May The Score Be With You: John Williams and the Symphony of Star Wars

Let us begin as any good John Williams article should with Main Title” from “Star Wars: A New Hope” conducted by none other than the maestro himself.

Fond Memories

The first time I heard a John Williams’ score, I was eight, awestruck by the soaring themes of Superman. Little did I know, his music would become the soundtrack to my life. Today, the Imperial March still sends shivers down my spine, a testament to his genius and my obsession with Star Wars. This year I’ll be at the Royal Albert Hall, tissues packed, ready to be swept away by his magic once more. John Williams and Star Wars were, as you might say, a match made in film score heaven. His iconic themes aren’t just music; they are emotions in sound.

Early Influences

Williams was exposed to music from a young age and began studying piano as a child, later learning trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. He started writing music early, trying to orchestrate his own pieces as a teen. While known for orchestral scores, Williams started as a jazz pianist. This playful influence subtly peeks through in the Mos Eisley cantina’s swing rhythm. He was also a master of the theremin, considering it for Star Wars before opting for a grander soundscape.

Hollywood 1961, A quick throwback to one of John Williams’ most incredible works as arranger in his early days in Hollywood and how it still reverberates into his current work

After leaving the air force in 1954, Williams briefly studied piano at the Julliard School of Music and worked as a jazz pianist in New York City, both in clubs and for recordings. He later returned to California, where he worked as a Hollywood studio pianist for such films as Some Like It Hot (1959), West Side Story (1961), and To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).

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The Force of Music

Williams career was heavily influenced by a number of composers including Tchaikovsky, Erich Korngold, Stravinsky, Carl Orff and Elgar. However the Star Wars score, undoubtedly the most significant had the influence of British composer, Gustav Holst’s “The Planets”: The iconic opening fanfare of Star Wars subtly references Gustav Holst’s “Mars, the Bringer of War.” Williams also drew inspiration from composer, Richard Wagner operas in his use of leitmotifs. These influences, blended with his own genius, created an alchemy of sounds that is both familiar and unforgettable.

Star Wars Connections

John Williams in 1980. Photograph: Boston Globe/Getty Images

Throughout his extensive career Williams created some of the most memorable music in movie history, including the scores and iconic theme songs for nine of the Star Wars films (1977, 1980, 1983, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2019). Lucas initially resisted music for the lightsaber duel in “The Phantom Menace,” but Williams convinced him, resulting in the epic “Duel of the Fates.”

The music for the Mos Eisley cantina scene was inspired by a combination of Middle Eastern and Dixieland jazz, creating a unique and memorable soundscape.

While John Powell composed the main score for “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Williams contributed “The Adventures of Han,” a playful reimagining of his iconic Han Solo theme.

Here are some quotes from Hollywood legends about John Williams

George Lucas: “John Williams’ music is what truly brought the Star Wars universe to life. He gave it its soul.” (Source: Interview with Vanity Fair)

Harrison Ford: “Without John’s music, Han Solo would just be a smuggler with a blaster. He made him a hero.” (Source: Interview with The Hollywood Reporter)

Steven Spielberg: “John Williams has a unique ability to tap into the emotional core of a story and translate it into music that resonates deeply with audiences.” (Source: Interview with NPR)

Hans Zimmer: “John Williams is the Mozart of film music. He’s written some of the most iconic and recognizable themes in history.” (Source: Masterclass interview)

Tom Hanks: “John’s music is part of the fabric of American culture. It’s a soundtrack to our lives.” (Source: Interview with ABC News)

Williams looks on as C3PO conducts the Boston Pops during rehearal in April 1980. Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Force is still strong with John Williams

From composing for a mere $85,000 for the original Star Wars to conducting a Star Wars concert with a lightsaber at 87, Williams’ dedication is unparalleled. His music transcends generations, reminding us that sometimes, a few notes can evoke an entire galaxy.

At 91 years of age, the maestro took to the iconic stage at the Hollywood Bowl

This year Williams celebrates his 54th Oscar nomination, the question remains: who will carry on the baton? While composers like Ludwig Göransson and Kevin Kiner are making their mark, there’s only one John Williams. His impact on Star Wars, and film music in general, is undeniable.

Sony Pictures renamed one of their buildings in Culver City to the “John Williams Music Building” in honor of the legendary composer

May the music of John Williams continue to inspire us all, long after the stars fade from sight.