This soundtrack oozes anticipation, magnitude, and importance. It sounds like history is being made, or like you're arriving at a magnificent castle, or an armada is setting sail, or a special mission is getting underway, or an experimental new spaceship is preparing for launch, or reinforcements have just saved the day, or you've just crested a hill overlooking a scene of grandeur.
Whatever the case, John Williams has managed once again to captivate my imagination. What do you imagine when you hear this soundtrack?
Those of you that don't live under a rock know that yesterday was "Star Wars day" (May the fourth be with you)!
In honor of that, and since today is technically "Revenge of the Fifth," and since I am a huge Star Wars fan, this week's challenge is Star Wars-themed!
As usual, there are four categories. You must find a piece of music for each category, and submit your picks in the comments or on your own blog (just remember to link back here!)
Even if you've never seen Star Wars (uncultured potato! JK), you would do well (extremely well) to listen to some of the music. Honestly, you have no idea what you've missing out on. Forget Pirates of the Caribbean; this is the good stuff!
5: Bonus category! Again, you can post whatever piece of music you want, just as long as it's related to this week's theme. My suggestions: Favorite Star Wars music video, favorite Clone Wars soundtrack, overall least favorite Star Wars music, or favorite romantic theme (even though there are only like, 2 or 3 to choose from).
Here are my picks!
1: Favorite battle music: Each large-scale battle scene from Star Wars had a unique soundtrack; from Yavin, to Hoth, to Endor (just to name a few from the Original Trilogy). It was a tough choice, but I'm going to have to pick the Battle of Naboo. I'm really disappointed that the best version on youtube is 18 minutes long and has such a ridiculous thumbnail. I doubt any of my readers are brave enough to play it (please prove me wrong!).
2: Favorite Lightsaber Duel music: Duel of the fates is what most people would pick. But personally, I think the theme for Anakin and Obi-Wan's duel on Mustafar was much more dramatic. I'mma have to go with that. Like, seriously: this is probably some of my favorite music from the entire saga. Gives me chills.
3: Favorite character's/location's/faction's theme:
Every single planet, person, and army had it's own theme. Star Wars was revolutionary that way, and John Williams (may he live forever) was the first composer to do this for a movie, much less a movie series. Now, there was a lot to chose from, with the Imperial march and the Droid Army theme being way up there with Darth Vader and Luke's theme, but... In the end, I had to go with General Grievous' theme. It's just so... epic! Sinister! Combative! I know the video is a long one, but t least listen to the first five minutes worth.
4: Favorite Overall piece of music:
Oh gosh. The main theme, of course! One of the most recognizable soundtracks in history, and one of the only soundtracks that is instantly recognizable from the first note!
5: Bonus Category: The award ceremony music! Why? Because it will play at my wedding, of course! ;D
JK. I can only hope.
This has, for me at least, been the hardest challenge yet! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!
One of the best movie soundtracks of all time, by one of the greatest living composers: John Williams.
This soundtrack never fails to make me think of action, adventure, mystery, romance, and discovery! Oh, and punching Nazis. Can't forget the Nazi-punching part.
John Williams really outdid himself when he composed the soundtrack for the Star Wars Prequels. This particular piece was used in Episode 1 when Queen Amidala escapes Naboo with her Jedi protectors. They manage to break through the Trade Federation blockade, but only because R2-D2 was able to repair their deflector shield generators in time.
This music was used again in Episode 2, when the Clone troopers made their dramatic and action-packed entrance to save the Jedi from the execution arena on Geonosis.
It was used yet a third time in Episode 3, when General Grievous' flagship Invisible Hand plummeted towards Coruscant after being badly damaged by several broadsides from the Venator-class Star Destroyer Guarlara.
I like this music because it gives a sense of speed, urgency, and danger. I really like it, and can imagine so many different scenarios where this music would fit. I usually imagine either a WW2 air-battle, or a two medieval galleons fighting each other while going down a massive waterfall.
