Music in Star Wars

[Whill]

I wanted to make a general thread to discuss music.

Do you like Star Wars music? If so, just in the movies, or do you ever enjoy listening to the soundtracks on their own?

Do you play Star Wars music during a game session in the background as a mood-setting element? Do you just put in a CD and press play or random for the whole session, or do you play specific tracks at specific times in the adventure?

Either way, do you use John Williams film music from other movies? Which ones? Do you use non-Williams film music? Which ones? Do you use non-film music? What genres? Classic Rock? What? What artists/albums/songs?
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[Whill]

I'm a big film score nerd with no formal musical training whatsoever. I've just recently completed a project I started years ago looking at the thematic elements of Star Wars music, and thought I would post it here for anyone else who is interested in this sort of thing. If not, please feel free to ignore this post.

This list is by no means meant to be portrayed as exhaustive, but this covers the most significant thematic material.

Leitmotif : a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation.


First appearing in Star Wars (A New Hope)

Star Wars/Main Title/Main Theme/Luke Skywalker's Theme/Overture (all films) - Associated with Luke, heroism, adventure, The Millennium Falcon, and the Skywalker family in general. The main theme has primary and secondary motifs (parts a and b). Luke's theme is arguably the most iconic Star Wars theme. I believe this is the only theme to appear in all the films.

Force Theme/Obi-Wan Kenobi's Theme/Binary Sunset/Throne Room, part a (all films but Solo) - Associated with The Force, Obi-Wan, Jedi and fate/destiny. Obi-Wan's theme is only slightly less iconic than Luke's and Vader's themes.

Princess Leia's Theme (RotS, RO, ANH, TESB, RotJ, TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - Associated with Leia. Curiously, this is this theme that plays when Obi-Wan disappears on the Death Star, not the Force Theme. I suppose it could suggest a dramatic emphasis on Leia’s Rebel cause which Obi-Wan gave his life for.

Rebel Fanfare/Rebel Motif/Millennium Falcon Motif (RotS, Solo, RO, ANH, TESB, RotJ, TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - A short motif related to the Main Theme and associated primarily with the Rebel Alliance, and future and present rebel heroes, the theme also appears in the end credits of all the films. The Action Ostinato is a complementary motif that usually plays as a baseline underneath the Rebel Fanfare but also plays by itself.

Tie Fighter Attack/Here They Come!/Spaceship Battle (Solo, ANH, RotJ, TFA, TLJ) - A counter-motif of the Rebel Fanfare that's mainly associated with space battles, the Tie Fighter Attack theme is featured in the Falcon's escape from Death Star I and reappears in the space Battle of Endor. It has also come to also represent the Millennium Falcon.

Imperial Motif (Solo, RO, ANH) - Associated with the Empire, Grand Moff Tarkin, and to a lesser extent, Darth Vader. This theme anticipates some aspects of the iconic Imperial March which replaces this theme in the next film. There is also a minor Darth Vader motif in ANH, but that was also replaced by Imperial March in all the other films.

Death Star Motif/Imperial Ships (Solo, RO, ANH, RotJ) - In ANH it is used when the scene changes to the Death Star, and in RO it is used thematically as Williams had intended in ANH. In RotJ Williams used it to score the defeat of the Executor, and in Solo it is used to score the appearance of the Imperial Star Destroyer.

Scum and Villainy/Scum Closing In (ANH) - Related motifs appearing in Jawa queues, when Luke's speeder is moving through Mos Eisley, and in the trash compactor scene.

Victory March/Throne Room March/Throne Room, part b (ANH+) - The Throne Room is the Rebel award ceremony at the end of the original film, but the theme also appears in the end credits of the classic films. The Victory March is a counter-motif to the Force motif which plays in the same sequence.

Tatooine Motif/Planetary Descent Figure (TPM, AotC, ANH)

Dies Irae (AotC, RotS, RO, ANH) - A Non-Williams classical motif at least referenced in all Star Wars films. Williams used it motivically in three tragic occasions: When Anakin confesses to slaughtering the entire Sand People tribe to avenge the death of Shmi Lars, when Jedi are being slaughtered by Vader and clone troopers across the galaxy, and in connection to Owen and Beru Lars' murder at the hands of Vader's stormtroopers. Michael Giacchino uses this theme in RO to underscore Cassian going over his plan in the U-Wing on Eadu (not revealing that he plans to kill Galen Erso). Dies Irae is also used in RO as a pessimistic counterpoint to his optimistic Hope theme in the Yavin Alliance Council discussion, and Krennik vs. Jyn and Cassian in the Scarif data vault. Historically, Dies Irae is an apocalyptic theme of wrath and judgement.

Other ANH music - Jawa Theme, Tusken Raiders motif, Stormtrooper motif


First appearing in The Empire Strikes Back

The Imperial March/Darth Vader's Theme (all films but ANH) - Associated with Vader and the Empire, this iconic theme was used prominently in the first two sequels. It's use in the prequel trilogy is much more subtle, but fitting. In TMP it underscores Yoda telling Obi-Wan, "The Chosen One, the boy may be. Nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training." In AotC it appears three times, sequentially more prominent each time: It underscores Yoda sensing Anakin's disturbance when slaughtering the Sand People, part of when Anakin confesses that act to Padme, and the assembly and departure of the clone armies (future Imperial stormtroopers) at the end of the film. Imperial March fittingly appears frequently in RotS, the rise of the Empire and Darth Vader. In RO, Imperial March is used only in conjunction with Vader’s appearances. In Solo, it is used to introduce Han as an Imperial in the Battle of Mimbam.

Han and the Princess/Han and Leia/Love Theme from The Empire Strikes Back (TESB, RotJ, TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - Unsurprisingly related to Princess Leia's Theme, it was the only Star Wars theme officially representing Han Solo until Solo. In TESB, Han and Leia appears in it's most heroic, action-oriented form after Solo is frozen in carbonate.

Yoda's Theme (TPM, AotC, RotS, TESB, RotJ, TLJ, TRoS) - Associated with Yoda. This theme always reminds me of Han and the Princess and vice versa, maybe because they were born out of the same creative burst, or maybe just because they are both featured most prominently in TESB (Yoda's Theme does even appear on Cloud City).

Cloud City/Lando's Palace/Bespin March/Betrayal at Bespin/Trouble in Bespin (TESB) - Two motifs associated with Cloud City and Lando Calrissian.

Droids motif (Solo, TESB) - A minor short motif originally associated with R2-D2 and C-3PO, together and individually.

Dark Side - (RotS, RO, TESB, RotJ, TRoS) - A motif, ostinato, and melody cluster that is highly motivic in TESB. An aspect of it first appeared in ANH.

Other TESB music - The Asteroid Field, Boba Fett's Motif


First appearing in Return of the Jedi

The Emperor's Theme/The Sith Theme/Darth Sidious (TPM, AotC, RotS, RotJ, TLJ, TRoS) - An ominous theme associated with Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine, the Sith and the Dark Side of the Force. The theme was also ingeniously transformed into the upbeat, celebratory diegetic music (called "Augie's Municipal Band" and "The Parade") for the peace parade on Naboo at the end of TPM, hinting that the election of Palpatine to Supreme Chancellor signifies the beginning of his rise to Galactic Emperor.

Jabba the Hutt's Theme (TPM, ANH, RotJ) - Two motifs associated with Hutts. Although the theme first appeared in RotJ, it was later used in Jabba's scene added to ANH, and in conjunction with Jabba and Gardulla the Hutt's appearance in TPM.

Ewok Parade/The Ewok Theme (RotJ) - There are a couple associated motifs for the Ewoks.

Luke and Leia (RotJ, TLJ, TRoS) - Inspired by Yoda's, Leia's and Luke's themes, this theme is associated with Luke and Leia being twin siblings. The only reason this theme didn't appear in RotS is because Williams had forgotten of its existence when he was scoring RotS.

Revelations/Brother and Sister (RotJ) is an outgrowth of Yoda's Theme that appears as a prelude to Luke and Leia and elsewhere. It is expanded from a brief part of the scoring for Luke leaving Dagobah to rescue Leia in TESB.

Into the Trap (Solo, RO, RotJ) is a theme with two component motifs. Part A is expanded from a slower musical figure that appears as the Falcon is being drawn towards the Death Star in ANH. Outside of RotJ, Part B was used in RO when the Rogue One team is going to Scarif, and a very similar version was used in Solo when the crew is executing its scam on Kessel.

Victory Celebration (TPM, RotJ) - This is the more dramatic and emotionally mature theme that has replaced "Yub Nub" since 1997. The Victory Celebration motif actually subtly appears in TPM in conjunction with Anakin on Tatooine, as a dramatic bookend with his death in RotJ. Elements of the new RotJ celebration music also fittingly appear in TPM celebration at the end of the film.

Other RotJ music - Battle Victory Fanfare, Alliance Assemble


First appearing in The Phantom Menace

Duel of the Fates (Solo, TPM, AotC, RotS, TRoS) - The epic masterpiece theme of the prequels, associated with the clash of Jedi vs. Sith, Light Side vs. Dark Side, and good vs. evil. In TPM it underscores most of the lightsaber battle between Maul, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. In AotC it goes inward as it plays during Anakin's quest to find his mother, representing him racing towards his own inner struggles between light and dark. In RotS it appears during Yoda's battle with Palpatine (I believe in RotS it was not newly recorded but just tracked and edited from the concert suite/end credits version from TPM). It is very briefly referenced in TRoS. Duel of the Fates is my personal favorite film score theme. Aspects of Duel of the Fates became the Darth Maul motif ("Korah, Ratamah").

Anakin's Theme/Young Anakin (TPM, AotC, RotS) - An innocent-sounding theme (with a hint of sadness) derived from Imperial March, and used decreasingly through the prequels. Anakin also has a minor secondary motif.

Army Invasion Theme/Trade Federation March/Droid Invasion Theme/Droid March (TPM, AotC, RotS) - Associated with the Droid armies of the Trade Federation in TPM and the clone armies of the Republic in AotC. It is also used in the Battle of Kashyyyk in RotS (droids vs. clones and Wookiees). (A very similar piece of music in AotC seems to represent the Separatist Confederacy.)

Prequel Action Theme/Escape from Naboo (TPM, AotC, RotS) - This energetic theme is a general action theme for the prequels, first appearing in the score during Queen Amidala's escape from Naboo (with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Ja-Jar and Artoo). It also appeared in the last lap of Anakin's pod race. In AotC it appeared when Yoda and the clone army rescue the Jedi and Padme on Geonosis. In RotS it appears when the Separatist ship is damaged and begins to fall to the surface of Coruscant.

The Funeral Theme (TPM, RotS) - Heard during Qui-Gon and Padme's funerals, plus Vader being made into his classic cyborg visage. It seems related to part of the scoring for Yoda's death in RotJ.

Shmi's Motif (TPM, AotC, RotS)

Other TPM music: Qui-Gon's Theme, Jar Jar's Motif, The Flag Parade


First appearing in Attack of the Clones

Across the Stars/Anakin and Padme/Love Theme from Attack of the Clones (AotC, RotS) - The moving and tragic theme for Anakin and Padme's romance. It vaguely resembles Luke and Leia's theme from RotJ. There are also a couple additional minor love motif that appears in AotC and RotS known as Secondary Love Theme/Naboo Theme/Pastoral Love Theme/The Meadow Picnic/Pastoral Courtship/Gloomy Courtship.

Conflict Motif/Galactic Conflict (AotC) - Bearing a resemblance to Boba Fett's Motif, this major motif represents the Separatists, Count Dooku, Jango Fett and the mystery of the assassination plot. "Jango's Escape" (from Kenobi on Kamino) was developed out of the conflict motif.

Mystery Motif (AotC, RotS, TRoS) - Associated with mystery and descent.

Anakin's Descent Motif/Descent (Dies Irae) (AotC, RotS) - Based on Dies Irae (See ANH above) and associated with Anakin's descent towards the Dark Side, this motif is a part of Anakin's Betrayal in RotS.

Grand Army of the Republic Theme/Arena Battle March/The Arena (AotC, RotS) - Associated with the Republic military, this march first appears in AotC in the Arena on Geonosis. Both AotC scenes it is in feature future Republic war hero Anakin in the place where the Clone War begins. In RotS, it is used at the introduction of the Battle of Kashyyyk, Vader leading the 501st to attack the Jedi Temple, and the Republic's victory at the Battle of Utapau.

Other AotC music - Chase Through Coruscant/Zam the Assassin's Theme, Longing for Mother Motif/Mourning Theme, Republic Motif, Kamino Motif, Separatist Theme, Dooku's Motif


First appearing in Revenge of the Sith

General Grievous' Theme (RotS) - Associated with the character of General Grievous, his motif and the prequel action theme were also married to begat the exciting Grievous vs. Kenobi action music.

Anakin's Betrayal/The Betrayal Lament/Descent (Lament) (RotS) - Based on Anakin's Descent motif, this tragically beautiful theme plays during the Order 66 sequences and Anakin's final meeting with Padme. The Immolation Theme seems to have been developed out of this theme.

Battle of the Heroes (RotS, TLJ) - The epic theme of the climactic clash between Obi-Wan and Anakin/Vader. Lucas asked Williams to create a tragic Duel of the Fates and boy, did he deliver. This grand operatic theme is the genius offspring of The Force/Obi-Wan's theme and Imperial March/Vader's theme, and based on Dies Irae (See ANH above). I see Battle of the Heroes and the hauntingly beautiful Immolation Scene as William's magnificent thematic swan songs of Lucas' Star Wars saga.

Other RotS music - Arrival Theme, Sith Motif, Escape Motif, Mustafar Motif


First appearing in The Force Awakens

Rey's Theme (TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - This robust theme for Rey has multiple parts and many various renditions throughout the film. It's beautiful.

Kylo Ren's Theme (TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - Associated with Kylo Ren, there seems to be a relationship to the Emperor's Theme.

Resistance March (TFA, TLJ, TRoS) - Associated with the General Organa's Resistance against the First Order.

Sequel Action Theme (TFA, TLJ) - This is a definite, distinct theme recurring throughout the film and even appearing in the end credits suite, but I'm not sure what to call it. It seems to mostly be associated with Finn and scores action.

Snoke's Motif (TFA, TLJ) - This theme is very similar to the Sith motif appearing only in the opera scene of RotS where Palpatine is talking to Anakin about Darth Plagueis the Wise.

Poe's Flying motif/I Can Fly Anything (TFA, TLJ) - Appears whenever Poe is flying.

Other TFA music - Jedi Steps


First appearing in Rogue One

Jyn Erso's Theme (RO, ANH) - The main theme of RO which seems to be inspired by the classical motif Dies Irae and almost exactly corresponds to a musical figure used in the scoring of ANH after Leia's message about the Rebel mission and Luke's call to adventure (Obi-Wan telling Luke he must learn the ways of the Force and come with him to Alderaan). The figure starts immediately after Obi-Wan says he is "getting too old for this sort of thing" and plays as Luke rejects the call. Michael Giacchino basing Jyn Erso's motif on this figure essentially puts her motif retroactively into ANH at a thematically appropriate moment when it is up to other characters to continue the mission she died for. This is pure genius! And this means the main theme of this non-Williams film score actually does goes back to Williams. Jyn Erso’s Theme is nice, and serviceable.

Imperial Theme (RO) - The new major theme for the Empire inspired by the short little Imperial Motif from ANH, the Imperial March, and William's Nazi theme from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Imperial Theme is the most memorable from the film. Krennic’s Theme is a minor RO theme associated with the Imperial Theme.

Guardians of the Whills (RO) - Chirrut Îmwe's mystical and somewhat sad theme inspired by the Force Theme and Across the Stars, the tragic love theme from AotC. The latter may seem an odd choice to inspire the Whills theme, but Across the Stars in part represents the beginning of the fall of the Jedi Order, while the pillaging of the Jedha temple and destruction its city represents the last remnants of the Jedi being swept away. Or maybe the composer just loves Across the Stars.

Hope Theme (RO) - This is the most important new minor theme, inspired by Main Star Wars Theme and representing optimism. Rebellions are built on hope.

Other RO music - Erso Family Theme, Rogue One Suspense Theme


First appearing in Solo

The Adventures of Han/Young Han Solo (Solo) - John Williams finally wrote a proper theme for Han Solo and recorded a Concert Suite version to give to composer John Powell to base his score for Solo around. It's got a few component motifs. It's great. Classic Williams.

Han & Chewie/Chewbacca's Theme (Solo) - Chewbacca finally gets a theme, but it also represents Han and Chewie's relationship. It's beautiful theme of friendship and loyalty.

Han & Qi'ra/Qi'ra & Han/Han and Qi’ra Love Theme (Solo) - Nice.

Enfys Nest/Marauder's Theme (Solo) - This is probably the other most memorable theme from the film, using the Bulgarian Choir. It's got two component motifs. I like it a lot.

Secrets/Crimson Dawn/Crime Syndicate Motif/Vos' Theme (Solo)

The Gang/Beckett's Theme/The Crew Theme (Solo)

Other Solo music - L3-37/L3's Theme (Solo), Fakery



EDITS:
Updated for Rogue One
Added TLJ notations for prior theme appearances
Updated for Solo
Added TRoS notations for prior theme appearances
Updated with more details for most films, corrected misspellings
Updated with info on the origin of Jyn Erso's Theme.
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[Jedi Skyler]

I do enjoy the music, inside AND out of the movies.

Back when I got to actually do tabletop gaming, our GM would always have the music playing in the background. It NEVER hurts in that setting, and I agree wholeheartedly with doing that, even if you just have it playing, rather than using specific sections to augment specific points in the action.

[cynanbloodbane]

I have playlists set up in my laptop for Fantasy RPGs, Star Wars, and an AC DC mix for some tabletop wargaming!

So yes music is on and thematic in my game room!
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"Yes because killing the guy you always planned on usurping and killing anyways in order to save your own kid, totally atones for murdering a roomful of innocent trusting children." The Brain

[Cap'nCodskale]

[Barrataria]

One part of the new film I have complete confidence in... soundtrack! I have most of the first 6 and play them when I'm writing or especially plotting SW games.

Like Codskale I am very fond of the Clone Wars soundtrack. I really like the radio-style opening theme and enjoy having a Star Wars opening song I can use for game sessions that isn't quite the main theme. Other than the cantina music I think it's a great collection.

Finally.... I think the Imperial March has to be on the short list for greatest movie song of all time. Second only to the Rocky theme maybe? That gets played a lot at sports events and otherwise, and seems to be acknowledged as an official "rally" song. The Imperial March pops up all the time in pop culture, and punctuates a point (usually a satiric or political one) like no other. Oh, and my niece made us sing it to her one year instead of Happy Birthday! It's both iconic and technically excellent.
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"A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing"- George Lucas

[RyanDarkstar]

While I greatly enjoy the music of Star Wars, I am disappointed with the recording of Return of the Jedi. Every version I own sounds dull and flat, like it is missing the higher range of tones. For example, the strings sound very muted.

Has a corrected CD or download been made available? Luke and Leia's Theme is one of my favorite tracks, especially how it was used in the opening of one of my favorite games, X-wing Alliance (seen here at 4:18).

I'd love to get my hands on a better version of the Jedi soundtrack, if someone knows where I can order one.
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Currently playing D&D 5E and painting an unholy amount of miniatures.

[Barrataria]

[Whill]

[Whill]

[Barrataria]

[Whill]

[Barrataria]

Maybe... it's because it's such a good film? As you say unless it's a musical the soundtrack should be telling the story in harmony with the film, not distracting attention. I might have noticed the TPM score more because I disliked the film or was often distracted while watching it. In fact I have it on right now and I'm remembering all the great choral work.

In the same vein, I know a sound engineer here whose first question to me was "how's the sound" and I had to say... I dunno! Again, as you say, that's a good sign I think because everything sounded like it "should" have, to me anyway. For him I'll be listening more carefully next time round, and for you I'll listen to the soundtrack more carefully.
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"A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing"- George Lucas

[Whill]

[cheshire]

I must say, they've done a masterful job making sure you can't just rip these directly from the site. They were far less careful with the music from SW:Rebels and TCW.
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Before we take any of this too seriously, just remember that in the middle episode a little rubber puppet moves a spaceship with his mind.