ANH 16: Orchestration Wars

A discussion about the music and sound in minutes 76-80 of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, which starts with the rescue of Princess Leia and ends with jumping into the garbage chute. Today's guest is composer & music technologist Jeremy Sawruk. We discuss John Williams's detailed underscore, which features chromatic mediants, motion in thirds, harmonic tension building, and interesting orchestration choices.

Things Mentioned:

Themes:

  • 4) Martial Rhythm

  • 2. Rebel Fanfare

  • 4. Leia

  • 1a. Main Theme (A Section)

  • 6a. Imperials (Motif)

Soundtrack:

  • "Wookiee Prisoner/Detention Block Ambush"

  • "Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga"

  • "The Princess Appears"

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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:

1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?

  • Opera without words

2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?

  • Musical / orchestrational “filler”

  • Sound effects and foley

3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?

  • Older score: North by Northwest by Bernard Herrmann

  • Newer score: Loki by Natalie Holt

  • Other John Williams score: Catch Me If You Can

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Jeremy Sawruk:

Star Wars Music Minute:

Xanthe:

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ANH 17: Headbanging Stormtrooper

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ANH 15: Band of Weirdos