Page 35 - Star Wars Insider #177

JOHN WILLIAMS

02

03

“Princess Leia’s theme, like sees as the major themes of any observes, “The fi nal crescendo

Leia herself, really stands out Star Wars film—from [both] a and solo violin fi nale perfectly
from everything else in the musical perspective and a story express Leia’s inner strength and
movie, stylistically and perspective—by which ones he yearning for the innocence of
01 Leia places melodically,” he says. “Leia gives the concert treatment to.” a time long past.”
her hologram represents the broader universe. In the concert arrangement, Collins hears connections to
in R2-D2—

unkowingly She represents what we know a flute introduction leads to the the wider story. “Another piece
setting in about the Republic, the Senate, main melody, which is fi rst that famously starts with a solo
motion the and even the Rebellion for most presented by a solo French horn French horn is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s
events of the
entire original of the movie. So her theme (see sidebar, page 38). After a theme, [aka] the Force theme,”
trilogy (left). represents the beauty in the wind interlude, a fl ute returns he says. As heard when Luke
universe and everything that’s to present the primary theme. looks out toward Tatooine’s
02 Leia’s
hologram worth fi ghting for.” Following another bridge, violins binary sunset, the theme, like
sets Luke and While Leia’s melody appears play the melody, accompanied Leia’s, starts with a horn, and
Obi-Wan on

course to their some nine times over the course by horn and flute in pronounced then the strings take over.
destinies, and of A New Hope, the version that’s supporting roles. Finally, the “The French horn has
“Princess Leia’s most widely known is Williams’ full orchestra—with strings a softness to it,” says Collins.
Theme” swells.
concert arrangement, titled still leading the way—builds “It has a sweet timbre and a
03 Of course, “Princess Leia’s Theme.” This has the melody to its climax, after lower register. Of the whole brass
things take been included in every album which a violin provides the section, French horns have the
a more sinister
turn in both release of the soundtrack to date, denouement. In his liner notes to ability to play delicate melodies
the music and but isn’t heard in the fi lm itself. the A New Hope Special Edition and really give you something
action when
Darth Vader “You can always tell,” says soundtrack release, fi lm music lyrical. If you’re going to make a
arrives. Collins, “what John Williams historian Michael Matessino piece that’s going to build, it’s a

STAR WARS INSIDER / 35

31/10/2017 14:46
SWI177_032-039_FEAT_JohnWilliams_FINAL.indd 35
SWI177_032-039_FEAT_JohnWilliams_FINAL.indd 35 31/10/2017 14:46