As the Enterprise leaves drydock, a much louder and bolder version of the theme song is played, marking it the fourth time it appears.
Another important scene that contrasts with the last mentioned is near the end. It is when the Enterprise enters and explores the vast, massive energy cloud that surrounds the Alien known as Vejur. Because this is the part of the movie where the visuals are really shown off and little dialogue is said, Jerry Goldsmith finally had the opportunity to shine and tell part of the story musically. Initially, wind and surf effects are used to create and unearthly mood. As they penetrate deeper into more visually bizarre territory, the composer adds in more odd sounds and lowers the orchestra's register down further with sounds similar to a grand church organ. More and more does it sound alien. The music here is mainly a sedentary sound.
One thing I've noticed about this film is that a few characters have a distinct melody that either follows them around, or defines them. The first one being the film's most beautiful track, the famous "Ilia's Theme". This love theme is first used in the film's overture. Which I find weird as they stopped this fad a decade earlier with movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey. The second time we hear this is at 1: 25. The character of Ilia, the ship's navigator, is not only clearly present, but plays more prominently when she is the full focus. The music fades in and out when she enters and exits. The theme seems to follow her. The second character with a theme of their own is the alien entity known as Vejur. Unlike the first character mentioned, the theme for this character defines it. Usually a sound effect is used when the character appears onscreen. The character invokes the unsettling brass of the dark and unknown. Having already made a trademark of peppering his scores with a variety of unusual sound effects, Goldsmith once again came up with an even more startling sounds to represent Vejur.