by Swashbuckler on 2/15/2000
favorite track: 10
 
Jerry Goldsmith's score is a percussive, non-tonal avante-garde work, one which is not for the faint of heart.

The music sounds fragmented and harsh, with the orchestra sometimes seeming like it's about to relieve the tension, only to go off into a different, more alien direction. At times the distinctive orchestration presents primate sounds.

Highlights include "The Hunt," which features the first appearance of the apes and the frenzied "No Escape," the former of which features some of those amazing sounds that mimic ape noises, the latter of which features an incredibly complicated piano part that was performed by Goldsmith's mentor.

"No Escape" also features the only resolution in this score, the immortal "Get your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!"

The single most amazing thing about this score is that all of these wierd, way-out and alien sounds are produced completely acoustically.

There really is no way to describe this score, it must be heard to be believed. It is not the most accessible of all music, to be sure, but for those with the intestinal fortitude to get through it, this score is an exceptional work of art.

The Fox/Varese Sarabande album is the one to get, which features the complete score in chronological order in fantastic sound with a short suite from Escape from the Planet of the Apes, the second sequel, which Goldsmith also scored.

You can still find the Project 3 and Intrada CDs floating around. Avoid them, as the Fox version is twice as long (and cheaper than the Intrada edition) and has better sound.