Originally released 21 May 1980, The Empire Strikes Back: Symphonic Suite from the Original Motion Picture Score presented selections of composer John Williams’ music for STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, which had premiered in theatres just two days before. Performed by The National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Charles Gerhardt, the one-disc record was intended to supplement – not compete with – the “official” two-record soundtrack released one month earlier by RSO Records.

This album consists of the Concert Suite from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (The Imperial March, Han Solo and the Princess, Yoda's Theme, and The Asteroid Field), supplemented by several other cues from the film score, including Alfred Newman's Fox Fanfare, plus Maestro Williams’ Main Title/The Imperial Probe, and Training of a Jedi Knight.

To avoid repetition of familiar material, Williams, conductor Charles Gerhardt, and producer George Korngold (son of composer Erich Korngold, one of Williams’ musical heroes) presented new arrangements and orchestrations, performed by 96-member National Symphonic Orchestra.