John Williams ‘Main title/Rebel Blockade Runner’ from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

What performing forces are used

• Full symphony orchestra (approx. 60 players)

• 3 Flutes (3rd also playing Piccolo)

• 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons

• 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba

• Percussion: Timpani, Triangle, Snare Drum, Tam-Tam, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Cymbals

• Piano/Celeste, Harp

• Strings

What happens in the introduction of Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Fanfare-like figures in the brass (rapid repeated notes)

• Free imitation between Trombones and Trumpets

• Inverted tonic pedal in Violins (tremolando)

• Quadruple time, played ff (fortissimo)

• Describe the main theme (A) in Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner (Bars 4-7).

• Heroic leitmotif played by high Trumpets

• Syncopated (offbeat) chords in Brass, lower strings, Bassoons

• Tremolando chords in upper woodwind and violins

• Played ff

How is the contrasting section (B) structured

• Melody in strings (except Double Basses), doubled across three octaves

• Accompanied by block chords in Horns/Piano/Oboe

• Harmony reinforced by triplet figures in Piano/RH, Harp, Flute, Clarinet

• Dominant pedal in bass instruments (Bars 12-15)

• Played mf (mezzo-forte)

What is the texture of Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Primarily homophonic texture (melody and accompaniment)

• Main theme (A) and contrasting theme (B) both accompanied by block chords or arpeggios

• Use of pedal textures (inverted tonic pedal, dominant pedal)

• Ostinato textures in Bars 51-60

What is the structure of Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Introductory bars: Fanfare for "Star Wars" logo (Bars 1-3)

• Main theme (A) sets the scene for the film (Bars 4-113)

• Contrasting section (B) with a more subdued character (Bars 114-20)

• Texture and harmony shift in action sections (Bars 30-60)

• What is the tonality of Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Clear Bb major for the first 29 bars

• Less stable harmonies from Bar 30 onwards

• Modulation to C major at Bar 36, with Ab added

• Atonal passages in Bars 41-60, featuring bitonality and dissonance

What harmonic features stand out in Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Predominantly tonal, but uses Quartal harmony (chords built in fourths)

• Unconventional cadence progressions, including imperfect and tertiary relationships

• Use of dissonant cluster chords (Bars 44)

• Inflected chords combining C major and minor (Bars 36-38)

• How are the melodies structured in Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Main Theme (A) consists of a rising perfect fifth (heroic feel)

• Use of stepwise motion and leaps for emotional impact

• Contrast in Theme (B) with more stepwise movement and anacrusis

What is the rhythm, tempo, and metre in Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Fast tempo reflecting action and excitement

• 4/4 metre with a March style, reflecting military themes

• Rhythmic drive, with frequent use of triplets and syncopation

• How are dynamics used in Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner?

• Extreme dynamic contrasts: sudden shifts from fortissimo to piano

• Frequent use of ff (fortissimo) for heroic and dramatic sections

• Frequent crescendos (especially leading into action sections)

• Subtle diminuendos and piano passages for contrast, especially in the middle section