The original Star Wars soundtrack has been chosen as one of the 50 recordings to be added to the 2004 National Recording Registry.

The Library of Congress reports:

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has made his annual selection of 50 sound recordings for the National Recording Registry. Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian is responsible for annually selecting recordings that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Registry recordings must be at least 10 years old. In announcing the registry, the Librarian said, "Once again, we have the opportunity to celebrate the rich variety of music recorded in the United States and the importance of sound recording in our lives."

Here's what's written about the Star Wars soundtrack:

47. "Star Wars" (soundtrack), John Williams (1977)

This soundtrack score has been credited with reviving symphonic film scores in Hollywood motion pictures. The recording was a best-seller, its themes well remembered and often quoted. When the blockbuster motion picture was released in 1977, home video did not exist. It was the soundtrack recording that enabled audiences to evoke images from the film in their living rooms.

Thanks to Marvin for the alert.