Hi!

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY!

(AKA, May 4th. May the 4th be with you. You know.)

In honor of that, here’s a discussion of some of the music from the Saga, going by movie. Yes, including the prequels. But at least I’m going in Release Order!

Originals:

Star Wars: “Main Theme”

Yes, I needed to start with this one. I mean, seriously. STAR WARS!!!

The Empire Strikes Back: “Imperial March”

Fun fact: This is the first movie where the “Imperial March” actually comes into play. When I first found that out, I may have taken that as an excuse to re-watch “New Hope”, just to confirm. (And yep, the Imperial March is nowhere to be found in the original.)

Return of the Jedi: Original End Celebration Song, “Yub Nub”

So, explanation here. This one has a LOT of nostalgia value. I’m not saying this piece stands on its own musical merits. But I (mostly) grew up with this one, until the remastered version came out. And the remastered version didn’t have this one. (I now understand why.) But it still has definite nostalgia value.

Prequels (Sorry! But the music’s GREAT!)

Phantom Menace: “Duel of the Fates”

Hands down, “Duel of the Fates” is my favorite track from this movie. This one does a nice job of building tension and excitement.

John Williams is always masterful with the Brass, especially for the darker.

And yes, this is one I listen to periodically…

Attack of the Clones: “Across the Stars”

This movie, in addition to some of the absolute worst dialog in famous-movie history, gives a stunning love theme. In fact, one of my biggest disappointments with this movie is that it doesn’t live up to the Soundtrack.

Revenge of the Sith: “Battle of the Heroes”

Now, you may be noticing a tendency of mine to prefer the “darker” and “villainous” movements. That’s not inaccurate. In this case, though, I also have a soft spot for this one because there was a nice in-depth behind the scenes on the making of this scene, which included lots of detail on the composition of this one. So, yup!

Reboot

I’m actually just talking about the Saga here, so…

The Force Awakens: Rey’s Theme

This was another “no-brainer”.

I LOVE this piece. And it may have been the one I looked for within a day of getting back from the opening showing of “The Force Awakens.”

I mean, if it weren’t already awesome, just with the heartbreaking beauty of the theme, it has a prominent flute. (I play flute. Pretty, mysterious flute music is a way to get me to like the music.)

And it almost sounds as though there should be hints about Rey’s past hidden in the theme… Kinda like how Anakin’s theme in Phantom Menace was basically variations on a way slowed down, major-key version of the Imperial March.

So, Rey. Yep. I’m really looking forward to hearing what sorts of reveals happen in the music here!

Happy Star Wars Day again!