magnifique double épisode final. On peut aussi y entendre l'une des plus belles chansons que j'ai jamais entendue "Gaeta's Lament", absolument bouleversante... Bref, si vous aimez la série, si vous avez aimé les précédentes Bo, celle-ci est indispensable pour vous ! N'hésitez pas !

Grandiose!