This is a weirdly misadvertised 17 minute track on the Star Wars original soundtrack 2004 release. While the track does start with a grimly prophetic alternate version of the music to the famous binary sunset scene (the use of the dies irae hints at the deaths of Luke’s aunt and uncle, a scene where that theme will be heard again), but to me that scene is so momentary and over-iconized that I’m not very invested in it.
What does interest me occurs about 5 minutes into this track after a strange extended silence of a few minutes. One suddenly hears the words “take 16,” and then an orchestral rev up followed by the Star Wars main theme. This lasts for about 2 minutes and then the words “take 17” and again another recording of it. By contrast with many of the more extended orchestral introductions you hear on the takes on this track the final version of the theme contains a single orchestral hit and then launches right into the main theme.
I find take 20 most interesting as it’s probably the most awkward opening. It sounds reminiscent of the start the Throne Room march from the end of the movie, making a more direct connection between the two pieces. It’s moments like this on the Star Wars soundtrack that make me realize its creators were writing more for a movie than a franchise. It could have failed, and that is the magic of it. You’re hearing the start of something that wasn’t yet as large as it became.
Even if you’re not interested in all the history and compositional decisions behind it, listening the Binary Sunset alternate track is a great excuse to put the Star Wars theme on repeat for fifteen minutes!