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STAR WARS: Symphony for a Saga

The Phantom Menace

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Suite v2:

"The Phantom Menace Suite"

00:00 - 01:39

Release Date: 03/01/2006

Track Compiled and Edited:

06/07/05 - 02/17/06
(A total of 58 edits have been made)

All music composed by

John Williams

Performed by

The London Symphony Orchestra

Original recording sources are:

STAR WARS - EPISODE I : THE PHANTOM MENACE

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
STAR WARS - EPISODE I : THE PHANTOM MENACE

Ultimate Edition Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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Mirror

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Discontinued

THE PHANTOM MENACE v2

Personal Track Interpretation
 

STAR WARS Main Title    (00:00 - 01:39)
 

The STAR WARS Main Title is iconic in the world. Any Star Wars soundtrack would be incomplete if it did not announce we were entering the realm of "A Galaxy Far, Far Away..."

The Waters of Otoh Gunga    (01:39 - 02:15)

One of the first cues I wanted to add was the "Swim to Otoh Gunga." This amazing piece is very short, but ultimately gives you the feeling of being pulled into the Star Wars universe. Being placed directly after the Main Title and mystically titled The Waters of Otoh Gunga, it accomplishes just that...although never meant to solely remind you of Otoh Gunga itself.

Duel of the Fates    (02:15 - 04:17)

Duel of the Fates is a wonderful thematic piece. Through time, the standard concert version we are all familiar with has become tiresome. The stop-and-go feel of the piece is somewhat tedious and was edited down for v1.0. This version was plagued by a few clumsy edits and was only slightly less stop-and-go. From the moment the chorus breaks through The Waters of Otoh Gunga the theme never relents. Notice the use of the instrumental version of this theme as a special treat to fans.

Here, Duel of the Fates is used early in the suite to create a sense that danger close, overpowering, and ultimately out of control.
 

Darth Maul    (04:17 - 05:05)

This danger is then personified by Darth Maul the most dangerous villain in The Phantom Menace as his shadow is ultimately cast over the whole of the saga. In v2.0, this theme is lengthened to include more percussion, signifying the carnal, raw nature of this Sith Lord.

The Trade Federation March    (05:05 - 06:58)
 

The Trade Federation March grows from Maul's theme revealing to the listener that the Federation is ultimately a pawn a greater scheme. Slightly arrogant in it's militaristic cadence, the Trade Federation quickly brings to mind images of droid armies marching over the grasslands of Naboo...seemingly unaware of their ultimate weakness. This theme has been expanded to include another verse of the march.

Naboo and the Palace    (06:58 - 10:30)

One of the tracks that has seen the greatest expansion in v2.0 is Naboo and the Palace. Originally, only the end fanfare was used to convey the elegance and majesty of the Theed Palace, even though it was used in the film for the heroes arrival at Coruscant.

Now, Naboo and the Palace contains the regal, yet somber motifs that directly related to the location in the film. While this track may remind the listener of the magnificent cliffs and waterfalls of Theed, it should also evoke images of the Trade Federations oppression and occupation of the city and palace.

However, this theme is not entirely mournful as stately trumpets and a slight military cadence communicate the people's royal traditions, while the grand fanfare shows us Naboo's defeat of tyranny. These grand images will ultimately stay with young Anakin Skywalker throughout his life...continually reminding him of the beautiful Padme Amidala, queen of the Naboo.

The Chosen One    (10:30 - 12:48)

The dark tone of the opening measures of The Chosen One foreshadow the uncertain nature of this vergence in the Force. This is evident to all, as the Jedi Council is wary of young Anakin Skywalker's Jedi training. Yet the power of this boy cannot be denied. Entwined with the destiny of the chosen one is always the love of his mother, as quoted in the second half of this theme.

The Chosen One was perfection in v1.0, especially the transition into Anakin's Theme at the end. Both themes are relatively untouched in v2.0, although the edits have been considerably cleaned up.

Anakin's Theme    (12:48 - 15:13)

A flawless moment within the symphony, always foreshadowing the future. The whimsical nature of Anakin's Theme communicates how he will be shaped by the events around him. As Anakin grows and changes, his theme will likewise change. This theme seems sorrowful, as if Anakin is mourning for the life he knows he will never have.

The Phantom Menace    (15:13 - 19:39)

Another greatly expanded theme is the title track to the suite, The Phantom Menace. Nearly two minutes of music is added to the beginning. Now two verses of "Darth Sidious' Theme" appear. Before, this track began at what is now the second quotation of this dark theme."

The medley explores the dark shadow hanging over the galaxy, continually making its presence and influence felt. No moment carries greater weight in the Galaxy than the vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum. While this decision may have been a turning point for good, its consequence will resonate throughout the galaxy forever.

Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme    (19:39 - 22:33)

One of the most memorable pieces in Symphony for a Saga v1.0 was the combination of the "Qui-Gon Jinn" themes from the film. Originally included in The Phantom Menace, it quickly became fans' favorite part of the work. Here, Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme receives prominent glory. As fans we may always desire to hear a concert version of this piece, but for now, this cut may have to do.

This cue was also used as the single for The Phantom Menace v2.0, and contains some music not found on Symphony for a Saga at all. Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme was chosen as the single because of the love fans have for the theme and this Jedi Master's importance in the saga. Was he to have lived, how would the fate of Anakin Skywalker have been altered?

Would there ever have been a Darth Vader? The quotation of Darth Vader's theme at the end seems to state that Qui-Gon's death certainly played a part in his creation...however small or great.