7m3A Spotting Session for STAR WARS (Part I)

07/10/18 • -1 min

We've arrived at another Spotting Session - the moment in our film study where we move cue by cue through every piece of underscore. To commemorate the size, substance and significance of John Williams' STAR WARS, today's entry will be the first in a 2-part Spotting Session. This episode will take us from Alfred Newman's 20th Century Fox Fanfare up to the midpoint of the film - the Millenium Falcon's flight out of Mos Eisley, en route to Princess Leia's homeworld of Alderaan. We revel in exploring the rich orchestrations and story-driven composition of one historic cue after another, calling upon conversations from several of our past guests (including Conrad Pope, Joe Kraemer, and assistant audio engineer on the STAR WARS score, Alan Snelling). This is as unabridged and intentional an examination of the score as we could fathom. Full disclosure: we were left somehow even more riveted by this landmark 1977 work and can only hope you'll feel the same. Please enjoy this voyage inside this John Williams musical masterpiece. #maytheforcebewithyou
Listen to episode 7m3A Spotting Session for STAR WARS (Part I)
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

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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

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

Next Episode

Interlude: Princess Leia's Theme (soundtrack suite)

Today's interlude is devoted to the only piece in the score to STAR WARS composed not for placement in the film, but as a stand alone movement for soundtrack and concert. We explore the exquisite orchestration of John Williams and the unforgettable portrayal of Carrie Fisher that together continue to bring life & wonder to this timeless character. #maytheforcebewithyou
Listen to episode Interlude: Princess Leia's Theme (soundtrack suite)
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
Academy of Scoring Arts - Highlights 5/20/16 (with David Cripps)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qqynrTkSSk

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