Avsnitt
-
📣 This episode was published during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn't exist. If you want to support the cause, consider donating to the Entertainment Community Fund, which provides financial aid to industry workers. There's also a Google doc that lists a variety of funds you can donate to, including a pizza fund for the various strike locations and a water fund for strikers at the hot Disney lot.
----------
In minutes 11-15 of The Rise of Skywalker, we see Rey training in the jungle of Ajan Kloss under the light guidance of General Leia Organa; Kylo and Rey have their first Force chat of the film; and Rey reunites with Poe and Finn. Star Wars author and Rey aficionado Riley Silverman is here with me to discuss Rey's epic "training suite" theme, Leia's as a "lowercase j" jedi, shortcuts in music and filmmaking, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!1:43 - Leia as a lowercase "j" jedi6:40 - End of the lightspeed skipping scene.8:51 - Shortcuts. Re-using the Martial Chords/Holst Chords from the Death Star blow-up scene in ANH.17:56 - Peaceful soundscape of Rey training on Ajan Kloss.20:58 - "Leia Trains Rey" – new incidental motif – a tender string line.26:31 - Mishearing the Rey/Leia conversation in theaters.32:46 - Rey's pump-up training suite is reminiscent of Luke's lifestyle montage on Ahch-To (in TLJ minutes 21-25).39:33 - Imperial March and Kylo Ren's Aggressive theme with one note out of place.44:10 - Music raising the stakes during Rey's training. Duelistic Strings (incidental motif). Kylo's intrusion.49:46 - Awesome sound design in Rey/Kylo's concurrent flashbacks.1:00:14 - Rey studies ancient texts. Independent Jedi Study. Continuity from TLJ to TROS.1:10:57 - Poe and Rey bicker like divorced (but still good) co-parents.1:22:47 - Final thoughts about these minutes and TROS as a whole.1:34:53 - SWMM Questionnaire1:45:09 - Where to find Riley's books.Things to Check Out:
Holst: Mars (from The Planets) - https://youtu.be/UJbEgyhx1ngComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/Musical Themes:
Martial ChordsForceRey A (Theme A-Phrase)Leia Trains ReyRey B (Chimes)Imperial March (Theme)Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)Duelistic StringsWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
End of FYC 2. "Falcon Flight"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New: Wondrous space magic.Previous: Epic space magic.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New: How many different people are involved in the process of putting music in the film? Who has the final say?Previous: How many different screams are there? How do people go about designing music for a scene or character in the first place? Writers start with a blank page and somehow use words to convey scenes; what is the musical/sound version of that process like?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New: Across the Spider-Verse (composed by Daniel Pemberton)Previous: Gentlemen Jack (composed by Murray Gold), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (composed by Danny Elfman). Doctor Who.---------------
Guest: Riley Silverman
Check out all of Riley's Star Wars books: https://www.rileysilverman.com/booksStar Wars: Exploring Tatooine: An Illustrated GuideStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Treasures from BatuuStar Wars: The Life Day Pop-Up Book and Advent CalendarThe She Series Book (Riley wrote essays for Lucille Ball and Marsha P. Johnson): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1448145344/the-she-series-bookRiley is on BlueSky, Threads, and Twitter as rileysilverman or rileyjsilverman------------------
⭐️ Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
📣 This episode was published during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn't exist. If you want to support the cause, consider donating to the Entertainment Community Fund, which provides financial aid to industry workers. There's also a Google doc that lists a variety of funds you can donate to, including a pizza fund for the various strike locations and a water fund for strikers at the hot Disney lot.
----------
In minutes 6-10 of The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine has a chat with Kylo Ren, Poe and Finn lose a game of Dejarik to Chewie, a spy gives the Resistance information, and the Falcon lightspeed skips to evade TIE fighters. Klaudia Amenábar of RuPalp's Podrace returns to the show to discuss the Resistance polycule, octatonic brass, Exegol sound design, and more!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!3:43 - Listening to the beginning of these minutes.8:21 - The "Palpatine" in Rey's theme.24:49 - Trio of characters interacting for the first time.28:31 - David Acord and Matthew Wood explaining the sound design of Exegol.40:11 - Exegol lightning compared to Force lightning.49:44 - Quibble about the physical descriptions of characters in Star Wars books.53:52 - The Rise of Skywalker polycule.1:01:07 - Octatonic planing horns.1:09:51 - Why do we hear the Emperor's theme when we see TIE fighters?1:17:54 - Rebel Fanfare (planing triads), March of the Resistance, lightspeed skipping.1:24:40 - John Williams loves/hates us (violinists).1:32:54 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Klaudia's blog post/newsletter about Trigun: https://buttondown.email/klaudiascorner/archive/trigun-is-better-than-cowboy-bebop-not-clickbait/Interview about the Trigun Stampede soundtrack: https://www.japanaradio.com/node/98The album for season 1 is in two parts:https://open.spotify.com/album/0tNFMwQRWZkDuxxhbrBZtihttps://open.spotify.com/album/6csNXzQg2Eq9qRexsVT2s8Solo 8: Dolby Atmos Train Heist (Minutes 36-40 with Klaudia Amenábar) - https://youtu.be/ofMbtzYWYD0Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/Musical Themes:
Imperial March (Theme)Kylo Ren A (Aggressive)EmperorMarch of the Resistance (A Section)Rebel FanfareWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 2. "Journey to Exegol"FYC 2. "Falcon Flight"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New: Poetic. Epic. Hopeful.Previous: Poetic. Epic. Inspiring.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New: How are certain sound design choices made? Which decisions come from the producers vs. sound designers, etc? How is the sound design process different across the various types of Star Wars media?Previous: The stories behind how various bits of music ended up in the films/shows. "How did that get there?"3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New: TRIGUN STAMPEDE (anime series composed by Tatsuya Kato)Previous: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (composed by Joe Hisaishi)---------------
Guest: Klaudia Amenábar
RuPalp's Podrace: https://rupalps-podrace-a-queer-star-wars-podcast.simplecast.com/The Mystery Spotcast: A Supernatural Rewatch: https://the-mystery-spotcast-a-supernatural-rewatch.simplecast.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaludiasaysTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kaludiasaysLinktree: https://linktr.ee/kaludiasays------------------
Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
This is an introduction to the music of The Rise of Skywalker with an emphasis on the first 5 minutes. In the episode, I also go over my aims for this season of Star Wars Music Minute, talk about balancing meta-commentary and media-commentary, and share my favorite thing about the TROS score.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!0:50 - What to expect from this episode.1:40 - Part 1: The first 5 minutes of TROS.34:02 - Part 2: The Meta Stuff41:28 - For Your Consideration (FYC) album.48:03 - Analyzing and interpreting the media as it stands.50:32 - Romantic music and Friendship as a major theme.1:03:04 - Assumptions and shaky premises.1:13:35 - Upcoming source (diegetic) music.1:14:31 - Matching my timestamps to Frank Lehman's SW Thematic Catalogue.1:16:34 - New intro/outro arrangement (based on "Anthem of Evil")1:19:24 - A little perk for my Discord server (join us!)References:
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/Web Archive of FYC album to listen to: https://web.archive.org/web/20191210202934/https://disneystudiosawards.com/star-wars-score.htmlDiscussion on JW Fan Forum: https://www.jwfan.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30975-the-rise-of-skywalker-for-your-consideration-fyc-album-discussion/Musical Themes:
Main Theme (A Section)Main Theme (B Section)Romantic Descending TrichordsStarry Night ArpeggiosKylo Ren A (Aggressive)Knights of Ren (Fast Form)Sith Artifacts (Wayfinder)Kylo Ren B (Hesitant)Journey to ExegolPsalm of the Sith (A Section)Sith SeductionWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
OST 1. "Fanfare and Prologue"FYC 1. "Prologue"OST 2. "Journey to Exegol"------------------
🐳 Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Mastering engineer and film music restoration expert Chris Malone joins Xanthe for the season finale to talk about all things Empire Strikes Back soundtrack. We cover a ton of ground, from analog recording technology and methodology to the unique issues affecting The Empire Strikes Back releases. This episode contains many visuals, including spectogram displays that allow us to see tangible differences between various mixes.
This episode is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DVwqsZ9Wv60
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!5:08 - Do you have one of these Empire Strikes Back soundtrack albums?12:25 - Film music is recorded to part of the film. There wasn't always an expectation to produce a separate soundtrack album.18:04 - When, where, and how the Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back scores were recorded. Terminology: 35mm magnetic film, magnetic tape, sprockets, tape machine, magnetic oxide particles, 50Hz tone, reproducer.24:09 - Using magnetic film for synchronization. Limitations of the tape technology.33:51 - John Williams editing together multiple takes with Ken Wannberg.46:05 - What is a 24-track tape? Why does the width of tape matter?49:58 - What is a live mix, and why is it an important reference for the ESB soundtrack albums?1:02:53 - Listening to minutes 126-128 (end of the End Title music) while looking at the spectral frequency display.1:10:27 - Diagonal splices.1:23:07 - Different version of the Imperial March in the End Credits.1:37:39 - Differences between the original ESB soundtrack and the Special Edition release.1:57:37 - Comparison example: "Hyperspace" track on the 4CD and Special Edition releases. Listening for the violin presence and spatial movement of the horns and trombones.2:09:17 - More spectogram comparisons: "City in the Clouds" and last note of the "Main Title."2:21:21 - Applying the Hippocratic Oath to score restoration.2:30:00 - If something was recorded in mono, should it stay mono?2:40:31 - When it comes to restoring a film score, which sorts of recording artifacts is the engineer trying to correct?2:42:21 - Example of "wow."2:48:02 - Flutter.2:53:13 - Why Chris champions the CD as an audio format.3:01:21 - What type of gear does Chris use when listening to/analyzing music? (Question from Alex Cunningham)3:12:06 - Was the ARP 2600 synthesizer overdubbed or recorded with the orchestra for the Empire Strikes Back soundtrack? (Question from Ender Smith)3:13:58 - What has the transition to digital production done for Star Wars? (Question from Fr. David Mowry)3:18:14 - Differences between the original 1954 20th Century Fox Fanfare and the one John Williams re-recorded for ESB.3:20:28 - Eric Tomlinson's technique for recording punchy-sounding brass.3:25:02 - The original trilogy scores (especially The Empire Strikes Back) could sound 1000x better than they sound on any of the current releases. What might prevent it from happening?3:28:49 - The 2018 Disney releases of the Original Trilogy (the albums that are on Spotify).3:39:03 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Cinematic Sound Radio's 2-part interview with Chris Malone: http://www.cinematicsound.net/interview-with-chris-malone/The Goldsmith Odyssey's interview with Chris Malone: https://goldsmithodyssey.buzzsprout.com/159614/4802774-odyssey-interviews-chris-maloneComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
12M3 "Finale"Musical Themes:
Imperial March (Theme)Imperial March (Vamp)Han & Leia (A)Han & Leia (B) - Theme Form 1 (1980)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"The Rebel Fleet/End Title"---------------
Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Simply the best. Thematic orchestral richness. Well of richness.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Everything there is to learn about the first three scores (1977, 1980, 1983). How did they get to where they got? What were the spotting sessions like? What were the internal memos like?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Goldfinger (John Barry). The Lion in Winter (John Barry). Out of Africa (John Barry). Early James Bond scores by John Barry. Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams.----------------------
Chris Malone:
Website: https://malonedigital.comArticles, Analyses, Commentary: https://malonedigital.com/articles.htmlProject List: https://malonedigital.com/projectlist.htmlTwitter: https://twitter.com/Malone_Digital------------------
Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! (This is the best way to support the show): https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/652WVfMTLwJpVZ82i8uhFAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Chrysanthe covers minutes 121-125, answers listener questions, and shares their 30 takeaways, trends, surprises, and highlights from The Empire Strikes Back season of Star Wars Music Minute. This is part 1 of a 2-part season finale!
📹 YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/RoEzVlLUFt8
⭐️ Patreon/Discord server: https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
-----------
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there! 1:51 - Minutes 121-125. 23:47 - 30 takeaways, trends, surprises, & highlights from this season. 1:55:06 - Listener questions. 1:55:24 What new tools, techniques, approaches, or critical lenses did you encounter this season? 1:59:46 Do you think the Death Star and/or Imperials motif should have returned for ESB? 2:02:59 - The critical consensus remains that ESB is the best Star Wars film. Is it the best sounding Star Wars film too? 2:03:39 - How did the (music) writing change from ANH to ESB, and what surprised you the most about it? 2:07:30 - What kinds of guests and/or voices do you want on future seasons of the show? 2:12:08 - How did you go about arranging the dense "Asteroid Field" cue? 2:36:20 - In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like (according to all the guests this season)? 2:39:15 - AcknowledgementsThings to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dominicsewellmusic Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
12M2 "To Hyper-Space" 12M3 "Finale"Musical Themes:
Force Han & Leia (A) Main Theme (A Section) Rebel Fanfare Descending Heroic Tetrachords Yoda (A Section) Yoda (B Section) Imperial March (Theme) Imperial March (Vamp)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Yoda And The Force" "The Rebel Fleet/End Title"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
ESB answer: Filigree, fanfares, flow. SOLO answer: Intricate orchestral storytelling. ANH answer: The Cosmic Force.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
ESB answer: Is there an internal "sonic style guide" at Lucasfilm or Skywalker Sound that's specific to Star Wars? I mean even things like relative loudness of music and dialogue, a specific protocol for mic'ing or looping in aliens, etc. Especially curious if there's anything in the Star Wars style guide that goes against current industry norms. SOLO answer: The working relationship between the composer and music editor. ANH answer: I'm curious about how other people experience and engage with the music of Star Wars, on both a macro and micro level. I want to know how other people are making sense of it or analyzing it with frameworks different than mine. Basically, I'm interested in doing what this podcast already gives me the excuse to do -- talk to people about Star Wars music.3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
ESB answer: E.T. (John Williams) SOLO answer: Moonrise Kingdom ANH answer: There Will Be Blood (Jonny Greenwood)-------
Patreon: https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: [email protected]
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
-
Justin Leo Kennedy is back for another sound design deep-dive! 🎉 Today, it's all about R2-D2. Using a virtual ARP 2600 synth emulator and a recording of his baby crying, Justin attempts to reverse-engineer Ben Burtt's iconic Artoo beepspeak, teaching us a lot about sound synthesis along the way.
We also discuss minutes 116-120 of The Empire Strikes Back, which feature two of Justin's other favorite sounds –the Millennium Falcon's hyperdrive failure and Artoo's scream.
Check out the YouTube version of this episode to follow along with the live demonstration! https://youtu.be/4crbLjDl5zg
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!10:48 - You may recognize this music from when we were on Hoth.18:19 - Added Vader scene that cuts into a cue.39:37 - Little motifs and punctuation sprinkled throughout the orchestra.44:37 - Cloud City visual comparisons. (This is the timestamp I promised, audio listeners!)46:43 - Hyperdrive malfunction sound design.53:47 - Semiotics.1:03:23 - Band Batch shoutout.1:14:50 - R2D2 sound design deep dive begins.1:19:42 - Introduction to the ARP 2600 and ARP 2600 plugin/emulator (It wasn't showing up on screen yet).1:29:25 - It's showing up now!1:30:00 - Tour of the virtual ARP 2600.1:39:43 - Recording of Justin's baby crying.1:49:03 - Closer examination of the modular synth, patch cable routing, oscillators. Justin's 3 attempts at making the R2 sound.1:58:41 - Justin's third and best attempt at making the Artoo sound.2:00:38 - Modulating the speed of the sample and hold with a low frequency oscillator (LFO).2:09:30 - Shoutout to anyone who is still listening.2:19:46 - Yearning Vader and heartbroken Luke.2:33:17 - Artoo's scream.2:43:44 - SWMM Questionnaire.2:53:05 - Shoutout to Justin Scheid.Things Mentioned:
Cherry Audio Arp 2600 plugin: https://cherryaudio.com/products/ca2600ESB 22: An Editor's Film (Minutes 106-110 with Dan Golding) - https://youtu.be/cdNMS0dVI54ESB 4: Snowspeeder Macroharmony (Minutes 16-20 with Jennifer Harding) - https://youtu.be/nnflnU9iecMESB 16: Attack of the Envelope (Minutes 76-80 with Jeremy Sawruk) - https://youtu.be/b0tIuc_2fkcArtful Design: Technology in Search of the Sublime (Ge Wang): https://artful.design/ESB 1: The First Five Minutes of Empire (Minutes 1-5) - https://youtu.be/c58MO8zcneYSolo 24: Better Call Maul (Minutes 116-120 with Band Batch) - https://youtu.be/4C2IUmCxr4IVideo of Ben Burtt demonstrating Artoo's sound, but it's not zoomed in: "How sound designer Ben Burtt made Star Wars’ iconic sound effects" (Roadtrip Nation) https://youtu.be/WBKKXjNf1sEBlast Points Podcast episode about the ESB mono mix: https://blastpointspodcast.com/2019/07/10/episode-178-the-mono-mix-strikes-back/Daft Punk breakup video "Epilogue" - https://youtu.be/DuDX6wNfjqcComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
12M1 "Losing A Hand"Musical Themes:
Pseudo Bald Mountain motifDark Side (Melody)Dark Side (Ostinato)LeiaDroidsImperial March (Theme)Main Theme (A Section)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Rescue from Cloud City/Hyperspace""Yoda And The Force"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: mrrrm mrrrm mrawww. R2D2 beeping sounds.Previous answer: pwsh vrrrrum shhpt2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: More about the recording sessions. What kind of relationship did John Williams have with the engineers? What was it like in that studio? What kinds of conversations took place?Previous answer: "Duel of the Fates" orchestration.3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: TRON (composed by Wendy Carlos)Previous answer: I, Robot (composed by Marco Beltrami), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) (composed by John Du Prez), Spirited Away (composed by Joe Hisaishi)---------------
Justin Leo Kennedy
Website: https://justinleokennedy.netEyeHarp Project: https://eyeharp.org/EyeHarp demonstration: https://youtu.be/ZLKnNu4fNf8Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLK_BeretANH 7: Laser Sword Sound Design (minutes 31-35 with Justin Leo Kennedy) - https://youtu.be/R-isLAAL1Q4TLJ 10: Colors of the Wind (minutes 46-50 with Justin Leo Kennedy) - https://youtu.be/joH88DBjFFY------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
If you play The Empire Strikes Back backwards, will you hear the wind whispering "Luke?" Are the gentle climaxes on Cloud City byproducts of calculated sensory deprivation? How does John Williams convey Luke's emotional state and connect Leia to the Force? Today's guest is Camila Quiñones -- writer, host of Beings of the Galaxy podcast, and one of my favorite people to talk Star Wars with. This is ESB minutes 110-115, in which Vader delivers the father reveal and Leia senses Luke through the Force.
Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/XUWOwotpVTw
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!2:26 - Empire Strikes Back table read.11:34 - Playful, inquisitive trickle of music between Vader's dialogue.17:23 - Simmering pot.21:45 - Intensity of the wind.26:35 - Creative confidence.34:21 - What would you do if you were in Luke's position? Save your friends or continue training?40:21 - The Force in The High Republic.43:40 - Hungarian minor violin vamp (Luke is screwed!)46:25 - The music clearly marks Luke's choice.53:22 - Anakin, Luke, oppression, rebellion.58:21 - Is the wind whispering "Luke?"1:01:05 - Falling, tumbling music stretched out over an impressively long time.1:07:39 - Spurious physics claims.1:13:11 - Chordal knots. A Train Is Coming.1:19:10 - Music amplifying Luke's persistence. Last ditch effort.1:23:14 - "Ben. Ben. Ben." Then "Leia" lands on an unexpected note.1:25:55 - Is this the first time we hear the Force theme in direct connection to Leia?1:32:04 - Sadness in this Force theme. Dirge-like quality.1:34:08 - Question for people who watched ESB in theaters in 1980. (Are we being naive?)1:40:52 - Vader's dialogue changed in Special Edition.1:43:22 - Pseudo Bald Mountain strings.1:48:24 - Final thoughts about these minutes.1:52:21 - Question for Camila as a screenwriter: What do you think of the way that Leia is written?1:59:36 - Princess and the Scoundrel (novel by Beth Revis).2:04:47 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
High Republic conversation on Dyad In the Force with Camila and Xanthe - https://www.youtube.com/live/QEIZoEeGwig?feature=shareStanford Prison Experiment - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experimentMonopoly Experiment: https://youtu.be/bJ8Kq1wucsk and https://nymag.com/news/features/money-brain-2012-7/Camila's previous episodes:TLJ 26: Luke and Leia Say Goodbye (Minutes 126-130) - https://youtu.be/eUGjvBesouESOLO 5: Beast to Bestie (Minutes 21-25) - https://youtu.be/Q8RSXnL9J0oComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
12M1 "Losing A Hand"12M2 "To Hyper-Space" ??Musical Themes:
Imperial March (Theme)Boba Fett Derived Motif 2 (Trouble in Bespin)ForceDark Side (Ostinato)Dark Side (Melody)Pseudo-Bald MountainWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
"Rescue from Cloud City/Hyperspace"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Tragedy. Adventure. Wisdom. (Previously: Majesty. Hope. Tragedy.)2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
How do the sound design and score elements come together? (Previously: The difference between sound editing and sound mixing.)3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Succession, composed by Nicholas Britell. (Previously: The Batman, composed by Michael Giacchino)---------------
Camila Quiñones
Beings of the Galaxy podcast: https://beingsofthegalaxypod.buzzsprout.com/https://twitter.com/Beings_Podcast Instagram (Beings of the Galaxy): https://www.instagram.com/beingsofthegalaxypod/:------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Dan Golding is here to discuss minutes 106-110 of The Empire Strikes Back! We talk about Ben Burtt's frustrations, intense pedal points, a nasal brass canon, free fanfares, Empire being an "editor's film," and how the music is "meanwhile" (sounds strange, but it'll make sense when you listen to the episode). 😅
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!7:05 - Ben Burtt's frustrations, Irvin Kershner's on-set mic, David Prowse's fitness book, and other delights from Alan Arnold's Journal of the Making of Empire Strikes Back.17:51 - Cool tunnel. Gareth Edwards's "indie hour."22:42 - Misty, foggy, smoky.29:13 - Empire is an editor's film.30:39 - Meanwhile...43:14 - Dark Side motif and a high, strained tuba.50:04 - Force buzz.1:10:09 - Luke's little chaos clarinet.1:17:59 - Ben Burtt on creating the wind sounds.1:29:26 - Canon with nasal, muted brass, stressed, compressed Yoda's theme.1:38:39 - Lando, from cad to hero.1:50:29 - Harmonic fudge?2:00:32 - Han and Leia theme sounds different here, for many reasons.2:09:47 - Willrow Hood sighting.2:11:00 - A fanfare for free.2:21:39 - "Wonderful!" Rhythm restored. Earnest strings. G pedal point.2:30:45 - Use of Han and Leia's theme in The Force Awakens trailer.2:37:52 - Pseudo Dies Irae.2:40:00 - Return of the pedal. Jazzy voicings.2:49:18 - Shoutout to Dennis Hamm.3:00:39 - 15 Second Rule.3:07:26 - A surprise in the very final frame of these minutes.3:16:02 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Once Upon a Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (by Alan Arnold) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1960717.Once_Upon_a_GalaxyDan's article about George Lucas as a director (Sense of Cinema): http://www.sensesofcinema.com/2021/great-directors/lucas-george/Untitled Goose Game soundtrack (by Dan Golding)Art of the Score: The Empire Strikes Back – Part 1: http://www.artofthescore.com.au/podcast/2019/5/23/episode-27-the-empire-strikes-back-part-1Art of the Score: The Empire Strikes Back – Part 2: http://www.artofthescore.com.au/podcast/2019/8/31/episode-28-the-empire-strikes-back-part-2Hollywood Harmony: Musical Wonder and the Sound of Cinema (by Frank Lehman) - https://franklehman.com/hollywood-harmony/The Planets - VI. Uranus, the Magician - Gustav Holst https://youtube.com/watch?v=fUyVFKA1MaUPartita for 8 Voices (by Caroline Shaw) - https://youtu.be/ab4zTQEsnBkSolo 13: Millennium Pop Anthem (Minutes 61-65 with Dan Golding) - https://youtu.be/lJeA6qqXqngANH 18: The Swashbucklers (Minutes 86-90 with Dan Golding) - https://youtu.be/5xFFLXruO0YComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
11M1 "Through The Window"Musical Themes:
Imperial March (Theme)Dark Side (Motif)Chromatic KnellYoda (A Section)Cloud City (Lando's Palace)Han & Leia (A)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"The Clash of Lightsabers"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Elegant musical storytelling.Previous answers: Nimble orchestral nostalgia. Mythic orchestral memory.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: The unreleased music (and alternate cues, etc).Previous answers: What will Natalie Holt's soundtrack for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series sound like? Given all the new directions that various Star Wars scores have gone since John Williams was at the helm (ex. Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, etc), will we ever return to the original sort of orchestral sound?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Fleishman Is in Trouble (composed by Caroline Shaw)Previous answers: Watership Down (composed by Angela Morley) and Vertigo (composed by Bernard Herrmann).---------------
Guest: Dan Golding
Website: https://dangolding.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/dangoldingArt of the Score podcast: https://www.artofthescore.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanGoldingVideoEssaysBandcamp: https://dangolding.bandcamp.com/Mastadon: @[email protected]: Star Wars After Lucas by Dan Golding: https://dangolding.com/star-wars-after-lucas/------------------
Join my Discord server by becoming a patron at any level! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Minutes 101-105 of The Empire Strikes Back feature extraordinary drama, peril, romance, and even some lightly comedic underscore. Takeo Rivera (English professor, playwright, performance studies specialist) returns to the show to discuss the score's function as a "warm blanket," Threepio's crush on Lando, the film's romantic aesthetics, and more.
This episode is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fFWVEE9-3R0
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!3:54 - Brightness as a space of horror.6:23 - Is ESB the most romantic Star Wars product?9:09 - Yoda's theme while Luke sneaks around.16:20 - Stark sounds and the score as a wonderful warm blanket.19:58 - Vader at open mic night.24:49 - Luke strikes first. ("Oedipally violent.")27:17 - Cloud City is staged like a well-choreographed play. Consequences of digital aesthetic norms.35:21 - Novel technologies become cliche become the new hegemony. Henrik Ibsen's naturalistic prose dialogue. Fungible packets of music.48:34 - Start of 10M3 Chewie Chokes Lando. Bespin Dirge themes.54:24 - Threepio's immediate crush on Lando.57:17 - "Han" pronunciation and the cadence of languages. An interesting socio-linguistic moment.1:06:10 - Subtle underscore while Chewie chokes Lando. Does the music empathize with Lando?1:17:55 - Funereal music accompanying casket imagery.1:24:22 - Perilous-sounding. Han and Leia theme.1:25:14 - If Threepio played "F*ck Marry Kill" with Artoo, Lando, and Chewie...1:31:00 - What makes the strings a "warm blanket?" Strings in the context of an orchestra.1:36:14 - Musicality of lightsabers.1:42:49 - Point for Nic Tan (circa 28:50 of ESB 18).1:43:30 - Kinesthetic aesthetic of the prequels, Wuxia movies, high Hong Kong choreography. Visual vocabulary of epic spectacle.1:51:52 - Psychology of Vader as a father.1:58:22 - Powerful Force users shouldn't mix the Force with political power.2:07:51 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
"Fuel" by Ani DiFranco - https://youtu.be/oTJFUg6N2XATLJ 15: Brechtian Ben Swolo (Minutes 71-75 with Takeo Rivera) - https://youtu.be/0cUzoZ1SOx8Dominic Sewell's analysis of 10M2 Luke Pursues The Captives - https://youtu.be/IMF8g44BQqADominic Sewell's analysis of 10M3 Chewie Chokes Lando (will link when it's available!)Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
10M2 "Luke Pursues The Captives"10M3 "Chewie Chokes Lando"Musical Themes:
Yoda (A Section)Bespin Dirge 1Bespin Dirge 2Imperials (Ostinato 1)Han & Leia (A)Neapolitan EmergencyWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
"Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Sweeping. Sentimental. Heroic.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Musical vocabulary to describe the things he hears in the score.3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Princess Mononoke (Joe Hisaichi), The Hours (Philip Glass)---------------
Guest: Takeo Rivera
Website: https://takeorivera.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/TakeoRiveraPhDModel Minority Masochism (book): https://www.takeorivera.com/model-minority-masochism------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Pete the Retailer and Alex Robinson from Star Wars Minute join me to discuss the music and sound in minutes 96-100 of The Empire Strikes Back. Han gets frozen in carbonite! John Williams's dramatic, emotional score moves us through the action. In this episode, we also listen to the original footage from the carbonite freezing scene before music was added.
This episode is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4MoDKl4ej-0
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!3:13 - The many actors of Boba Fett.6:50 - Is this the first time someone says "buddy" in Star Wars? (No.)13:14 - Threepio = superego, Chewie = id.17:22 - A subtle Han & Leia moment that's easy to miss (visually and musically). Pan and scan technology.20:15 - Does the first bar of the Imperial March loop an extra time here?31:02 - Footage of the carbonite freezing scene before music was added + footage from the original spotting session (!)41:58 - Breakdown of the music from pre-kiss to post-freeze. (Han & Leia in B => Han & Leia in E => Neapolitan Emergency with Chewie's moans => Dramatic dotted triplets => Wailing Imperial March => Funereal themes).50:29 - Memorable rhythmic feel of the Neapolitan Emergency (with visuals).56:14 - Dom, filigree check?1:02:06 - Cool whistle sound. Ben Burtt's sound design secret.1:08:53 - Meter discrepancy between the soundtrack and film (2 beats cut out).1:14:10 - Is this the Imperial February? (No.)1:19:00 - Night on Bald Mountain-esque chromatic violin line.1:27:07 - Is this the Imperial February? (Yes. Bespin Dirge theme 1.)1:34:41 - Bespin Dirge part 2. Delicious chords over C pedal.1:40:22 - "It's a trap!" with Yoda's theme. What's the significance of that?1:45:30 - Strings/piano call & response.1:52:01 - Yoda's theme harmony goes D => Db (instead of D => E).1:55:38 - Speculating on how the carbon freeze calipers were sound-designed.2:00:59 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
John Williams BBC Documentary (1980) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBCF465B155E38603Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 9M6/10M1 Carbon Freeze - https://youtu.be/COioN-dY0NM Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
9M6/10M1 "Carbon Freeze"9M6/10M1 "Insert Bar 57"10M2 "Luke Pursues The Captives"Musical Themes:
Imperial March (Theme)Han & Leia (A)Neapolitan EmergencyBespin Dirge 1Bespin Dirge 212a. Yoda (A Section)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett"-----------------
Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Pete: Pneumatic machinery sounds. (Previously: Aunt Beru's kitchen. Short wave radio.)Alex: Imperial walker clanking. Elephant on blacktop. (Previously: Majestic French horns. Tchew tchew tchew.)2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Pete: "What is That? with Ben Burtt" (a TV show proposal)Alex: Ugnaught noises.3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Pete: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Previously: The Black Hole and Fight Club)Alex: The Royal Tenenbaums (Previously: Superman and Magnolia)---------------
Star Wars Minute:
Website: https://www.starwarsminute.com/Patreon: https://starwarsminute.com/patreonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheStarWarsMinutePete the Retailer:
Website: https://petetheretailer.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteTheRetailerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterbonavita/ABCD:TOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcd-tos/id1531020539Alex Robinson:
Website: https://alexrobinson.funInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arobtwit/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARobTwitGodfather Minute: https://godfatherminute.tumblr.com/----------------
Join the Discord server by becoming a patron at any level: https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin
YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute
Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute
Email: [email protected]
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin
-
James Waterman and Justin Scheid from The Band Batch are here for minutes 91-95 of The Empire Strikes Back. We talk about Threepio's analog rejuvenation, the timpani doom roll, and what happens when Star Wars voice actors are overdubbed in later editions (like how Jason Wingreen was replaced by Temura Morrison). We also get to hear Justin's favorite sound and what James considers the funniest line in this movie.
Video version of this episode is here: https://youtu.be/GLWmWl3fmHs
Join my Discord server by becoming a patron at any level: https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there! 3:32 - ESB planted aesthetic seeds in future Star Wars content. 8:37 - Threepio's analog voice cycling. 21:54 - The role of the timpani roll in transitions. 28:05 - What differentiates the timpani from other percussion? Focused pitch, blending ability, etc. 35:40 - "He's no good to me dead." Boba Fett voice. Changing voice actors. Overdubbing. 47:09 - Jeans guy. 50:40 - Yub Nub. 55:14 - Lando's line delivery, Vader's passive-aggressive email, Threepio's aggression, and Chewie's laugh. 1:03:27 - The funniest line in the movie, according to James. Star Wars torture. 1:13:12 - "My friend" ADR with Han's punch. 1:18:25 - Han and Leia's theme doesn't resolve. 1:20:50 - Putting Vader's plan in perspective. 1:29:16 - Slower Imperial March. 1:24:44 - Hiyah claw. 1:36:53 - SWMM QuestionnaireCues:
9M3 "Putting ThreePio Together" 9M4 "Trouble In Prison" 9M6/10M1 "Carbon Freeze"Musical Themes:
Droids Imperial March (Theme) Han & Leia (A Section) Main Theme (A Section) Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/Where are we in the soundtrack?
"Betrayal at Bespin" "Carbon Freeze/Darth Vader's Trap/Departure of Boba Fett"----------
Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Justin: Nar. Ra. Tive. (Previous answers: Grandiose, sweeping, futuristic. Pew pew pew.) James: Pew. Vrooppf. Rrrrrr. (Previous answers: Bum bum bum. The Band Batch.)2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Justin: Who makes the decision to replace dialogue? (Previous: How is all the foley done?) James: When original voice actors are replaced by new people, what are those industry conversations like? Is there something in the actors' contracts about the possibility of being replaced? What about SAG, legal specifics, etc? (Previous: What is on-set sound like? What is John Williams's writing process like?)3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Justin: It Follows (DisasterPeace). Previous: Stranger Things (Kyle Dixon/Michael Stein), War of the Worlds (John William), The Village (James Newton Howard). James: The Shining (Wendy Carlos). Previous: Untitled (David Lang), Hereditary (Colin Stetson).---------
Justin Scheid
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcscheid/ Bandcamp: https://raingoatmusic.bandcamp.com Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/rain-goat-music YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlciBsEZTCnF7uK3S1NBXwJames Waterman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameswatermanmusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesWaterman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jameswaterman Bandcamp: https://jerichojericho.bandcamp.com/ Website: https://www.jameswatermanmusic.com/The Band Batch music and sound commentary:
Andor (playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE4n8ygyS0MIkTsWhhs7gBmLFiQtjzAjT The Bad Batch (playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE4n8ygyS0MI9s-a1nJOMYqpE8G_tlxLW Star Wars: Visions (playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE4n8ygyS0MJh0BOUIeScYaGSOjPVhxh- The Book of Boba Fett (playlsit): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE4n8ygyS0ML0GLUcTVpaEUlV58BNkljs ANH 24: Happy Glockenspiel (Minutes 116-120 with The Band Batch) - https://youtu.be/YR27lFOLgEk Solo 24: Better Call Maul (Minutes 116-120 with The Band Batch) - https://youtu.be/4C2IUmCxr4IEtc:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin / https://twitter.com/chrysanthetan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute Email: [email protected] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763 -
As Yoda says, "There is another." Today's guest is my brother, Nic Tan! We delve into minutes 86-90 of The Empire Strikes Back, which naturally begs discussion about the toys, Boba Fett, Yoda's golden nuggets, cloud cars, negative musical space, changes to film scoring over the decades, how Lando's theme diverges from John Williams's traditional hero themes, questionably un-porcine ugnaught sound design, and why growing up in the prequel era was the golden age of Star Wars fandom (sorry, it's just facts).
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there! 3:57 - The toys (and Star Wars-branded plastic material). 9:35 - Why Yoda is, without a doubt, the best character in Star Wars. 15:43 - Are Obi-Wan and Yoda equals? 22:12 - Force theme with X-wing sound on top. 24:30 - "They don't make movie scores like they used to" + Phantom Menace memories. 34:13 - Analog synths vs. virtual instruments/sample libraries. Hans Zimmer. 42:15 - Establishing shots of Cloud City with transitional music 43:36 - What makes Boba Fett and cloud cars cool. 47:30 - Demure Main Theme on flute and oboe + harp flourish. 49:23 - Han and Leia theme that trails off with a perfect 5th (with "you're as good as gone"). 53:04 - Huge noise contrast when we cut to Chewie in the droid boiler room. Do the ugnaughts sound porcine? 59:57 - Incessant elevator chime. 1:04:13 - Start of cue 9M2 "Vader Shows Up." 1:06:31 - How Lando's theme diverges from John Williams's traditional hero type of theme. 1:14:35 - Who is more powerful: Vader in ESB or Anakin in ROTS? Shadows of the Empire. 1:24:15 - Does Nic recognize the Boba Fett theme? 1:29:11 - Bitter strings, anguished wookiee moans, naively confident Luke. 1:36:35 - Chewie is an underrated character. Thoughts about Solo: A Star Wars Story. 1:42:28 - Do you have the same level of excitement every time something new from Star Wars is released? 1:46:14 - Growing up in the prequel era. 1:50:40 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 8M3 "Lando's Palace" https://youtu.be/450lqmYSjl4 Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 9M2 "Vader Shows Up" https://youtu.be/zY0u8cfGaYY Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
8M3 "Lando's Palace" 9M2 "Vadar Shows Up [sic]" 9M3 "Putting ThreePio Together"Musical Themes:
3. Force 1a. Main Theme (A Section) 11a. Han & Leia (A Section) 15a. Cloud City 1 (Lando's Palace) 10a. Imperial March (Theme)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Betrayal at Bespin"--------------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Classic. Modern. Nostalgic.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
How (on a structural musical level) do composers take central themes and vary them to evoke different emotions?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
E.T. (composed by John Williams) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (composed by Burt Bacharach)---------------
Join my Discord server by becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Apple Podcast reviews are always greatly appreciated: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-wars-music-minute/id1552988763
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin YouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminute TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute? Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminute Email: [email protected] Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Musicologist Alex Ludwig (Dies Irae guru) returns to the show to discuss minutes 81-85 of The Empire Strikes Back! We talk about the form, orchestration, and rhythm of the Lando's Palace cue, the stern parenting of Yoda and Obi-Wan, and how the music paints the text.
Video version of this episode is here: https://youtu.be/tdJUdPsUQBQ
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro.10:30 - Meeting Lando with some exhaust, a ship, and a clarinet glissando reminiscent of Rhapsody in Blue or Salome.16:02 - So many pedals!19:36 - Old-fashioned but unbalanced ABA-ish form.24:14 - Jocular cello pizz for Han's laugh.29:06 - Dotted rhythms are hard.36:50 - Echuta.43:08 - Transition from Cloud City to Dagobah.51:00 - Woodwinds on a bed of strings.56:04 - Bad cop, bad cop.1:03:43 - Solo horn, perfect text painting.1:06:54 - Do you ever fudge the minutes?1:14:53 - Does Obi-Wan's voice sound unusually deep here?1:21:15 - Last-minute pep talk.1:23:49 - Thrawn tangent, Wayland, Joruus C'baoth1:28:34 - Two very distinct atmospheres in the same cue.1:32:27 - Dies Irae.1:39:34 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Rhapsody in Blue (by George Gershwin) - https://youtu.be/TDZWLP7TgBMSalome (by Richard Strauss) - https://youtu.be/50rnWQvIK2IField of Dreams (score by James Horner) - https://youtu.be/4qyVehgTxtAPavane for a Dead Princess (by Maurice Ravel) - https://youtu.be/DVtNt-6OTM8Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
8M3 "Lando's Palace"Musical Themes:
15a. Cloud City 1 (Lando's Palace)1a. Main Theme (A Section)3. Force10a. Imperial March (Theme)12a. Yoda (A Section)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Lando's Palace"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Stories in sound.Solo season answer: Soaring searching strings.ANH season answers: Triumphant brass fanfares. Ominous contrapuntal warblings.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: What were the spotting sessions like for this film in particular?Solo season answer: Who's gonna write the next paradigm-shifting Star Wars score?ANH season answer: What it's like for new composers (Michael Giacchino, John Powell, Ludwig Göransson, etc) to play in the playground of Star Wars music -- to have all these themes at their fingertips, get to use them and take them to new places. "What is it like to get the keys to this kingdom as a composer?"3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (composed by Disasterpeace AKA Rich Vreeland)Solo season answer: The Matrix trilogy (composed by Don Davis)ANH season answer: The Social Network (composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) and Sunset Boulevard (composed by Franz Waxman)---------------
Guest: Alex Ludwig
Website (including the Dies Irae List): https://alexludwig.net/Twitter: https://twitter.com/celexoYouTube channel: Film Music Tropes - https://www.youtube.com/celexo22------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Opulent violins and sci-fi vocals can only mean one thing: We're approaching Cloud City! Composer/music technologist Jeremy Sawruk returns to the show to discuss minutes 76-80 of The Empire Strikes Back.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!5:49 - Voice removal.12:38 - Background "Morse code" sound.16:34 - Errant horn entrance or sound design?19:08 - Envelopes! (ADSR.)26:25 - Open chord sound.33:54 - Tense Han & Leia theme.39:25 - A sharp cut in the music (visible on a spectogram).46:34 - Methodical, meditative Force climb.57:58 - Shroud of artificial harmonics.1:02:03 - List of magic-evoking instruments.1:06:53 - Another abrupt transition/cut.1:21:00 - The best part of these minutes! (Soaring violin soli approaching Cloud City.)1:29:08 - Sci-fi vocals.1:35:41 - Comparing the Cloud City melody to the Sibelius Violin Concerto.1:48:41 - Spectogram view of a busy section and R2's chirping.2:04:02 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
envelope (music): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope_(music)Sibelius Violin Concerto (Maxim Vengerov performance): https://youtu.be/YsbrRAgv1b4Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
8M2 "City In The Clouds"Musical Themes:
11a. Han & Leia (A Section)14. Boba Fett12a. Yoda (A Section)3. Forcesomething like 35) Cascading Trumpet Lines?15b. Cloud City 2 (Trouble in Bespin)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Imperial Starfleet Deployed/City in the Clouds"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Space. Brass. Droids.Solo season answer: Big octatonic brassANH season answer: Opera without words2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: The creation of the sound effects/sound design. Can I recreate some of these sounds on my ARP 2600?Solo season answer: The score for Obi-Wan Kenobi.ANH season answer: Musical / orchestrational “filler” and sound effects/foley3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: The Matrix by Don Davis, Bob's Burgers (series) composed by Loren BouchardNew answer: Star Trek by Jerry Goldsmith, Wall-E by Thomas NewmanPrevious answers: North by Northwest by Bernard Herrmann, Loki by Natalie Holt, Catch Me If You Can by John Williams---------------
Guest: Jeremy Sawruk
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jsawrukInstagram: https://instagram.com/composer314Solo 18: Powered By Thirds (Minutes 86-90 with Jeremy Sawruk) - https://youtu.be/LsNQj3D7DM0ANH 16: Orchestration Wars (Minutes 76-80 with Jeremy Sawruk) - https://youtu.be/1owmn96ALVY------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
In The Empire Strikes Back Minutes 71-75, Yoda raises the ship while Luke looks on in disbelief. Oboist Trevor Mowry and Father David Mowry return to SWMM to talk about this emotional cue (complete with the best E Maj7 chord ever), the "Peter and Wolf"-like instrumentation (are you team French horn or team trumpet?), the expansiveness of Yoda's theme, and the tactility of Star Wars sound design. We also cover a fantastic listener question from Tim B!
Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/wBIOiuPCMjc
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!6:39 - French horn representing Luke.16:29 - Sad Luke theme.21:42 - Woodwinds welling up from behind.26:52 - Purpose of doubling an oboe and flute?33:18 - Impactful marriage of the score with sound effects.38:56 - The strings representing doubt, indulgence.41:56 - How many "miracles" has Luke seen so far?47:37 - Skywalker bloodline and Yoda's growth.52:58 - C Minor to E Major. Final obstacle has been removed.55:57 - Ascending dyads in piccolo/flute. "Anything can happen."59:42 - Large interval leaps in Yoda's theme.1:04:05 - Every component of Yoda's theme ends on an open-ended note, revealing the spiritual reality that Yoda was talking about. (!)1:10:17 - Grounded Yoda in the cellos. Diminution of Sad Yoda set in the flutes.1:16:23 - An insulting exhale. Force choke from Jedi Outcast.1:19:14 - Pesky "A"s. Scrappy Rebels.1:23:56 - First ever honorary doctorate awarded via podcast.1:27:31 - Threepio is powered down. Tactile-ness of Star Wars.1:32:51 - Listener question from Tim Bobrowski (thank you!)1:36:42 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
"La Mer" 3rd movement (Claude Debussy) - https://youtube.com/watch?v=KUFpcPEcwTo&t=914Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 7M3 Yoda Raises the Ship https://youtu.be/rP5213v20foThus Spake Zarathustra (by Richard Strauss) - https://youtu.be/Szdziw4tI9oPortsmouth Sinfonia : "Also sprach Zarathustra" - https://youtu.be/hpJ6anurfuwANH 19: Run, Luke! Run! (Minutes 91-95 with Fr. David and Trevor Mowry) - https://youtu.be/9FZgc1x5slgComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
7M3 "Yoda Raises The Ship"7M4/8M1 "Vadar's Command"Musical Themes:
1a. Main Theme (A Section)3. Force12a. Yoda (A Section)24. Revelations10a. Imperial March (Theme)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Yoda And The Force""Imperial Starfleet Deployed/City in the Clouds"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Father David: Expansive real horizons. (Previous answer: Raw triumphant heroism.)Trevor: Past, present, future. (Previous answer: Timeless space adventure)2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Father David: How much has the transition to digital sound production changed the feel of Star Wars?Trevor: How one gets to be someone who conducts the performances of the live to picture concerts. (Previous answer: Everything about the Cantina Band, the human beings behind Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes. Where did they get these people? Where did they get a steel drum player who could shred like that?)3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Father David: 2001: A Space Odyssey (Previous answer: Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright)Trevor: Vertigo (composed by Bernard Herrmann)---------------
Trevor Mowry:
Look up "Trevor Mowry oboe" to find lots of oboe-related things online."The President's Own" Marine Band - https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Father David Mowry:
Website: https://www.fatherdavidmowry.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrMowry------------------
Become a patron to join my Discord server (and support the show, of course)! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Music theorist Dr. Lauren Crosby is here to help us take a closer look at the original Boba Fett theme. We compare the pitch material of John Williams's theme to Ludwig Göransson's Boba Fett theme (which debuted in The Book Of Boba Fett), theorize about the relationship between them, and discuss other things from this action-packed set of minutes too!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!10:53 - When did you become aware of Boba Fett having a theme?14:02 - Characteristics of the Boba Fett theme.16:57 - Side by side comparison of Frank Lehman's Boba Fett theme transcription (Bb octatonic) and Lauren Crosby's transcription (C# minor). Same theme, same notes, conceived in different ways.25:26 - Foreshadowing all the Dies Iraes in these minutes.31:14 - Comparing John Williams's theme to Ludwig Göransson's Boba Fett theme.44:09 - Did Ludwig Göransson reference John Williams on purpose?50:38 - Hypothesizing about the break point of the Dies Irae in Boba Fett's two themes.58:53 - Attacking a Star Destroyer motif, which also appears in John Powell's SOLO score.1:04:54 - Satisfying engine sound that melds with the music.1:09:18 - Carmina Burana moment.1:10:16 - Dies Irae moment (paging Alex Ludwig).1:16:02 - Guessing a theme based on two notes.1:20:04 - Remaining part of the action through the soundscape.1:23:43 - Upward steps with lower decorations evoke Luke struggling to learn the lesson.1:26:40 - Organic vs. non-organic sounds on Dagobah. Natural habitat punctuated by Artoo's vocalizations.1:30:55 - Paging Ender Smith (re: Artoo beeps).1:33:57 - Ascending scale with ascending ship. The scale is somewhat familiar but sounds unresolved.1:41:05 - SWMM QuestionnaireReferences:
Ludwig Göransson's Book of Boba Fett theme - https://youtu.be/3a0tH0fkvW8"O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff - https://youtu.be/GXFSK0ogeg4Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
6M5/7M1 "The Magic Tree"7M2 "Attack Position"Beginning of 7M3 "Yoda Raises The Ship"Musical Themes:
1a. Main Theme (A Section)12a. Yoda (A Section)10a. Imperial March (Theme)14. Boba Fett29) Attacking A Star Destroyer13) Dies IraeWhere are we in the soundtrack?
"The Training of a Jedi Knight/The Magic Tree""Attacking a Star Destroyer""Yoda And The Force"------------
Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
- Expansive. Romantic. Foreignly-familiar.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
- The process of coming up with character voices, sounds, or languages.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
- Frozen II (composed by Christophe Beck)
---------
Guest: Lauren Crosby
Lauren's presentation at the John Williams conference may be online soon. You can check on it here: https://johnwilliams.sciencesconf.org/University of Clemson page: https://www.clemson.edu/caah/about/facultybio.html?id=5566------------------
Ways to Support & Follow SWMM:
Join our Discord server by becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetanLeave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink -
Talking cave visions, glissando lizards, synthesizers, The Magic Tree, magnets, and more with Ender Smith (of AurekFonts)! This is The Empire Strikes Back minutes 61-65.
Video version of this episode (with visuals): https://youtu.be/gYGV9Vy_wDs
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!2:36 - Cue 6M3 "This Is Not A Cave."5:42 - Demonstrating planing chords on guitar.11:46 - Mishearing Leia's line.12:27 - Die Hard director on the purpose of dialogue in films.16:11 - We love Threepio's scream.20:27 - Loading up the musical slingshot before jumping to lightspeed.22:38 - Comparison to the Battle of Hoth.29:18 - Threepio's backseat piloting. (Is there a supercut of C3PO saying "We're doomed" throughout the 9 saga films?)32:44 - Space slug!36:59 - Listener quiz! I play something; you tell me where it appears in the film.44:31 - Glissando lizard and other Ben Burtt Dagobah creations.51:31 - The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide.56:53 - Yoda's words and syntax.57:53 - Start of tangent (Yoda's teaching style, religious feelings, the Force, the Dark Side, the devil, temptation, mental health, discipline, curiosity, Darth Sidious, attachment, institutions).1:23:27 - End of tangent.1:23:46 - Artoo's vibe check.1:26:10 - Cue 6M5/7M1 "Magic Tree"1:36:01 - A specific clarinet tone.1:37:45 - "Mariiiiia."1:43:47 - Magic Tree waveform (visual).1:50:39 - Dark Side motif. Flute grace note melody.1:55:23 - New layers of animal sounds.2:06:00 - Raiders of the Lost Ark comparison.sunk2:12:56 - Synthesizer. (Btw, this is not the first appearance of a synth; there was one in last week's minutes too.)2:25:54 - Visual aid (transcription of repeated string cells).2:32:29 - Why was the synth used? Musings about the limitations of acoustically amplified orchestral instruments.2:36:55 - Cave visions are the best part of Star Wars.2:43:47 - Comparisons to The Last Jedi cave sequence.2:46:50 - Start of Jedi Fallen Order spoiler.2:47:43 - End of JFO spoiler.2:57:44 - Spooky insecurities.3:03:45 - Vergences in the Force, magnets, sourdough.3:06:10 - Molecular people ??? Help plz. 🙏🏼3:10:32 - Slow frame rate.3:19:00 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 6M3 This Is Not A Cave - https://youtu.be/AhKNHh9icxQDominic Sewell's analysis of cue 6M5/7M1 The Magic Tree - https://youtu.be/M6M5pW54COoTLJ 16: Mirror Cave vs. Magic Tree (Minutes 76-80) - https://youtu.be/-ztVED0Dos0The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide (by Terryl Whitlatch (Author), Bob Carrau) - https://www.amazon.com/Wildlife-Star-Wars-Field-Guide/dp/0811847365The Soundtrack Show: The Empire Strikes Back Part III - https://www.stitcher.com/show/soundtrack-2/episode/the-empire-strikes-back-the-music-part-iii-59816743Main Title: South America, 1936 from Raiders of the Lost Ark (John Williams) - https://youtu.be/jNgnEAxkR5MFXRant: The Cave in Real Time - https://fxrant.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-cave-in-real-time.htmlNational Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Charles Gerhardt) "The Magic Tree" - https://youtu.be/JfYzadOwCUA"Peter and the Wolf" (Prokofiev) flute excerpt played by Devyn Sowry - https://youtu.be/O0VUCCAqpfMComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
6M3 "This Is Not A Cave"6M5/7M1 "The Magic Tree"Musical Themes:
1a. Main Theme (A Section)16a. Dark Side (Motif)Sort of 35) Cascading Trumpet LinesWhere are we in the soundtrack?:
"Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave""The Training of a Jedi Knight/The Magic Tree""The Training Of A Jedi Knight""The Magic Tree"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Colorful, rollercoaster, crosstalk.Solo season answer: Actually close enough. (to John Williams)ANH season answer: California radio voiceovers2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: The various vocal effects used for aliens and glissando lizards. He's like to create a plug-in for a DAW.Solo season answer: How musical notation works in Star Wars. What does Bith notation look like for the Cantina Band? How about Max Rebo's charts? Does he read sheet music or play by ear?ANH season answer: the making of one musical cue from start to finish3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Looper (composed by Nathan Johnson)Solo season answer: The Village (composed by James Newton Howard)ANH season answer: Knives Out (composed by Nathan Johnson)---------------
Guest: Ender Smith (of AurekFonts)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AurekFontsFonts: https://aurekfonts.github.io/Solo 9: Chicken in the Pot Iceberg (Minutes 41-45) - https://youtu.be/W4mqTn4oYVgANH 3: Droid Musicality (Minutes 11-15) - https://youtu.be/qtY3zAA-A8A------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
Suzen Tekla Kruglnska returns to the show to discuss the humorous horror and philosophical twists in The Empire Strikes Back minutes 56-60! We talk about Kubrick musical connections, Yoda's necklace/instrument, mynock sound design, and the visceral extended techniques used to elicit fear.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!5:36 - Connections to The Shining and The Muppet Show.10:00 - Zigzagging between different themes.13:35 - Yoda's scored monologue.19:07 - Dotted rhythm in Yoda's B section.23:10 - Philosophical twist.25:48 - Dovetailing.30:04 - Injection of dark side.33:43 - Yoda's musical necklace.38:13 - Eek! Mynock jump scare!45:12 - Start of cue 6M3 This Is Not a Cave.51:21 - Visceral horror music techniques.58:09 - End of The Shining.1:06:58 - Ben Burtt's Mynock sound design.1:18:03 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell Music's analysis of cue 6M3 This Is Not A Cave is excellent! - https://youtu.be/AhKNHh9icxQDotted note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dotted_noteThe Shining soundtrack cued to Jack in the maze scene - https://youtube.com/watch?v=DbtGtE5DssY&t=3379Yoda's necklace - https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/BlisslComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Solo 22: Herrmann Over Jaws (Minutes 106-110 with Suzen Tekla Kruglnska) https://youtu.be/AMKgA3L7PswCues:
6M2 "Yoda's Teaching"6M3 "This Is Not A Cave"Musical Themes:
3. Force1a. Main Theme (A Section)12b. Yoda (B Section)12a. Yoda (A Section)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Jedi Master Revealed/Mynock Cave"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: Triumph. Threat. Enchantment.Solo season answer: Droids. Flight. Pew.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: What did John Williams find most difficult to write?Solo season answer: How do they come up with the sound of alien languages?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: Andor, Don't Look Up, and Moonlight (composed by Nicholas Britell)Solo season answer: Rosemary's Baby (composed by Krzysztof Komeda)---------------
Guest: Suzen Tekla Kruglnska
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skruglnskaThe Comedy Film Funnel (podcast with Joe Dator) - https://www.podash.com/podcast/5346477/The Shining 2:37 (podcast) - https://theshining237.comRosemary's Baby 6:66 (podcast) - https://theshining237.com/rosemarys-baby-666-episode-list/------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
In The Empire Strikes Back minutes 51-55, Han and Leia share their first kiss and we meet the Emperor for the first time. Joining me (for the 4th time!) is music theorist/film musicologist Frank Lehman. We discuss the lineage of musical love themes, John Williams's distinctive Lydian signature, the strange proto-Emperor cue, and he gives us a sneak peek of the major updates he's making to the Star Wars Thematic Catalogue.
This episode is also on YouTube (with visuals): https://youtu.be/N_jXuEWiaLY
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!3:20 - Teasing the Emperor scene.8:17 - Augmented hexatonic collection of pitches (characteristic chord type in ESB, 4-20).11:26 - Yanked out portion of the cue, R5P3 "End Fix" (orchestrated by Angela Morley).15:05 - Instrumental introduction to Han & Leia's theme. A distinctive treatment of Lydian mode (descending pentachords -- the 5th down to the tonic).18:50 - The descending Lydian figure is a Williams hallmark of his 80s-ish scores. Examples from E.T. (1993) and ALWAYS (1989).25:05 - On Han being a "scoundrel."29:01 - What do you think of the comparisons to Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto?38:35 - Listening to other love themes: El Cid (Miklós Rózsa), Adagio from Spartacus (Khachaturian)51:48 - First truly functional chord in a while. Enharmonicism.57:27 - Throwing down the gauntlet.58:23 - John Williams holding back on the low bass note until a beat or two after the onset of a theme.1:00:11 - Proud lineage of musical love scenes that are interrupted.1:08:50 - Han Solo and the Princess concert arrangements (there are at least 3!)1:14:56 - Sneak peek of changes to the thematic catalogue.1:29:36 - Dom shoutout 1.1:38:21 - Brittle, rocky xylophone.1:45:39 - 90's Emperor/Energizer Bunny commercial.1:46:26 - Fascinating musical sequence during the Emperor's first appearance.1:55:44 - Dom shoutout 2.1:58:09 - ESB editor Paul Hirsch on temp tracking this scene with Bartók.2:06:28 - Comparing Ian McDiarmid to the original emperor's voice from 1980 (Clive Revell)2:13:19 - Dark Side motif.2:25:00 - SWMM QuestionnaireThings to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 5M4/6M1 "Solo and the Princess" - https://youtu.be/Nxe_rd2GVPYPitch Class Set Calculator: https://www.mta.ca/pc-set/calculator/pc_calculate.htmlE.T. excerpt (queued up to the descending Lydian line)- https://youtube.com/watch?v=P7CyzH6R7f4&t=721"Pete in Heaven" from Always (John Williams) - https://youtu.be/z8v1OEIkp3UPredatory Romance in Harrison Ford Movies (Pop Culture Detective on YouTube) - https://youtu.be/wWoP8VpbpYITchaikovsky's Violin Concerto - https://youtu.be/QCKL95HAdQ8Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet - https://youtu.be/finYYXkdYmA"Fossils" from Carnival of the Animals (Saint-Saens) - https://youtu.be/bcAJpsWWuIYBéla Bartók Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta - https://youtu.be/ymqRNY4K4NA?t=1016Andrew Norman "Play" - Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Cristian Măcelaru https://youtu.be/Dc9rYygfwNI?t=1316Love Scene from El Cid (by Miklós Rózsa)- https://youtu.be/91SunNLBDoI?t=303Emperor Palpatine Energizer Bunny commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxafIhYFOr0Adagio from Spartacus (by Khachaturian) - https://youtu.be/LZLMKkEGFRo?t=133The Red Violin OST (by John Corigliano) - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6Oa6vj9pJz7IPAC5yVw666aU-OReTM1KThe Empire Strikes Back - the original Emperor scene from 1980 - https://youtu.be/rKtciRCVpFECues:
Tail end of 5M3 "Yoda's Entrance"5M4/6M1 "Solo And The Princess"Musical Themes:
11a. Han & Leia (A Section)11b. Han & Leia (B Section)10a. Imperial March (Theme)24) Imperial March Vamp16a. Dark Side (Motif)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Luke's Nocturnal Visitor""Han Solo and the Princess"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
New answer: My lifelong obsession.Solo season: Vaguely remembered music.ANH season: Dissonant pedal notes. Minor planing triads.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
New answer: What was going on in the scoring of Obi-Wan Kenobi?Solo season: Who will be main composer for the Kenobi series?ANH season: What are we musically in store for as Star Wars moves onto the next chapters of its development? What was the actual score to Episode IX supposed to be (before changes)?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
New answer: White Lotus (series) (composed by Cristobal Tapia de Veer)Solo season: Severance (series) (composed by Theodore Shapiro)ANH season: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) (composed by Jerry Goldsmith)---------------
Guest: Frank Lehman
Website: https://franklehman.com/Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars: https://franklehman.com/starwars/A Guide to the Musical Themes of Indiana Jones: https://franklehman.com/indiana-jones-themes/Book: Hollywood Harmony: Musical Wonder and the Sound of Cinema - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Harmony-Musical-Wonder-Cinema/dp/0190606401Frank's previous episodes:
Solo 7: Powell's Fresh Take (Minutes 31-35 with Frank Lehman) - https://youtu.be/x_dF58geISQANH 6: Binary Sunset Breakdown (Minutes 26-30 with Frank Lehman) - https://youtu.be/JrCg4KLk054TLJ 30: Musical DNA of The Last Jedi (Minutes 146-150 with Frank Lehman) - https://youtu.be/NZwIpV3igBo------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin -
It's finally time to meet Yoda! Joining me today is writer, producer, and Muppet aficionado Ken Plume. We break down Frank Oz's fantastic performance, including his speech syntax and the vocal qualities that define Yoda vs. Miss Piggy vs. Grover vs. Fozzie vs. Bert and Frank Oz's other classic characters. The music takes a backseat in this scene, giving the audience a chance to really meet and hear Yoda for the first time. This is THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK minutes 46-50.
Check out the video version of this episode if you want to see Ken's puppet demonstrations: https://youtu.be/RCqDQ6XCBc4
Timestamps:
0:00 - Hello there!1:26 - How Ken's tweets made Xanthe appreciate the Muppets more.7:25 - Listening to the start of these minutes.13:07 - Piccolo/bassoon line when Luke lights the furnace.17:04 - Artoo sitting back and watching everything unfold.18:03 - Is the cue announcing the "magic has entered the room?" Kite metaphor.27:02 - The Force theme tapping Luke on the shoulder rather than announcing when Luke has entered the room.32:49 - This scene has Yoda's most extreme, comical vocal performance.38:37 - Frank Oz voice comparisons. Noise-to-pitch ratio. What do Yoda, Grover, Miss Piggy, Animal, Bert, Cookie Monster, Sam Eagle, and Fozzie have in common? What is different? Grit, cleanliness, gravel, rumble, nasality, rasp, phlegm.53:42 - Yoda syntax, pedagogy, younglings, Mr. Rogers, action words.59:17 - Listener question: Do you think Yoda is an accent?1:05:11 - Things in puppetry that separate amateurs from professionals.1:10:27 - Puppet sound sync, mouth shapes.1:17:28 - Listener question: What do you think it does for a puppet performer to portray both speech and action for a single character?1:20:00 - Xanthe's disturbing Yoda puppetry attempt.1:25:23 - Listener question: How do puppet designers prioritize movement and durability?1:36:59 - Luke being tested in this scene, failing. Parable within a parable.1:46:12 - A closer look at the shot with Yoda reaching across to grab the cane. "Live hands" situation.1:53:09 - Frank Oz's little beats. The exhalation is all in the performance; the puppet has no lungs.1:59:09 - Comparing Frank Oz's Yoda to other Yoda's (from The Clone Wars, etc).2:08:52 - The music (5M3 Yoda's Entrance) gives us the tiniest little tease of who Yoda is.2:17:31 - Tips on getting into the Muppets oeuvre.2:23:30 - Is there an instrument that represents Yoda to you? (open to listener answers!)2:30:00 - SWMM Questionnaire2:40:11 - Ken's very disturbing Yoda mask.Things to Check Out:
Dominic Sewell's analysis of cue 5M2 Yoda Appears - https://youtu.be/p10aBm6juXM Playlist of Frank Oz's Muppet Character Voices - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSnlOAEE_D0&list=PLw4AP6SyWCYxCHJ1eLHHj9JXbkLyYCM5kYoda (Star Wars) | Evolution In Movies & TV (1980 - 2018) - https://youtu.be/ReZTZS7eIlwYoda Comparison - The Phantom Menace - https://youtu.be/4DsYoc1CsUQEmmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas - https://youtu.be/nZqYHS4uzWESinging Fish ("The Little Fishies" from The Muppet Show)- https://youtu.be/3lFOh2vzJzkGremlins Suite (composed by Jerry Goldsmith) - https://youtu.be/jsE-Hr73ImwComplete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.Cues:
5M2 "Yoda Appears"5M3 "Yoda's Entrance"Musical Themes:
3. Force12a. Yoda (A Section)Where are we in the soundtrack?:
"Arrival on Dagobah""Luke's Nocturnal Visitor"---------------
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Longing. Grace. Adventure.2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Major/big themes aside (like the Force theme and Imperial March), which of the more minor musical themes recur the most across the films?3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
1941 (composed by John Williams)The Italian Job (composed and arranged by Quincy Jones)Gremlins (composed by Jerry Goldsmith)The Last Starfighter (composed by Craig Safan)---------------
Guest: Ken Plume
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kenplumeTwitter: https://twitter.com/kenplumeMuppets/Jim Henson commentary thread: https://twitter.com/KenPlume/status/1351023387003518976------------------
If you want to support the show and join the Discord server, consider becoming a patron! https://patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Leave a voice message, and I might play it on the show... https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
Where else to find SWMM:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMinYouTube: https://youtube.com/starwarsmusicminuteTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarsmusicminute?Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwarsmusicminuteEmail: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/starwarsmusmin - Visa fler
