A theme which was written to convey power has its sources in the most lamentable of circumstances. The most recognizable of the themes from John Williams' original score for "Star Wars" (1977) has its roots in none other than the immortal "Funeral March" by Polish composer/virtuoso-pianist, Frederic Chopin (1810-49).
Funeral marches were considered respectable forms of musical composition by musicians of yesteryear. Although these pieces were meant to be performed as the procession made its way to the burial, composers also used the occurrence of death as an outlet for dedication and commemoration. We can imagine it being a highly personalized portrait which is not hung on the wall, but rather audible images meant to retain and convey something of its subject.
Spanish composer Manuel de Falla's "Homenaje (Pour le tombeau de Debussy)" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzYl8wwvdII - is an example of mourning giving rise to celebration and glorification. One has the impression de Falla is laying a musical wreath, as it were, on Debussy's tomb.
With his theme for the Intergalactic Empire -personified in the character of Darth Vader- American composer John Williams has turned these traditional notions on their emotional ears. He utilized as his catalyst a motive from perhaps the most well-known and celebrated funeral march of the 19th century into, arguably, one of the most popular movie themes of the 20th century. The original, dark and somber, achieving notoriety (ironically) as satire in comedy sketches from the early days of television, is undoubtedly one of the most successful artistic pieces in its evocation of the sadness of death. However, John Williams' theme is steadfast and determined, without weakness; a total denial of the possibility of failure.
Undoubtedly, this is a most brilliant and creative musical transformation; it manages to quote and disguise its source simultaneously. Most importantly, it departs from its emotional origins and assumes a musical identity all its own.
Bravo!
For a moving rendition of the Funeral March watch this!.
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