When Horner was assigned to work on the film in mid-January 1982, he sketched basic ideas for the score and developed main themes for each character.[5] He then completed writing the entire score within four-and-a-half weeks. The music was recorded at the Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank from April 12–15, 1982, and two additional sessions were conducted on April 30, and May 3, respectively at the Record Plant studio in Los Angeles to modify the themes.[3] Horner composed nearly 72 minutes of score, which was then performed by the 91-piece orchestra. He made use of synthesizers for ancillary effects, and Craig Huxley performed the Blaster beam, as well as composing electronic music for the Genesis Project video.[3] When most of the film's final edit had been locked, before Horner composing the music, he had to change the orchestration process as the integration of special effects caused changes in the scene durations.[2] The score incorporates the Star Trek theme composed by Alexander Courage and written by Gene Roddenberry.[2]
The Wrath of Khan's original score was published in LPs and cassettes through Atlantic Records. In early-1990s, independent label GNP Crescendo Records acquired the licensing and distribution deal of the Star Treksoundtracks from Paramount and issued the album for the first time in CDs.[6]
The album, however, did not include the complete score. Only 9 tracks on a 45-minute duration, in contrast to the initial 72-minute duration, was heard in the album.[7]
On August 17, 2021, La-La Land Records published the double album of the remastered score that featured 39 tracks (21 in the first disc, and 18 in the second). The first disc consisted of the complete score, while the second disc includes tracks from the 1982 original release and the remainder of them were accompanied by outtakes, and alternate compositions which were rejected or not included in the final score. The album also included Huxley's composition for the Genesis Project video.[11][12]
In a five-star review, Christian Clemmensen of Filmtracks.com described that the album "remains a fine example of a surprisingly impressive breakout effort for a young composer".[13] John Tenuto of TrekMovie.com described it as "enjoyable music in its own right" and "wonderful".[14] Jason Ankeny of AllMusic wrote "[Horner's] efforts lend Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's vision a newfound gravitas."[15] Thomas Glorieux of Maintitles wrote "Horner defies the sound of science fiction, before, during Star Trek 2, and after it".[16] Charlie Brigden of Den of Geek called it as "a sure-fire five-star score and fits the film beautifully".[17] It has been regarded as one of Horner's best film scores in his career.[18]
^Harrington, Richard (July 25, 1982). "Sounds Of the Summer Screen". The Washington Post. p. L1.
^ abcBond, Jeff (1999). The Music of Star Trek. Lone Eagle Publishing Company. ISBN1-58065-012-0.
^ abcdBond, Jeff; Kendall, Lukas; Kaplan, Alexander (2009). Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Expanded Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Media notes). James Horner. Retrograde Records.
