This would be the final film with the original cast members of the Star Trek franchise. With this film it would also see the return of Nicholas Meyer who had directed Star Trek II. Like that film he hired a young composer in James Horner, and with this movie he would do the same with Cliff Eidelman. This was the composers big shot, at breaking into Hollywood, and he certainly didn't mess this up. He created what is easily the darkest of all the Star Trek scores. Inspired by Mars, The Bringer of War, and The Firebird this score is unlike any other from the Trek universe.
This opening like the Goldsmith opening title doesn't use Alexander Courage's fanfare however it would be used towards the end of the score. The klingon theme is a very sinister approach and is something very different than what most people are used to hearing even for creatures such as Klingons. It's an effective piece which represents them well as always lurking, always ready to strike.
This was, and unfortunately still Cliff Eidelman's biggest score to date. He would never again be able to land such a large project. He is one of Hollywood's underused composers.
