Musical Analysis #2
StarWars Theme Song Analysis
Today I am going to be writing about the StarWars theme song composed and conducted by the brilliant John Williams.
This piece is absolutely iconic, with it's uplifting energy given by the melody it really makes you hopeful for the protagonist, maybe even a new hope *wink wink* this melody really does do an amazing job at building as well as creating the excitement, it almost sets the direction for the mood while the other components are the building blocks. The low repeated sounds of silence and dips in the rhythm build so much tension and illuminate these musical hills as we listen and make the sounds way more exciting to the ears, the pitch of the extreme high and low tones combined with the rhythm work together in this odd way to create these low dips and high hills that keep us always guessing what is coming next and makes you feel the physical excitement the film is trying to spread even though you would think an emotional song like this would not replicate a film about battle. It completely contrasts the topic yet it forms to it like a glove, I believe this is because the emotional tones are adding to the tension as well, making the final high notes and such feel so much louder and powerful.
Even the beat is completely reminiscent of the feeling of positive energy as well, not being to much and not being too little and allowing all other components to take over but also allowing to still make its march effect along with the other components like tempo. If you didn't pay attention you may miss the beat all together. This is absolutely what they needed for this piece, that way you would not cross the line of exciting to downright anxiety inducing, the tempo sits at a 91 BPM, making it a very emotional song rather than packed full of action which also made me feel the music way more, it sinks into you and really just lets you feel the components in your chest. The piece feels like a live performance every time, almost similar to what I would imagine an opera to feel like.
There is definitely a feeling of anticipation to this song, that makes you feel like you are moving straight into a tie fighter battle. It's meter of 4 combined with it's high pitches and fluctuating rhythm I believe is what makes this daring effect, I really love not only feeling this excitement in my chest but also feeling like I am entering the scene myself with this boldness resonating into my energy. The sound not only complements the film, but controls the way we perceive what we are seeing, whether it is sad or happy or in this case downright thrilling !
Backstory Into The Music
George Lucas creator of the saga told Williams to create a song that sounded like "space creatures would be listening to in a sleazy bar" reported by MovieWeb, William is a skilled jazz pianist and used this skill set to make this excitement inducing piece. In fact, Williams is so skilled that the amazingly talented Steven Spielberg referred him to Lucas.
Most interestingly in an interview with CNN William states he prefers to work backwards which also can also be represented in the films as they are created similarly. That effect of feeling like going into a battle or uplifting is completely on purpose as well, as William's states that his reason for working backwards was that was his only way of getting that heroic feel he wanted.
This movie set the nostalgic memory in many heads of many different generations, personally to me this was exactly that. I had all the Lego's, action figures you could imagine and watched each movie about one hundred times over, I believe this helped set up my characteristics as an adult in the future with the films amazing humor and personalities that really sunk into me like a sponge and water. A long with the virtuous messages in the film such as to always keep hope and try your best to succeed as well as overcoming and having self control. I truly love this film and it's soundtrack and I hope you did as well, and lastly may the music be with you!
Citation Bibliography
Taylor, I love your writing style, it's so descriptive and immersive! Even though I don't have much nostalgia for the Star Wars series, reading your post while listening to the piece really put me in your shoes. I think it speaks to how well it's composed because even without watching any of the movies, all of the musical elements used still creates a story to follow.
ReplyDeleteHi Taylor!
ReplyDeleteMy heart skipped a beat when I saw the star wars logo because I LOVE JOHN WILLIAMS!!! I actually got to watch him conduct his music in Hollywood last year. The most surreal experience of my life! He is a LEGEND in music composition to say the least.
I love your analysis! It's thorough and covers the entirety of the piece!
I would also like to add that articulation and intervals are important musical elements of this piece.
Articulation is what creates the excitement of this piece. Alongside dynamics, articulation is what creates the biggest contrasts between the emotional parts (like Padme and Anakin's love theme) and the intense themes (Darth Vaderrr). In this piece specifically, if the brass had played the opening fanfare with soft legato tonguing, there would be no suspense, and excitement for what lie ahead. Instead, John Williams wrote in staccato articulation which is where we get that driving force and anticipation that a hero is in our midst.
Additionally, in that video you included with John Williams dissecting his inspiration for the main theme, he talks about the interval relationship between the notes. The 1-5 jump and then 4-3-1 walk down to 1 again up the octave is brilliant! I like how he said the interval relationship encompasses a hero- its a bold and courageous jump to make, and that's exactly what we see from the characters in the movie. You mention this when you talk about the low dips and high hills.
Well done, and GREAT taste in music:)
Once I saw Star Wars, I had to come read your blog. I got to agree with you when you are talking about the beat is like a positive energy. I think the way the pitch is in this theme song is perfect with as you said the extreme low and high and that it is odd but great. Loved that you picked this theme song.
ReplyDeleteIconic is for sure!! Is it even possible to not hear this song and sing along? I don't think I have ever thought about the music theory behind this song, so this was an interesting read for sure. Your take on the tempo makes a ton of sense and I totally agree. The broad instruments in a BPM under 100 BPM just creates a song to dwell in action. Also, your blog is such a vibe, I feel like I am talking to my friend!
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