Star Wars For The Casual Fan

by Me. @filmscorefans

12/10/15

Click HERE for our thoughts on Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

I am not a huge Star Wars fan. I own all the movies. I own all the scores. I am not a huge Star Wars fan. Born in 1980, I was too young to get hooked when the films were first released. I was always drawn more to the slower (submarine-like) storytelling of Star Trek. In high school, I didn't understand the big deal about George Lucas' much maligned additions to the re-releases. I just knew I was getting to see Star Wars on the big screen, and I enjoyed the experience. Then the prequels came and went, and I was given no reason to climb into higher levels of fandom.

Through it all, however, there was the music. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: without John Williams' Star Wars, we would have NONE of the incredible scores composed over the past 35+ years. And so, even though I'm no Skywalker superfan, Star Wars was one of my first introductions to the world of film music. At age 12, I purchased the Utah Symphony's wonderful compilation: The Star Wars Trilogy.

Hook, line, and sinker.

I am no purist. I don't differentiate between the original trilogy and prequel scores. Who cares where the music came from - as long as it is good. And so, it is with great interest that I look forward to the next installment of the John Williams masterwork. (Cannot wait of Rey's Theme.) There are so many questions, but none can be answered without first looking back. What follows, are the observations made after a few weeks of revisiting all six scores.

Let me be the first to say it: I'm sure I've missed major motifs and possibly even compiled information that is incorrect. But, keep in mind that this is a post written by a non-fan for non-fans. I've always loved this music, but this is an amateurs attempt at listing the big moments of Star Wars. Quite the undertaking. See a mistake? Have something to add? Contact - filmscorefans@gmail.com.

Need a little background on the Star Wars soundscape? You've come to the right place. If you're craving a more in depth experience, might I suggest checking out the fantastic Sideshow Sound Radio? This wonderful podcast is currently releasing hours of analysis and opinion for the original trilogy. Not to be missed.

If you're here, you just need a quick refresher.

As you read, the lightsabers will mark the major themes from Williams. Just a few more weeks, and we'll hear which return for the Force Awakens!

Main Title

When: Every film in the series.
What: If you don't know this theme, you're on the wrong website.

...but continue on for a refresher course on (or introduction to) the main themes from Star Wars!

Across The Stars

When: Episodes II and III
What: Love theme for Anakin & Padme

Across The Stars - a suite - perhaps the best track of the prequel trilogy
Love Pledge and the Arena - a rousing rendition just before the final battle of the film
Padme's Ruminations - As Anakin prepares to betray the Jedi, at 1:15, the love theme is heard eerily in the background.

This cannot end well. She knows it. Zoom in and you'll see it on her face.

Anakin SKywalker

When: Episodes I, II, and III
What: This theme represents Anakin before he becomes Darth Vader.

Anakin's Theme - a suite - innocent and delicate, it ends with a short statement of the Imperial March
He Is The Chosen One - Qui-Gon makes the case for training Anakin as a Jedi
Confrontation With Count Dooku and Finale - towards the end of the credits, the love them transitions through Anakin's theme into a short statement of the Imperial March

The Asteroid Field

When: Episode V
What: With bombastic brass and churning strings, Han Solo takes the Millennium Falcon into an asteroid field to escape the Empire.

The Asteroid Field - as presented in the film
The Asteroid Field - as a concert suite

Betrayal

When: Episode III
What: Anakin turns to the dark side with intense use of the full choir.

Anakin's Betrayal - The clone troopers betray the Jedi, and Anakin leads an assault on the Jedi Temple

Battle of the Heroes

When: Episode III
What: Perhaps the most anticipated part of the prequels, Anakin and Obi-Wan finally face off.

Battle of the Heroes - a suite - Lots of low brass, choir create a dark fanfare to complete Anakin's fall, features a statement of the Force theme
Anakin vs. Obi-Wan - as presented in the film (minus major edits)

Climb up buildings and lava pits, and then claim to "have the high ground."

Coruscant

When: Episode II and III
What: Not 100% on this, but you hear it when a starship is approaching a planet, usually Coruscant.

Anakin and Group to Coruscant - listen at 2:15

The Naboo travel in style.

Darth maul

When: Episode I
What: The first apprentice to Palpatine, it was a shame they got rid of his character so fast. He is represented by choral whispering.

Enter Darth Maul - his first introduction to the Trade Federation
Qui-Gon's Noble End - Just before he defeats Qui-Gon, at 2:00

We barely knew ye...

Darth Vader (Original Theme)

When: Episode IV
What: Before Williams wrote the Imperial March, this theme represented Vader and the Empire. It is quite sinister, but does not emote the power of the Dark Side.

Imperial Attack - at 4:57, a good example of the subdued nature of this theme, performed by bassoon and muted brass
The Death Star - 2:05, a more regal version

I find your lack of thematic consistency... completely acceptable because the march was a total upgrade.

Duel of the Fates

When: Episode I, II, and III
What: A huge choral work meant to accompany major battle sequences. While it doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the saga, it is still an impressive composition.

Duel of the Fates - a suite
Return To Tatooine - the theme gets going again in Attack of the Clones as Anakin searches for his mother

Ewoks

When: Episode VI
What: A childlike theme for the little balls of fur.

Speeder Bike Chase/Land of the Ewoks - Leia's introduction to the Ewoks, the theme is at 3:25
Parade of the Ewoks - a suite

"These things have no chill." - Princess Leia

The Force

When: Episodes I, II, III, IV, V, and VI
What: Sometimes called Obi-Wan's theme, it was expanded to represent the Force as a whole. In my (very) humble opinion, this is the greatest heroic theme in film history.

The Hologram/Binary Sunset - from solo horn, woodwinds, to full orchestra, the first major use of the theme represents Luke's longing for something more. Iconic stuff, isn't it?
The Battle of Endor II - at 9:00, Vader turns on Palpatine, and the theme appears in a twisted but heroic statement
Fighting The Destroyer Droids - at 1:00, Qui-Gon begins to burn through massive doors with his light saber, it was a promising beginning to a prequel series that would then rarely feature this theme
Battle of the Heroes - one prequel exception is the use of this theme when Anakin and Obi-Wan duel

The Forest Battle

When: Episode VI
What: Much like the Asteroid Field, this is a stand alone action cue that accompanies part of the final battle from Return of the Jedi

The Lightsaber/Ewok Battle - The Ewoks save the day, because... of course!
The Forest Battle - a suite

Ha Ha!

Funerals

When: Episode I and III
What: 15 year old spoiler alert! Qui-Gon and Padme die. Both have funeral services on Naboo accompanied by this music. Each death features a short statement of the Force theme.

The High Council Meeting and Qui-Gon's Funeral - at 1:45
The Birth of The Twins and Padme's Destiny - at 1:20

General Grievous

When: Episode III
What: The prequels excelled at abruptly introducing us to characters we don't care about, and then just as abruptly killing them off. Grievous was the most grievous of these cases. Get it?

General Grievous - Obi-Wan hunts down Grievous on a giant lizard. They have a 5 light saber battle, and he ends up shooting him in the chest. This is John Williams making the best of a bad situation.

Should've stuck with Darth Maul.

The Giant Fish

Ha... just kidding.

Han & Leia

When: Episodes V and VI
What: A tender melody that lets us know they really are meant for each other, also used for some rousing action cues.

Han Solo and the Princess - A very pretty woodwind voicing of this theme.
Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett - at 1:35, "I love you." "I know..."
Han Solo Returns - at 2:20, a short lived reunion

Here They Come

When: Episode IV and VI
What: A set action cue for the Millennium Falcon's escape from the Death Star, it also includes the Rebel action theme (see below).

Ben Kenobi's Death/Tie Fighter Attack - at 1:30, as presented in the film
Here They Come - a suite

The Imperial march (Darth Vader's Theme)

When: Episodes I, II, III, V, and VI
What: No explanation needed.

The Imperial March - Darth Vader's Theme - a suite
Clash of the Lightsabers - at 0:40, heavy brass and intense strings
The Battle of Endor III - at 2:40, high strings and Vader's death

Jabba The Hutt

When: Episodes VI
What: The Hut's theme, usually presented by the tuba

Bounty For A Wookie - at 0:20, tuba, and then various reeds
Jabba the Hut - a suite

I should not have had that last half ton of donuts.

Jar Jar Binks & The Gungans

When: Episode I
What: Lighthearted woodwinds and dark choir for the most hated characters in the saga

Jar Jar's Introduction and The Swim to Otoh Gunga - A playful and enjoyable theme followed by choir as they journey underwater... such a shame it had to be scored for Jar Jar

Jawas

When: Episodes VI
What: Another childlike theme passed around the woodwind section with a response from the trumpets. All the while, the usual suspects get their "oom-pah" on.

The Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler - at 1:30
The Moisture Farm

Seriously, how do we know it isn't just a bunch of mischievous kids under those hoods?

Lando Calrissian & The Cloud City

When: Episodes V
What: One of the friendliest themes in the saga, it does a fantastic job of masking what is really going on at Bespin.

Lando's Palace
Betrayal at Bespin - at 1:10

Leia

When: Episodes III, IV, V, and VI
What: For a tough leading lady, a very delicate and lyrical theme. Some really heart wrenching stuff here.

The Hologram/Binary Sunset - the first appearance of theme as Luke discovers R2-D2's hologram
Princess Leia's Theme - a suite - solo horn, solo flute, beautiful arranging all around

Luke and Leia

When: Episode VI
What: Introduced when the possibility of a romance is lost due to the sister revelation? I've always heard this as a bridge between The Force theme and Leia's theme.

The Hologram/Binary Sunset - the first appearance of theme as Luke discovers R2-D2's hologram
Princess Leia's Theme - a suite - solo horn, solo flute, beautiful arranging all around
A New Hope and End Credits - Baby Luke and baby Leia are adopted

Mentor - Qui-Gon Jinn

When: Episode I
What: Used as an action theme when he is in battle and also as a lament in darker moments. I've always wished this theme had been developed as a heroic them throughout the prequels.

Qui-Gon and Darth Maul Meet - at 0:40, light saber duel in the Tatooine desert
The Tide Turns/The Death of Darth Maul - at 2:30, as Qui-Gon dies he asks Obi-Wan to train Anakin

Naboo Fighters

When: Episode I
What: An adventure theme for the Naboo fighter pilots, and Anakin as he follows them into battle. This fanfare often finds itself intermixed with the Duel of the Fates.

Panaka and The Queen's Protectors - at the beginning and again at 1:58

Palpatine

When: Episodes I, II, III, and VI
What: Dark choir, and sometimes sinister brass. The ultimate menace.

Emperor's Throne Room - at 1:05, dark choir and low woodwinds with spider-web-like strings in the background
The Battle of Endor II - at 7:45, dark choir again, but this time with a big brass section (also contains somewhat of a B section while Luke is being electrocuted at 5:00)
Augie's Great Municipal Band and End Credits - listen closely to the children's choir and you'll hear the theme in a major key.

Pod Racing

When: Episode I
What: A fanfare for the big race and a victory celebration.

The Flag Parade - racer introductions to a bright brass fanfare
Hail to the Winner, Anakin Skywalker - more brass fanfare (to anyone who played Pod Racer on the N64, this is your favorite theme of all time.)

Rebel Fanfare

When: Episodes IV, V, and VI
What: A short fanfare for any heroic actions in battle

The Battle of Yavin - at 8:40, as Vader's TIE fighter spins away, it is like a huge "na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" to the Empire
The Pit of the Carkoon/Sail Barge Assault - at 1:30 and many other moments
The Battle of Endor III - mixed in with the "Here They Come" theme

Sebulba

When: Episode I
What: Screechy strings (and double reeds?)

Anakin Defeats Sebulba - at 0:01

Poodoo!

Shmi Skywalker

When: Episodes I and II
What: Anakin's mother, a fitting theme when it doesn't get too cheery. They are slaves, after all.

Talk of Pod Racing - right at the start, my preferred voicing for this theme: sombre but wise
Tuscan Camp - at 1:35, a darker version as Shmi dies, which eventually leads into quiet statements of the Imperial March

Oh, hi Mary - I mean Shmi!

The Tatooine Desert

When: Episode IV
What: Mysterious strings and double reeds

The Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler - in the beginning of the cue, Stravinksy-esqe!

I told you we should have asked for directions.

The Throne Room

When: Episode IV
What: Triumphant fanfare

The Throne Room - a big brass intro makes its way into a victorious version of the Force theme followed by a flowing B section in the strings

I've always wondered - who's throne room is it?

Trade FEDERATIon, Separatists and the Droid Army

When: Episode I and II
What: A few short motifs to represent all the pawns in Palpatine's scheme

The Droid Invasion and the Appearance of Darth Maul - the droid army at 0:30, the Trade Federation at 1:25
Bounty Hunter - The Separatists at 3:00

Tusken Raiders (Sand People)

When: Episode IV
What: Atonal horns and woodwinds with tuned drums of all sizes

Landspeeder Search/Attack of the Sand People - at 0:40, you know the percussion section had fun on this one

Anybody else think "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!"

Victory Celebration

When: Episode VI
What: A mix of the jungle, children's choir, adult choir, and orchestra.

Victory Celebration/End Title - I know long time fans probably disliked that this replaced the original score but I just can't help myself - enjoy the flute and bass combo, followed by the kids

See you all in 30 years!

Walkers (Battle of Hoth)

When: Episode V
What: One of the best "war" parts of Star Wars

The Battle of Hoth - at 4:00, the lumbering low notes of the piano bring the Walkers into the battle, followed by guttural horns and high brass

Yoda

When: Episode I, II, III, V, and VI
What: No matter the voicing, this theme emotes "goodness." In my mind, this is the yin to the Imperial March's yang.

Yoda's Theme - a suite
Yoda and the Force - one of the more triumphant voicing of the theme, at 2:30, Yoda lifts the X-Wing out of the swamp
Clash of the Lightsabers - at 1:40, as Luke races to rescue his friends, the use of Yoda's theme almost serves as a warning to Luke that he is perilously close to the Dark Side

I prefer my Yoda in Muppet form.