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REVENGE OF THE SITH v2
Personal
Track Interpretation
The Droid General
(00:00 - 01:12)
REVENGE OF THE SITH begins
with a strong rendition of "The Droid General", a new theme for a new
villain, General Grievous. It felt appropriate to start with this theme
and the events in the film are greatly influenced by Grievous. It is
through his plot to capture Chancellor Palpatine that Anakin takes makes
his first kill at Palpatine's bidding.
In addition, "The Droid General" quickly and immediately brings you back
into the world of STAR WARS, one last time. The Choir chants the power and
danger of this new villain.
Anakin and Padme (01:12 - 03:15)
A mournful rendition of ACROSS THE STARS plays in "Anakin and Padme". This
is the first, and tragically last time we see these characters as a
married couple, embracing one another with hope for a joyful future in
their unexpected child.
The tenderness of this piece is under scored by brewing tragedy, as if
fate is rolling over them like an unyielding force.
In Version 2, I made a conscious effort to cut out the shrill quality of
Anakin's nightmare, hoping to extend the peace in "Anakin and Padme's"
relationship, just a bit longer.
The End of the War is Near (03:15 - 07:19)
"The End of the War is Near" combines several action cues from REVENGE OF
THE SITH to embody the final hours of the Clone Wars. A triumphant
rendition of the Force / Obi-Wan Kenobi's theme features prominently in
this sequence, just before his final encounter with General Grievous.
This was such an incredible piece of music in the first version of
Symphony for a Saga that it needed to remain intact. Here I was able to
tweak a few edits and improve the overall quality of the piece.
Revenge of the Sith (07:19 - 11:10)
By far the most brooding piece of music in this suite is aptly titled
"Revenge of the Sith". This sequence of music is meant to underscore the
confusion placed upon the galaxy by the Phantom Menace, Lord Sidious.
Formerly titled, "The Enemy Revealed", this piece is not only about
Palpatine's seduction of Anakin Skywalker, but how Palpatine has been able
to lead the entire galaxy along a dangerous path.
Finally, this sequence erupts into a frenzied version of the Emperor's
motif symbolizing the collapse of the Republic and indeed the Galaxy.
"Revenge of the Sith" contains quite a few pieces of unreleased music.
While the quality of these pieces is nowhere near official quality, I have
taken great care to enhance it as best I could. Hopefully, this music will
eventually be released and will be heard in a final, ultimate Version 3.
Battle of the Heroes (11:10 - 14:14)
Placing "Battle of the Heroes" here came at great deliberation. Finally, I
realized that this music has come to symbolize all of the heroic struggles
from the Prequel Trilogy. Moving the music here allows it to serve as a
backdrop for Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Ki Adi Mundi, and the countless other
Jedi Knights serving the Republic during the Clone Wars.
"Battle of the Heroes" also clearly projects the feeling that the tide is
turning against the heroes of the Republic, and that their hour is nigh.
Some fans may strongly dislike moving "Battle of the Heroes" toward the
middle of the REVENGE OF THE SITH SUITE. I feel like this order provides a
fuller listening experience, and is something unique and fresh for the
listener.
The Fall of Anakin Skywalker (14:14 - 19:22)
Very close to the original version of SYMPHONY FOR A SAGA, "The Fall of
Anakin Skywalker" remains my favorite moments of this suite. With a minor
addition of some unreleased music, this version cleans up some edits
nicely.
Musically, we begin with a representation of Palpatine's voice, whispering
lies and deceit to the young Jedi. The calm tonal qualities of this piece
lull you into unease quickly. The underscoring highlights the struggle
within Anakin as he marches toward his destiny. Darth Vader's and Obi-Wan
Kenobi's themes duel slightly, further highlighting this conflict.
Abruptly, Obi-Wan's theme is cut short, and Anakin's world begins to turn
and become dark. The shrill entry of the horns signify Skywalker's final
turn to the Dark Side of the Force. The choir then acts as the voice of
the Galaxy in lament for the loss of the Chosen One.
I love this reworking of ANAKIN'S BETRAYAL.
The Boy You Trained, Gone He Is (19:22 - 21:07)
Capturing the feeling of Obi-Wan's realization at Anakin's turn is "The
Boy You Trained, Gone He Is". This music relates the tragedy and loss of
Anakin's destruction of the Jedi Temple and the loss of the other Jedi
Knights. The future seems to be without hope as Obi-Wan leaves to face his
former apprentice who is now his greatest enemy.
I also feel the last half of this section is also Padme's heart breaking,
unable to bear the her loss of her husband.
The Lava Planet (21:07 - 24:24)
An overbearingly dark theme, "The Lava Planet" was the third single for
Symphony for a Saga Version 2. Throughout the Star Wars saga, there is no
darker time than during the events on the planet Mustafar.
Beginning with a militarist cadence, "The Lava Planet" symbolizes Anakin
Skywalker's seeming lack of humanity. Now as a Dark Lord of the Sith,
Anakin mindlessly does his master's bidding as a leader in the new
Galactic Empire. After the purge of the Jedi has begun, Anakin is sent to
Mustafar to wipe out the Emperor's former allies, cementing his rule over
the galaxy.
"The Lava Planet" depicts the final moments of the rise of Darth Vader
when Anakin Skywalker casts aside his destiny as the Chosen One, and turns
on his wife, Padme, essentially killing her. In that instant, the boy
Obi-Wan trained is no more and a final battle must be waged to rid the
galaxy of the Sith.
Consumed By Darth Vader (24:24 - 26:12)
Instead of remaining in defeat, Anakin turns himself fully to hatred and
is "Consumed by Darth Vader" after his battle with Obi-Wan. Here is where
we hear Obi-Wan Kenobi's heart break for his former apprentice. "You were
my Brother, Anakin!" What would be worse, to see your friend consumed by
fire...or pure evil? Sadly, Obi-Wan witnesses both.
This reworking of THE IMMOLATION SCENE may sound a bit odd to first time
listeners who know the cue so well. Artistically, notice the five key
changes during the course of this theme. With this reworking, the key
changes raise the emotion of the scene, ascending higher and higher.
The Funeral March (26:12 - 28:09)
I knew immediately when I set to work on this version of REVENGE OF THE
SITH that I wanted to include the instrumental portion of "The Funeral
March". I able to succeed in mastering some unreleased music well enough
to make the blend nearly perfect. I would have also enjoyed the inclusion
of this theme blended with the Imperial March, but that turned out to be
impossible.
"The Funeral March" almost became the single for REVENGE OF THE SITH
Version 2, but I felt it would be a much better surprise in the end. The
extension of this theme from the first version is much welcomed.
This piece of music truly captures the sorrow experienced throughout the
Prequel films. Remember, we have lost Qui-Gon, Anakin...and now Padme,
along with the majority of the Jedi Knights. It is therefore fitting that
The Force theme is woven into "the Funeral March".
The Fate of the Twins (28:09 - 29:24)
We must not forget that in the wake of tragedy, we have "The Fate of the
Twins". Luke and Leia go on to become A New Hope for peace and justice in
the Galaxy. Sadly, this theme ends with a lonesome rendition of Obi-Wan
Kenobi's theme, and he shrinks into the desert to wait until the Skywalker
twins call him forward once again.
Finale (29:24 - 30:26)
The "Finale" of SYMPHONY FOR A SAGA, The Prequels, is a much debated
ending. While many fans have voiced the opinion that a darker ending is
needed, we should remember about our New Hope and rejoice that this is not
the end, but merely the end of the beginning.
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