The movies of Star Wars are filled with moments. And they are scored masterfully. In this post, we’re diving into some of those moments to see how music connects to the visuals on screen.
The first moment is the Binary Sunset. After Luke comes home to find his aunt and uncle killed, this moment is the turning point in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Luke sets out on his heroes journey, but not after pausing to take in the sunsets on Tattoine one last time. And the music here swells at just the right time, reinforcing that emotion.
The next moment has to be the on screen debut of the “Imperial March”. Darth Vader had already shown up on “Star Wars: A New Hope” with nothing like this to support him. But….when we get to “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”, now we’ve got a theme to support Vader in all of his evil ways. How it supports the moment is quite powerful and epic.
Of course, we have the main theme. How can you not hear that opening chord and envision a black screen with the words Star Wars outlined in yellow? I can’t. It’s perfect, triumphant and sets the stage for what is to come.
It’s the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” and I’m so excited to see this in the theater again next week. “Duel of the Fates” is a fantastic underscore for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s battle against Darth Maul. As the fight begins, you notice how the music is a little more sparse and quieter. As the battle ensues, the music gets louder and much more intense. The choir adds so much to that emotion and tension as well.
I had to for this last one. One first blush, a ragtime piece in space just doesn’t quite fit, does it? But, as we go on, it clearly adds a little levity to the situation, putting the audience at ease, but also juxtaposing what Obi-Wan says about Mos Eisley, “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villany” with this ragtime loving group of aliens!
These are my top 5 favorites. There’s plenty more for me. But what about you? What is your favorite Star Wars musical moment? How does that scene improve or be changed because of the music in it?
If you’re interested in lessons or camps this summer, check out Harmanny Music Education’s Summer offerings!