Star Wars - The Genius of John Williams

* John Williams' scores for the Star Wars series contain some of the most recognisable, and popular music ever written for film. In this essay I analyse one theme, or set piece, from each of the three trilogies - 'Duel of the Fates' from the prequels, 'Princess Leia's Theme' from the original trilogy and 'The Battle of Crait' from the sequels. I use these to consider how Williams created the iconic sound of the Star Wars universe, as well as how he uses the music to enhance the narrative and add depth to the characters.

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#StarWars #JohnWilliams

[corner]

There's no way Star Wars would ever have been as successful as it was without John Williams.

[sebastianfeldam]

“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, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.” Spielberg on John Williams

This man made the soundtracks that defined the childhood of billions. A true legend.

[derekpatterson]

The more I listen to Duel of the Fates, the more I realize it is Williams' crowning achievement. He essentially has the entire orchestra battling itself to show the battle going on screen, not only between the combatants, but inside characters like Obi Wan.

Freaking brilliant.

[johnpeace]

"try and imagine what it was like to experience this for the first time"
I don't have to. I was there. I was 8, and had never seen a movie with an orchestral score, as they were not popular at the time. I was so moved I started taking piano lessons so I could learn to play this stuff. I even wrote John Williams a letter telling him how much St5ar Wars changed my perception of music. The best part is John wrote me back. I still have it, a handwritten and signed letter of thanks

[DavidBennettPiano]

This video is criminally underviewed! Brilliant work again ⚡️

[valtteripennanen]

John Williams is like J.R.R Tolkien of music, influenced a whole genre of music while doing something so daring yet so brave

[PianoMan]

In my opinion John Williams' Star Wars scores were some of the best of his career.

[thebacons]

I’ve always understood Williams’ score to *be* the Force.

[MariOmor]

Fun fact: the music at 19:29 is actually a heroic version of the Imperial March. It symbolized Luke carrying his father's spirit with him into the battle.

[SkulShurtugalTCG]

With most music I like trying to guess the time signature when I listen. With John Williams music, I've just given up. He's a master of forcing you to stop paying attention to the technicalities of the music and just enjoying it instead.

[sgtplop]

the prequels need an episode on their own for the other pieces like Anakin's betrayal. amazing video

[elektrogstanzl]

Princess Leia‘s Theme would even impress Mozart. It’s absolutely angelic. Hard to hear without getting touched at the absolute center of your heart.

[robinhahnsopran]

Hi! I'm an opera singer, and I know Strauss' Elektra quite well. My mouth literally FELL OPEN when you made the connection between the Agamemnon melody and what Williams did in the Battle of Crait. Mind blown! ✨LOVE this video!

[erichb]

I'm not a musician, can't even read music beyond a few notes, but watched this whole video just because you do such a good job making the music sound so impressive. You do a really good job making the viewer feel that they're watching a masterwork, even for someone who does not understand 3/4 of what you're saying. Great effort.

[dazuko]

The Duel of Fates is and forever will be one of the greatest pieces of music every produced.

[charliefancyboy]

Hearing Leia’s theme always brings a tear to my eye

[NATESUCKSATGAMING]

I genuinely think the prequels have the best overall scoring. But damn what episode 4 built is incredible. Leia's theme is excellent

[petertrast]

"Try and imagine"... I was there. 13 years old, theater debut. 22 times in 2 weeks. John Williams wrote the music of my LIFE. He is THE master composer of the last century who will be counted as one of the greatest ever for centuries to come.

[shannonchurchill]

John Williams made me expand my musical tastes more than any other artist or composer. He made a 10 year old kid who listened to Kiss open his mind to classical music with the soundtrack to a silly science fiction movie which is still a huge part of that 10 year old’s universe 44 years later. When I heard Duel of the Fates for the first time, I realized that he wasn’t just one of the greatest movie soundtrack composers ever, but I believe he belongs in the pantheon of greats alongside the likes of Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky.

[feonjun]

My understanding of the narrator goes something like this, but he his voice is so pure and beautiful that it mixed beautifully with John William's music.