when you hire a genius to compose your movie score

#starwars #duelofthefates #videoessay

Oh, John Williams, you genius, you... So, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is a divisive movie. But if we can be sure of anything, it's that John Williams' original score for the film is some of his best work. And perhaps no new track in The Phantom Menace was more phenomenal and downright memorable than Duel of the Fates, the epic choir piece that's previewed during the lightsaber battle with Darth Maul near the end of the film. Today, I'm gonna talk a bit about what makes the song so fantastic, and how John Williams went about creating it for the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Written & Edited by Danny Boyd

[CinemaStix]

What’s the John Williams score, or movie that he scored, that means the most to you?

[madmanmania]

"Without John Williams, bikes don't really fly; nor do brooms in Quidditch matches; nor do men in red capes; there is no force; dinosaurs do not walk the Earth... John, you breathe belief into every film we have made."

Well said Mr. Spielberg, well said.

[pixxelwizzard]

My favorite story of John Williams was when Steven Spielberg showed him Schindler's List. John Williams said it would be too challenging to score and "you need a better composer than I am for this film." Spielberg responded, "I know. But they're all dead."

[divadivad]

Hard to imagine that we're living in the time of a great composer like John Williams much like those who lived through Bach, Beethoven, Mozart etc.

[MichaelHolmgaard]

"Anakin's Betrayal" is probably my favorite Star Wars piece of all time, and I don't think it is talked about as much as it deserves. Such a brilliantly sad and epic composition. Up there with Duel of the Fates & Battle of the Heroes for sure

[RetroCarsForever]

After Duel of Fates, we started hearing A LOT of choirs in movie scores. A groundbreaking track, one of his best.

[gayerthings]

I remember listening to an interview with John Williams where he said something like “in film scoring compared to the concert hall, we can’t assume we have 100% or even 80% of the listener’s attention”. and yet his music is so memorable and iconic that I always feel like it DOES capture my full attention. but it never takes away from what’s happening in the scene, either! he’s a true master and a big reason why Jurassic Park is my fave movie. awesome vid ❤️

[stevea]

I vividly remember the music in Phantom Menace. I was a kid and my parents pulled me out of school to go see it in theaters. That music score over the theater speakers was nothing short of MAGIC. I saw John conduct at the Hollywood Bowl and it brought tears to my eyes.

[MrAndrewfreeman]

The opening to duel of fates has stood my hair on ends for more than 20 years. Every time I cannot help myself but mimic shouting with the choir. It is so god damn epic.

[CBlade]

How he topped the original score with Duel of the Fates is shockingly astonishing

[AdrianRodriguez-wgdl]

Duel of the Fates, Across the Stars, and Battle of the Heroes. All three prequel main themes are the most hauntingly beautiful pieces he’s ever composed, in my opinion.

[oogalook]

Dude, Danny, I love your channel. I love the way you let the films and filmmakers speak for themselves. You narrate only to guide us between the original sources. In times of superficiality and hear-say, you give us the simple truth. Thank you for keeping the internet classy.

[lynxoffinland]

I can only imagine what it is to be part of the orchestra, when you are all gathered to play the pieces. It's all there, on paper. You know the notes, you know your part, you know the parts of others....but when that magic wand is lifted, and everyone plays it together, and you hear something like Duel of Fates for the first time anyone has ever heard it, and know it is you, and your fellows giving birth to that magnificent music. I can only imagine what it feels like.

[rcdune]

The fact that Duel of the Fates is played during 3 different parts of 3 different movies where literally the Fate of galaxy hangs in the balance.. Qui-gon & Obi-Wan vs Maul, Anakin on his journey to rescue his mother, and Yoda vs Ahhhh man, I love it

[joshimura]

George made a lot of great decisions in his 6 Star Wars movies, but getting John to do the music is one of his best ones easily.
He said it himself that "Johnnys" music is probably the most important part of any star wars movie.

[quietlyworking]

So beautifully told Danny. My tears started at the first hearing of that unforgettable vocal chorus and repeated again and again. Some lives are simply worthy of many tears. This will go on the watch list for our students. Thank you🙏

[apatheticallyconcerned]

Anyone from my generation, born in the late 70's/early 80's will often say "the 80's and 90's were the best!" I think this video reminded me how much John Williams and Steven Spielberg impacted our impression of those decades. The magic of cinema made our childhood, well...magical.

[Woolie]

the amount of work you put into gathering the reference & source materials coupled with your ability to piece them all together cohesively and in a compelling manner REALLY separates your work from other... "video essay"... channels.

the minimal self-input - letting clips speak for themselves and only giving the necessary context with your VO - has to be one of your best qualities! keep it up

[Hamentsios]

This man has to stay in history as the greatest film composer of our time

[iTzDritte]

5:12 That’s crazy how they snuck the “Korah Rahtahmah” in the film 3 times before the battle and I never noticed. 😮