There’s something about the TNG theme (played during the opening credits) that seems unique and special to my ear. But I don’t know about music and orchestral production to make sense of it.
It sounds to me like the mix or maybe arrangement is somewhat unusual, even compared to other TNG era star trek themes. It seems to have a brightness and sheen to its tones that are almost synth like (??) But also the arrangement seems to hit some sweet sci-fi spot, like the way strings and trumpets with oboes/clarinets underneath (??) all mix together? Or is the chords that are played some where?
I don’t know, but I’ve always thought it had a sheen and sparkle that almost sounds like star trek (or at least TNG star trek).
Anyone else notice something similar? Anyone know what’s going on?
To me, a big difference is in the lengthy prelude, which follows the model of TOS, just with an updated production. First the synths layered with strings, which are very 80’s wonder-music(it could be right out of the score for Flight of the Navigator or The Goonies) and then the french horns come in playing a round, which adds a Wagnerian element.
The percussive “march music” elements quoting TMP are subdued in TNG’s arrangement - it’s a less compressed, “punchy” sound, and I believe the mic has been set farther back or they’ve EQ’d out some higher frequencies. Those decisions, plus a few choices of instrumentation like the harp glissandos, tone down the bombastic energy and add a gliding, romantic quality. Again, more like TOS, but updated.
Thank you! The compression and microphone points fit. And yea those glissandos definitely change the feel of the theme. IMO, they’re easy to miss but make a huge difference.
Thanks again!