Page 11 - Star Wars Insider (Special Edition 2020)

JOHN WILLIAMS

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

Leia herself, really stands out Star Wars film—from [both] a and solo violin finale 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 first 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 flute 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 fighting 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 some nine times over the course by horn and flute in pronounced then the strings take over.

course to their
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 film itself. the A New Hope Special Edition and really give you something

action when “You can always tell,” says soundtrack release, film music lyrical. If you’re going to make a

Darth Vader
arrives. Collins, “what John Williams historian Michael Matessino piece that’s going to build, it’s a

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