7m1 The STAR WARS Main Title

06/26/18 • -1 min

When reviewing the century-long tradition of music in cinema, the American Film Institute's selection for 'greatest film score of all time' came as little surprise; it was of course John Williams' score to George Lucas' STAR WARS. For us, this 1977 score is something of a modern miracle - a work whose colossal popularity is matched only by its outstanding quality. Nowhere is that combination more apparent than in the very first piece of underscore, the unforgettable Main Title. Arguably the crown jewel of film music cues (whose original recording broke into the '77 Billboard top 10 [yes, the pop charts!]), this dazzling opening number presents a definitive rendition of the main theme and unequivocally proclaims the tone of the film that follows.
We recently had the great fortune to speak with audio legend Alan Snelling, assistant engineer on STAR WARS (as well as THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RETURN OF THE JEDI, SUPERMAN, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and many others). Here he provides a vivid account of the debut performance of the Main Title and its impact on those to first experience it. [We will continue to hear from Alan throughout our arc of episodes. His full unedited interview will be available later this week on Patreon]
We simply can't contain our joy for today's episode - an hourlong exploration into the composition, orchestration, performance and storytelling power of the Main Title. Please join us as we take our "first steps into a larger world".
Listen to episode 7m1 The STAR WARS Main Title
STAR WARS - John Williams - 1977 - Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox (George Lucas, dir,)
Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams Signature Edition - Hal Leonard (conductor score)
https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4490057&lid=150&keywords=john%20williams%20signature&subsiteid=1&
IMDB
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/?ref_=nv_sr_5
Alan Snelling http://www.up4loud.com/ https://soundcloud.com/alan-snelling-1/sets/alan-snelling-music
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For score reductions, additional links and more,
the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com
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to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

Previous Episode

Prologue: A Long Time Ago...

We've dreamed of these episodes since ever conceiving the podcast... Today we want to offer our thanks for your patience, attention and support by turning to a subject so many of us love like no other: John Williams' score to STAR WARS (1977). Now more than ever we want to remember the original cinematic phenomenon that defied the odds and seemed to unite a jaded, world-weary nation. Now we turn back the clock more than 40 years, to a time when Princess Leia & Luke Skywalker were little more than ideas in the mind of a young & visionary George Lucas; to a decade where a seasoned & sophisticated composer was presented the opportunity of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to either of them, together these two collaborators would create a work that would enrapture their public, transform their industry, and undeniably change the popular culture of their planet. We begin our 5-part series on STAR WARS with a special prologue examining all that happened before John Williams put pencil to paper. We've got so many questions we're dying to ask: What was the state of film music in the late 1970's? What did George Lucas envision musically for his space fantasy? How was Williams uniquely poised to deliver what is arguably the most essential film score of all time? What was the temp score to STAR WARS and who was its author? What of these occasional allegations of copying/borrowing/plagiarism? ... Today we attempt to answer each of these questions and prepare as best as we can for the episodes ahead. We hope to make this series as special & content-rich as possible - we can't wait to share what's in store. May the force be with you!
Listen to Prologue: A Long Time Ago...
Rinzler, J.W. The Making of Star Wars New York, NY, Ballantine Books, 2007
Star Wars, Lucas, and Williams: An Introduction
https://www.soundtrackpodcast.com/podcasts/star-wars-lucas-and-williams-an-introduction.htm
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For score reductions, additional links and more,
the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com
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to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

Next Episode

7m2 The Themes of STAR WARS

With the exuberant Main Title still ringing in our ears, we turn our attention today to the many character themes that populate the underscore of John Williams' STAR WARS (1977). Examining this music uncovers a masterclass of melodic writing for film: from the short jingle-like motifs for the Rebel starships & Imperial soldiers to the lyrical, upward reaching anthems for Princess Leia and spiritual master Obi-wan Kenobi. We explore what each of these themes reveals of their characters, marveling at their ingenious & complementary expressions of rhythm, pitch, harmony and emotion. To help us in our discovery, we are joined by Dr. Jefferson Campbell, world-renowned Bassoonist and professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he continues to instruct on film music. Dr. Campbell is an authority on the music of the STAR WARS saga, frequently presenting his lecture "John Williams: The Other Star Wars Storyteller". With Dr. Campbell's help, we take a historical glance at the franchise, appreciating the seeds Williams plants in this first film - seeds he continues to water & nurture 40 years onward. We also delight in placing some attention on lesser-sung themes of this original film; equally memorable motives that never again appear in the saga (in fact, we even listen to Williams' unused first draft of an iconic character theme - a theme so appealing it found a happy home a few scores afterward). Join us as we continue to unearth John Williams incredible storytelling power in this landmark film. #maytheforcebewithyou
Listen to episode 7m2 The Themes of STAR WARS
STAR WARS - John Williams - 1977 - Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox (George Lucas, dir,)
Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams Signature Edition - Hal Leonard (conductor score)
https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4490057&lid=150&keywords=john%20williams%20signature&subsiteid=1&
IMDB
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/?ref_=nv_sr_5

■ ■ ■
For score reductions, additional links and more,
the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast