Legend OST (1985) by Tangerine Dream – Film Soundtrack Review

Ridley Scott’s 1985 fantasy film Legend is remembered as a visual feast of mysticism, surreal landscapes, and mythical creatures, but its musical identity has sparked as much discussion as its striking imagery. For its U.S. release, the score was crafted by the German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream, a choice that radically altered the film’s tone from its original European cut, which featured Jerry Goldsmith’s orchestral score. Tangerine Dream’s Legend soundtrack veered into uncharted sonic territory for fantasy films of the time, blending ethereal synthesizers, rhythmic textures, and experimental techniques. It transformed Legend into a distinctly dreamlike experience, marrying Scott’s visual opulence with a sound that feels otherworldly and modern all at once.

Electronic Experimentation in a Fantasy Context

Tangerine Dream had already solidified their reputation as innovators of electronic music, producing a wealth of albums and soundtracks during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for their hypnotic, sequencer-driven compositions, the group often bridged ambient and melodic styles with cinematic soundscapes. By the time they were brought in for Legend, their résumé included iconic scores for films like Sorcerer (1977), Thief (1981), and Risky Business (1983). However, a fantasy film was a new challenge. Their task was to evoke a sense of magic, danger, and romance using only the tools of electronic synthesis—a stark contrast to the lush orchestral scores that typically defined the genre.

The soundtrack is driven by synthesizers such as the Prophet 5, Roland Jupiter-8, and Moog equipment, combined with sequencers and digital effects. These tools allowed the band to create otherworldly timbres and textures that diverged from traditional orchestration. Rather than relying on familiar symphonic cues, the music unfolds as a tapestry of evolving soundscapes. It’s immersive and unpredictable, inviting the listener into an alien fantasy world where the rules of sound feel as fluid and surreal as the film’s imagery.

A Sonic Duality: Light and Darkness

The score mirrors the film’s central conflict between light and darkness, reflected in the battle between innocence (embodied by Princess Lili and the unicorns) and corruption (manifested in Tim Curry’s unforgettable Lord of Darkness). Tangerine Dream uses sonic duality to complement this theme, juxtaposing delicate, melodic pieces with ominous, brooding tracks.

In lighter moments, the music is ethereal, almost weightless. Tracks like “Loved by the Sun” (featuring vocals by Yes frontman Jon Anderson) shimmer with an airy beauty, blending melodic synth lines with a dreamy, almost hymnal quality. These pieces evoke a sense of innocence and wonder, capturing the film’s brighter tones. The synthesizers’ ability to mimic crystalline chimes and soft, floating textures creates an atmosphere that feels both magical and fragile, as if it could shatter at any moment.

Conversely, the darker tracks dive into unsettling, atmospheric territory. Pieces like “Darkness” feature pulsating, low-frequency drones and distorted sounds that feel menacing and alien. The music becomes an enveloping force, representing the oppressive presence of the Lord of Darkness and the creeping corruption that threatens the world. These tracks demonstrate Tangerine Dream’s mastery of tension, layering dissonant harmonies and eerie effects to build unease without relying on traditional dramatic cues.

Embracing Minimalism and Repetition

One of Tangerine Dream’s trademarks is their use of minimalist structures and repetition, and this approach is evident throughout Legend. Rather than adhering to a conventional score that tightly follows the film’s narrative beats, the music often unfolds as a series of loops and motifs that evolve gradually. This creates a sense of timelessness, as if the music exists outside the constraints of the story, reflecting the mythic quality of the film.

The use of arpeggiated sequences, a signature of Tangerine Dream’s style, is particularly effective in creating a sense of momentum and wonder. Tracks like “Unicorn Theme” and “Opening” feature cascading synth patterns that feel hypnotic, pulling the listener deeper into the film’s fantastical world. These sequences are not merely background; they become part of the film’s rhythm, syncing with the visuals to create an almost meditative experience.

Anachronistic yet Timeless

The choice to use an electronic score for Legend was a bold departure from the orchestral tradition of fantasy films. At the time, some critics and audiences felt the music was too modern for the genre, creating a strange dissonance between the film’s medieval-inspired visuals and the futuristic soundscapes. However, this anachronism is precisely what gives the score its unique identity. By refusing to conform to expectations, Tangerine Dream’s soundtrack positions the film in a space that feels timeless and universal.

The music doesn’t attempt to replicate the sound of a mythical past but instead creates a sonic world that feels wholly its own. This abstraction allows the listener to interpret the film’s themes on a more emotional and intuitive level. The electronic sounds transcend the specific time period or culture depicted in the visuals, suggesting that the story’s archetypes—light, darkness, love, and sacrifice—are eternal and resonate across all eras.

Interplay with Visuals

One of the soundtrack’s most striking qualities is how seamlessly it integrates with Ridley Scott’s visual direction. The film’s dreamlike aesthetic—marked by soft lighting, dense forests, and surreal set design—is amplified by the music’s fluid, shimmering quality. Tracks like “The Dance” underscore some of the film’s most visually arresting moments, such as the hypnotic scene where Princess Lili dances with a shadowy figure, her innocence teetering on the edge of corruption. The music’s repetitive, trance-like rhythm mirrors the circular, spiraling choreography, drawing the viewer into the surreal atmosphere.

Similarly, the climactic moments of the film are heightened by the soundtrack’s ability to build tension without overwhelming the visuals. Tangerine Dream’s use of texture and dynamics ensures that the music remains an integral part of the storytelling, never overpowering the dialogue or action.

Legacy and Influence

Tangerine Dream’s score for Legend is both a product of its time and a precursor to modern trends in film scoring. Its reliance on electronic instruments and its ambient, atmospheric approach foreshadowed the rise of electronic and hybrid scores in contemporary cinema. Artists like Cliff Martinez (Drive), M83 (Oblivion), and even Hans Zimmer (Interstellar) owe a debt to the groundwork laid by Tangerine Dream.

Despite its initial mixed reception, the soundtrack has gained a cult following over the years, with many fans regarding it as an essential part of the film’s identity. It’s also a fascinating case study in how music can alter the tone of a film; comparing Tangerine Dream’s score to Jerry Goldsmith’s orchestral version reveals how drastically the two soundtracks shape the viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

Tangerine Dream’s Legend soundtrack remains a captivating example of how electronic music can redefine cinematic storytelling. It captures the essence of Ridley Scott’s fantastical vision while adding its own layer of mystery and emotion. Through its innovative use of texture, repetition, and mood, the score stands as a testament to the power of sound in creating immersive, otherworldly experiences. Whether experienced within the context of the film or as a standalone album, the Legend soundtrack is a journey into the heart of the unknown, a dreamscape rendered in sound.

Tags: 1985 Tangerine Dream