Star Wars
John Williams discusses his celebrated music for the Star Wars film series - from Episodes IV to VI - plus the famous Main Title from the Jaws soundtrack.
Star Wars: the greatest movie score of all time (according to the American Film Institute) - exclusively introduced by the composer himself on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3.
John Williams talks to Donald Macleod about the most famous film score in history. He discusses the moment George Lucas proposed his "space opera", and explains why he chose the 'old-fashioned', lush Romantic style of Tchaikovsky and Korngold to accompany this futuristic tale of aliens and spaceships.
We'll hear some of the most memorable musical moments from the first three films to be made (Episodes IV-VI), including the iconic Main Title, the Imperial March, and Luke and Leia's Theme. Donald Macleod also introduces perhaps the finest extended musical sequence in the series: Williams's mesmerising score to the battle on the ice planet of Hoth.
The programme ends with a deeply personal work in Williams's career - his Violin Concerto, written by the grieving composer after the tragic death of his first wife, Barbara Ruick Williams; a tragedy that overshadowed the huge success his music enjoyed in the mid 1970s.
Last on
Music Played
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John Williams
Theme From Jaws
- DECCA: 4670452.
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John Williams
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- SONY CLASSICAL: S2K92950.
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John Williams
Princess Leia's Theme
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- SONY CLASSICAL: S2K92950.
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John Williams
The Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- SONY CLASSICAL: S2K92950.
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John Williams
The Battle of Hoth
Performer: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- SONY CLASSICAL: S2K92951.
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John Williams
The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- SONY CLASSICAL: S2K92951.
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John Williams
Violin Concerto
Performer: Gil Shaham. Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.- DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON: 4713262.
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John Williams
Luke and Leia
Performer: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Williams.
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Jan 2013 12:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
- Tue 15 Jan 2013 18:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
- Tue 1 Oct 2013 12:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
- Tue 1 Oct 2013 18:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
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