Tron: Legacy Orchestral Medley - DPops

Tron: A DPops Legacy by Daft Punk
Arranged by Chenyu Ma SY '19
Conducted by Harry Kane, BR '18
Performed at 'DPops Gets Wired' in Battell Chapel on February 19th, 2016

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Program Notes:

A stand-alone sequel to the popular 1982 Steven Lisberger’s Tron, Tron: Legacy once again takes you into the digital world known as “The Grid.” This time, however, we follow “The Son of Flynn,” Sam (Garett Hedlund) in search for his long-lost father, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). Only after escaping disc duels against “Rinzler” and light cycle battles is Sam able to find his father trapped in the Grid, and discover the evil plot behind his father’s corrupt digital clone, C.L.U.

Apart from the 1,565 visual effect shots created by 10 different companies, the score was composed by the French electronic duo Daft Punk. Contrary to their previous works, Daft Punk put more emphasis on orchestral elements rather than relying solely on two synthesizers and a drum machine. The result is a unique mix of electronic and orchestral music, a link between the digital and real worlds. Whether it is the mesmerizing arpeggios in “The Son of Flynn,” the sorrowful strings in “Adagio for TRON,” or the sparking electricity in “Derezzed,” Daft Punk was able to create a synergistic dream with the film as we explore issues such as perfection, betrayal, and the relationship between “Father and Son.”

Out of the 30 tracks of this score, my arrangement features nine that highlight the key elements and moments in the film, such as the percussion during the light cycle battle in “The Game Has Changed” and the strings in “Adagio For TRON” which shows Kevin’s downfall and C.L.U.’s takeover. Tension is strong in the score before culminating in the final battle “Outlands.” The key to and most difficult aspect in arranging this score was adapting and balancing Daft Punk’s strong electronic elements with the instruments we have in the orchestra. It was definitely exciting to arrange, and I hope you enjoy the show.