It’s hard to be objective when it comes to John Williams’ score for Star Wars; we seem to know its themes almost from birth. They’re a part of our culture. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the western world who doesn’t know exactly what Darth Vader’s music is and what it means.
Star Wars is, without a doubt, the most recognizable work of film music in the medium’s history.
Although Williams draws heavily from works like Holst’s The Planets, he does so with a flair of his own. The trilogy wouldn’t have been half of what it was without Williams.
The score likely owes its success to Williams’ Wagner-inspired use of the leitmotif—musical phrases representing characters or ideas. Although not as nuanced as Wagner’s, the leitmotifs in Star Wars brought the concept into the forefront of how we think of film music.
Acknowledgements
Before we begin, I must set a few rules for myself. Firstly—and most importantly—I will not consider motifs from the prequels or sequels for this list. I may or may not make lists of those motifs in the future, but this list will comprise only those themes that appeared in the Original Trilogy.
Criteria
The order of the themes on this list will necessarily be somewhat subjective, as I will judge them based primarily on my particular liking for a theme. Nonetheless, I must also take into account how versatile the motif is (can it be used in different contexts while still expressing the same basic idea?).
And of course the importance of the theme to both the films and culture in general will be an unavoidable part of the process.
Notation and Audio
For convenience and clarity I have included each theme’s musical notation. But worry not if you can’t read music; I also include short recordings of each theme as they appear in the score.
5. Yoda’s Theme
Starting the list is the music that accompanies everyone’s favourite little green muppet (take that, Kermit!). No matter what instrument plays it, Yoda’s theme has a warmth to it that’s seldom seen in space-operas like Star Wars.
The theme is often playful, reflecting the eccentric personality of Yoda himself. This is true even when a harsher version plays for Luke’s first fight with Darth Vader. There’s always something comforting about this one—like the embrace of a kindly grandparent.
4. Princess Leia’s Theme
This is perhaps the most classical of Williams’ themes for Star Wars, reminiscent of some of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s work.
There’s a heartache in Leia’s theme, as though something is lost and longs to be found.
While this theme is usually to be found in the calmer moments of the trilogy, it makes a subtle yet more action-packed appearance when Leia rescues the wounded Luke from Cloud City.
3. The Rebel Fanfare
Most frequently heard in the trilogy’s first movie, the Rebel Fanfare isn’t called that for nothing.
It’s an incredibly rousing theme played on trumpets, and you can expect some great action whenever you hear it.
Perhaps what makes it so powerful is how short the theme is; it’s easy to remember, and at only around two bars, Williams was able to insert it almost anywhere he needed it.
2. The Imperial March
I mean, what can I even say about this theme that’s not already been said? It’s the Imperial March! Announcing the presence of Darth Vader is a theme every bit iconic as the fallen jedi himself.
The Imperial March is a gloriously layered theme with many subtle variations. The motif has entered the public consciousness, likely more so than any other. It’s frequently used all across pop-culture as a universally-recognized theme for evil.
Imagining Star Wars without the Imperial March is near-impossible, despite Williams only having thought of it in time for The Empire Strikes Back. This motif combines the best of Holst’s Mars, the Bringer of War and Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2 into one absolutely perfect piece.
Honourable Mentions
Jabba the Hutt’s Theme
Untrustworthiness spews from this bulbous theme the few times we hear it.
It fits the character of Jabba perfectly.
The Emperor’s Theme
The emperor’s theme is by far the darkest in Star Wars.
It is a signal of doom—a doom that one cannot escape.
Luke’s Theme
Luke’s theme forms the main title of each film, making it iconic.
Beyond that, it just sounds amazing.
1. The Force Theme
Two words: “binary sunset.” Although Luke’s theme and Vader’s are both fantastic and unforgettable, it’s this theme representing the concept of the Force that takes the title!
The Force Theme doubles as the theme for Ben Kenobi, as well as being widely considered the real theme for Luke Skywalker—more so than his actual theme.
Binary Sunset
The Force Theme is one of the most versatile themes in the films. Sometimes it’s slow and thoughtful and sometimes it’s fast and thrilling. But the best version of it is without a doubt the aforementioned Binary Sunset.
Even with twenty other themes to choose from—even with some stiff competition from the Imperial March—nothing could quite top this. The Force Theme is everything we all love about Star Wars.
The Music of Star Wars
These are far from the only great leitmotifs in John Williams’ score for Star Wars. In fact it’s fewer than half of them. And that’s not even counting the great themes he wrote for the inferior prequels and rather alright sequels.
I cannot tell you how glad I am that Williams didn’t go with George Lucas’s original idea of just using public domain tracks; instead he created a work of music that I feel will stand the test of time long after the movies themselves fade from memory.
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