Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet
Electronic Music By Louis and Bebe Barron
Composed and Produced by Loui and Bebe Barron
Cover Painting and Art Direction: Renate Druks
Liner Notes: Bill Malone
Remix: Louis Barron
Album Tape Assembly and Editing: Mary Ellen Kabat
Disc Mastering: Bob Hata
Editorial Suggestions: Adam Barron
Special thanks to Forrest J. Ackerman
MGM Soundtrack
Planet Records PR-001
1976
From the back cover: Film Notes – In 1954, MGM began a magnificent project, destined to set a new standard for science-fiction and fantasy films. Originally called "Fatal Planet", it was retitled "FORBIDDEN PLANET" which was felt to have more box-office appeal.
Lavishly expending time, money and effort, the film-makers determined to make it the super production of this neglected genre – with beautiful sets, intricate miniatures, startling special effects, and an outstanding cast headed by a notable new star.
He wasn't born – he was built! His name was "ROBBY, THE ROBOT", and he would retain his popular appeal long after many of his human stellar contemporaries were forgotten.
After two years of production MGM had created something really unique – so unique in fact that the studio's music department was at a loss to know how to score the film.
At this time Louis and Bebe Barron - two young artists in the new field of electronic music, were brought in to provide 'something different.' Using no orchestral instruments – only the sounds emitted by the cybernetic circuits which they conceived, designed and built – they created a unique and compelling score, so original that it was credited on the title as "ELECTRONIC TONALITIES." However, its true musical qualities were recognized by the critics and the public, and it was honored by an Academy Award nomination.
This score actually launched the era of electronic music on film. Today it remains as lushly surprising, as fresh and inventive as when it burst upon the screen two decades ago, still carrying us – the audience – through the wonder, charm and terror of Altair 4. It is a living tribute to the artists and craftsmen who made this "FORBIDDEN PLANET" an enduring reality. – Bill Malone
Music notes – We design and construct electronic circuits which function electronically in a manner remarkably similar to the way that lower life-forms function psychologically. There is a comprehensive mathematical science explaining it, called "Cybernetics", which is concerned with the Control and Communication in the Animal and Machine. It was first propounded by Prof. Norbert Wiener of M.I.T. who found that there are certain natural laws of behavior applicable alike to animals (including humans) and electronic machines.
In scoring FORBIDDEN PLANET – as in all of our work we created individual cybernetic circuits for particular themes and leit motifs, rather than using standard sound generators, Actually, each circuit has a characteristic activity pattern as well as a voice".
Most remarkable is that the sounds which emanate from these electronic nervous systems seem to convey strong emotional meaning to listeners.
We were delighted to hear people tell us that the Tonalities in FORBIDDEN PLANET remind them of what their dreams sound like.
There were no synthesizers or traditions of electronic music when we scored this film, and therefore we were free to explore "terra incognito" with all its surprises and adventures. – Louis and Bebe Barron
Main Titles - Overture
Deceleration
Once Around Altair
The Landing
Flurry of Dust A Robot Approaches
A Shangri-La in the Desert/Garden with Cuddly Tiger
Graveyard A Night with Two Moons
"Robby, Make Me a Gown."
An Invisible Monster Approaches
Robby Arranges Flowers, Zaps Monkey
Love at the Swimming Hole
Morbius' Study
Ancient Krell Music
The Mind Booster Creation of Matter
Krell Shuttle Ride and Power Station
Giant Footprints in the Sand
"Nothing Like This Claw Found in Nature!"
Robby, The Cook, and 60 Gallons of Booze
Battle with Invisible Monster
"Come Back to Earth With Me"
The Monster Pursues - Morbius Is
Overcome
The Homecoming
Overture Reprise
