JOHN WILLIAMS AND THE MAKING OF THE STAR WARS SCORE
In 1977, John Williams composed the iconic score for the first Star Wars film, a decision that would significantly impact the sci-fi genre and film music as a whole. Contrary to initial assumptions, it was Williams who persuaded George Lucas to opt for an original score, as Lucas had initially considered using well-known classical music. This choice was a significant gamble, given the sci-fi genre’s typical use of electronic music at the time.
Williams’ score was a deliberate departure from the futuristic and electronic music dominating sci-fi films in the 1970s. Instead, he created a full orchestral score that was, in his own words, ‘very non-futuristic.’ The score was lushly orchestrated and coloristic, closely married to character development and narrative lines. Williams drew inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood filmmaking and employed leitmotifs, a technique heavily influenced by Richard Wagner’s operas.
The impact of Williams’ approach was immediate and profound. The 74-minute double LP released in 1977 sold an impressive 650,000 copies by July of the same year. Lucas, upon hearing the completed score for the first time, likened the experience to ‘having a baby,’ highlighting the emotional impact of Williams’ work.
Williams’ Star Wars score not only defined the sound of the franchise but also revitalized symphonic film music. It re-established symphonic film music in large-format movies, prompting a new wave of film composers to reconsider their modernist approaches. The influence extended beyond Star Wars, shaping how audiences experience film music and contributing to the scores of other iconic films like the Indiana Jones series, Superman, and Harry Potter.
The success of Williams’ approach can be attributed to its ability to make the music emotionally familiar, despite the film’s futuristic setting. This blend of traditional orchestral techniques with the sci-fi genre created a unique soundscape that has become as iconic as the films themselves.
In retrospect, the decision to use an original orchestral score, initially seen as a risk, proved to be a masterstroke. It not only enhanced the Star Wars experience but also left an indelible mark on film music composition, influencing generations of composers and filmmakers. The Star Wars score stands as a testament to Williams’ genius and his ability to create music that transcends the boundaries of time and genre.
Filipino Translation:
Yung score ni Williams ay kakaiba compared sa futuristic at electronic music na madalas ginagamit sa sci-fi movies nung '70s. Instead, gumawa siya ng full orchestral score na, in his own words, "very non-futuristic." Bongga yung pagkakagawa, sobrang rich ang orchestration, at matched siya sa development ng characters at kwento. Na-inspire siya sa Golden Age ng Hollywood at gumamit pa siya ng teknik na leitmotifs, na nakuha niya sa operas ni Richard Wagner.
Grabe, ang bilis ng epekto ng approach ni Williams. Yung 74-minute double LP na nirelease noong 1977, naka-650,000 copies agad by July ng same year. Si Lucas nung una niyang narinig yung finished score, ikinumpara pa niya yung experience sa "having a baby," ganun kalakas yung emotional impact ng work ni Williams.
Yung score ni Williams for Star Wars hindi lang nag-define sa tunog ng franchise, pero binuhay ulit yung symphonic film music. Bumalik sa uso yung malalaking symphonic scores sa pelikula, at marami ring composers na nagbago ng approach dahil dito. Hindi lang sa Star Wars yung influence nito, kasi naapektuhan din pati ibang iconic films like Indiana Jones, Superman, at Harry Potter.
Ang dahilan kung bakit naging successful yung style ni Williams ay dahil kahit futuristic yung setting ng movie, nagawa niyang gamitan ng music na emotionally familiar sa audience. Pinagsama niya yung traditional orchestral techniques sa sci-fi genre, kaya naging unique yung tunog ng film—na naging kasing-iconic din ng movies.
Looking back, yung decision na gumamit ng original orchestral score, na parang risky nung umpisa, turned out to be a masterstroke. Hindi lang nya pina-enhance yung Star Wars experience, pero tinatakan din nito ang movie music composition at naging influence pa sa maraming composers at filmmakers. 'Yung Star Wars score ni Williams ay proof ng genius niya at kakayahan niyang gumawa ng music na timeless at walang boundaries sa genre.
Disney’s John Williams Documentary Explains The Origin Of His Iconic Star Wars Theme was first published here.
