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Star Wars Music: Movies, Theme, Imperial March, John Williams And Music CDs
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Published: October 16, 2007
Instead of utilizing the hip swinging disco tunes that dominated the billboard charts during the mid-seventies, George Lucas chose the light-saber swinging drama of a full symphony orchestra in his iconic series "Star Wars." The timeless, classical melodies composed especially for these films, allowed viewers to both feel The Force and become participants in the epic battle between tyranny and democracy.
The deep impact of "Star Wars'" music, therefore, greatly contributed to its popularity.
"Star Wars" gained its success, in part, due to the work of the famous composer John Williams. Known also for his contributions to many other films, including "Jaws" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Williams is responsible for the many spirited arrangements utilized within these movies. He burrowed many classical romantic elements from Richard Strauss and modernist techniques from Erich Korngold and Max Steiner. Williams used these influences to create music that served as a foreshadowing tool; the mood would become more heavy or sullen depending on the upcoming battle or tragedy. By producing the soundtrack for the entire "Star Wars" series, Williams gave the audience a sense of continuity even in the new, high-tech pre-trilogy. Though each episode provides its own mood, this composer's pieces help bridge the many stories together. As a result of his work, Williams won the Academy Award in 1978.
The "Imperial March " is among the most well-known of the arrangements in "Star Wars." This composition is the best representative of Williams' use of the leitmotif, a stanza symbolic of a certain character, mood or relationship. Representing evil and the dark side, the "Imperial March" informs viewers that Darth Vader is near. Although it contains variations over the six movies, these songs can be found in scenes involving the Republic and young Anakin, foreshadowing both the institution's and the boy's descent into the Dark Side.
The main theme of the series, on the other hand, is associated with hope and heroic acts. Also known as "Luke's Theme," this is the most famous example of "Star Wars" music. The main theme is usually found only in the initial story crawl, which just adds to its influence over the audience. Bass melodies are strong in this work, giving the story an invigorating and hopeful mood. Because of the significance of the pieces associated with Darth Vader and Luke, they are typically available on "Star Wars" compilation CDs. "Star Wars" CDs can be found at Amazon.com or just about any local music store for under $20.
"Star Wars" would not nearly have the same emotional impact without Williams' stirring and lively music. Williams' use of the leitmotif and full orchestra earned "Star Wars" its legendary place in film history.
Sources:
Drannen, Andrew. 'Star Wars.' 1999. 12 Oct. 2007. Scoresheet.tripod.com. http://scoresheet.tripod.com/Reviews/swanh.html.
Freymann-Meyr, Jeffrey. 'John Williams and the Music of Star Wars.' 22 May 2005. NPR.org. 12 Oct. 2007. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story Id=4661664.
'Star Wars Music.' Wikipedia.org. 10 Oct. 2007. 12 Oct. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_wars_music.
"Star Wars" gained its success, in part, due to the work of the famous composer John Williams. Known also for his contributions to many other films, including "Jaws" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Williams is responsible for the many spirited arrangements utilized within these movies. He burrowed many classical romantic elements from Richard Strauss and modernist techniques from Erich Korngold and Max Steiner. Williams used these influences to create music that served as a foreshadowing tool; the mood would become more heavy or sullen depending on the upcoming battle or tragedy. By producing the soundtrack for the entire "Star Wars" series, Williams gave the audience a sense of continuity even in the new, high-tech pre-trilogy. Though each episode provides its own mood, this composer's pieces help bridge the many stories together. As a result of his work, Williams won the Academy Award in 1978.
The "Imperial March " is among the most well-known of the arrangements in "Star Wars." This composition is the best representative of Williams' use of the leitmotif, a stanza symbolic of a certain character, mood or relationship. Representing evil and the dark side, the "Imperial March" informs viewers that Darth Vader is near. Although it contains variations over the six movies, these songs can be found in scenes involving the Republic and young Anakin, foreshadowing both the institution's and the boy's descent into the Dark Side.
The main theme of the series, on the other hand, is associated with hope and heroic acts. Also known as "Luke's Theme," this is the most famous example of "Star Wars" music. The main theme is usually found only in the initial story crawl, which just adds to its influence over the audience. Bass melodies are strong in this work, giving the story an invigorating and hopeful mood. Because of the significance of the pieces associated with Darth Vader and Luke, they are typically available on "Star Wars" compilation CDs. "Star Wars" CDs can be found at Amazon.com or just about any local music store for under $20.
"Star Wars" would not nearly have the same emotional impact without Williams' stirring and lively music. Williams' use of the leitmotif and full orchestra earned "Star Wars" its legendary place in film history.
Sources:
Drannen, Andrew. 'Star Wars.' 1999. 12 Oct. 2007. Scoresheet.tripod.com. http://scoresheet.tripod.com/Reviews/swanh.html.
Freymann-Meyr, Jeffrey. 'John Williams and the Music of Star Wars.' 22 May 2005. NPR.org. 12 Oct. 2007. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story Id=4661664.
'Star Wars Music.' Wikipedia.org. 10 Oct. 2007. 12 Oct. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_wars_music.
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