STAR  WARS: Symphony for a Saga

 “Return of the Jedi Suite”

ROTJ-Suite 100dpi.jpg

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Release Date: 08/26/2016

 

Track Compiled and Edited 04/10/2016 – 07/04/2016

(A total of 57 edits have been made)

 

All music composed by John Williams

Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

 

Return of the Jedi Suite

 

01 – The Court of Jabba the Hutt

(00:00 – 04:47)

02 – Brother and Sister

(04:47 – 07:08)

03 – The Assembly of the Rebel Alliance

(07:08 – 08:28)

04 – New Allies on the Sanctuary Moon

(08:28 – 10:43)

05 – The Battle of Endor

(10:43 – 14:37)

06 – Emperor Palpatine’s Throne Room

(14:37 – 18:44)

07 – The Return of the Jedi

(18:44 – 21:39)

08 – Victory and Finale

(21:39 – 24:34)

Total Runtime

24:34

 

Original recording sources are:

 

STAR WARS - RETURN OF THE JEDI (Special Edition Motion Picture Soundtrack)

STAR WARS - RETURN OF THE JEDI (The Ultimate Digital Collection)

STAR WARS - RETURN OF THE JEDI (The Star Wars Soundtrack Anthology)

 

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Personal Track Interpretation

 

"The Court of Jabba the Hutt"           (00:00 - 04:47)

 

Suddenly, we begin with orchestral hits as we enter the "Return of the Jedi Suite." It has been 11 years since this project began in the month leading up to REVENGE OF THE SITH. Finally, this version is complete, so why not begin the symphony with such a powerful, anticipatory beginning?

 

Quickly we enter to "The Court of Jabba the Hutt," which is absent the extended opening from the single edit. Almost whimsically, we are introduced to the quirky nature of Jabba the Hutt as we walk toward the palace with our droid companions. John Williams perfectly personified Jabba the Hutt with the low, rolling, solo Tuba.

 

While we may be tricked by the seemingly stately theme, the flute quickly brings a reintroduction to the Tuba, while strings in the background subtlety remind us of Jabba's slimy nature. The final notes of the theme clearly serve as a warning of Jabba's temper and unpredictable nature.

 

"Brother and Sister"                    (04:47 - 07:08)

 

The xylophone strikes lighten our mood as Luke and Leia's theme begins, "Brother and Sister." This somber theme communicates a different kind of connection and initially underscores the sadness of sharing Darth Vader as their father, a truth more surprising that Luke's reveal that Leia is his long lost sister.

 

But there is power in this knowledge--"The Force runs strong in my family," reminds Luke. The swell of the theme shows us the strength Anakin Skywalker's twins possess. "Somehow...I've always known," says Leia as she embraces the truth, and her brother.

 

"The Assembly of the Rebel Alliance"    (07:08 - 08:28)

 

It has been months since the evacuation of Hoth, and finally "The Assembly of the Rebel Alliance" is complete. From the far reaches of the battlefront, the Rebels have brought their strength and military might, signaled by the slight drum roll cadence in the fourth repeat of the Alliance theme.

 

A final attack against the Imperial forces is upon them, as Mon Mothma announces the existence of a second Death Star. Mon Mothma's character is deeply entwined in the cause of the Rebellion, and this regal theme captures the power of the former Senator and the nobility of the hero's cause.

 

I have made adjustments to the pitch of the second voicing in attempt to make a fuller, less repetitive experience.

 

"New Allies on the Sanctuary Moon"     (08:28 - 10:43)

 

As the strings raise us to towering tree tops of Endor, our band of heroes find "New Allies on the Sanctuary Moon" of Endor. Rather than embrace the whimsical nature of the "Ewok March," I chose instead to begin part-way through this concert theme, and demonstrate the unexpected might of the Ewoks. The overwhelming and upbeat march provides musical respite and hope, just like the night among the trees and new friends did for our heroes.

 

Truly, the Ewok experience is unexpected for our friends and Williams fantastically adds to the odd wonder of their culture with the theme. This truncated edit does enough to remind us of the Ewoks without taking too much of a detour away from the final act of this symphony.

 

"The Battle of Endor"                   (10:43 - 14:37)

 

With new allies at their side, "The Battle of Endor" begins as the Rebel fleet emerges from hyperspace and speeds toward the Death Star. "It's a trap!" Admiral Ackbar exclaims as the fleet turns toward a fleet of Star Destroyers waiting in ambush. Chaos envelopes the fleet as the Rebellion motif calls out!

 

Below on the forest moon, the Rebels are surrounded, and with the aid of the Ewoks they meet the Empire's might. But this war will sacrifice many, and midway through the forest battle, we feel the cost as the music swells and strings to grieve for the slain.

 

Without rest, the battle rages on in the space above, and on the moon below. But as shields drop, the rebels have hope as the fanfare calls out, "All fighters follow me!"

 

This end battle for the trilogy was such a massive musical section; I had extreme difficulty cutting it down into something that could fit into a larger suite. There quite a bit of great music left out of this movement, but hopefully the use of my favorite pieces communicates the scope of the war's final battle.

 

"Emperor Palpatine's Throne Room"       (14:37 - 18:44)

 

High in a tower on the Death Star, a hooded figure smiles as he watches his cunning plan come to fruition during "Emperor Palpatine's Throne Room." The end of this war is finally near. Listen closely for the swirling strings behind the Emperor's theme, as if pure madness lies behind his eyes.

 

A fan favorite of the entire saga is the cue behind the final moments of the battle between Father and Son, as Luke succumbs to his rage in protection of his sister. The choir perfectly captures this dark duel.

 

The seduction of Luke will not end the same as with the previous Skywalker. Luke battles against his father, and the powerful chorus enhances the magnitude and emotion of the struggle. "I am a Jedi, like my father before me!" proclaims Luke.

 

But, the evil of the Emperor is unleashed with ever-escalating choir and orchestra as lightening strikes Luke and Palpatine refuses to lose his battle to an untested Jedi. Signifying Vader's turn back to the light, the Force theme follows Darth Vader as he turns on his master, bringing balance to the force.

 

"The Return of the Jedi"                (18:44 - 21:39)

 

With Vader's redemption, "The Return of the Jedi" will cost him his life. A quiet, almost gentile version of the "Imperial March" plays over Anakin Skywalker's final moments as he looks upon his son for the first time, with his own eyes. A quiet, rumble of percussion plays behind this scene, almost capturing the final heart beats of this once great Jedi Knight.

 

The Force theme appears now to bring closure to Anakin Skywalker's story, and his funeral pyre reminds us of Qui-Gon Jinn's so long ago. The uplifting soar of the strings and harp bring us the feeling of hope blooming anew throughout the Galaxy.

 

"Victory and Finale"                    (21:39 - 24:34)

 

While we are technically skipping back by suddenly returning to the conclusion of the battle, "Victory and Finale" takes us emotionally to the conclusion of the original trilogy, and the final moments as the Rebellion strikes down the Empire. The Super Star Destroy Executor erupts into flames, and the Millennium Falcon escapes an exploding chasm moments before this second Death Star explodes in a ball of fire!

 

The power of the orchestra and passionate string runs, help us feel the desperation of the Rebellion in overcoming this galactic evil. With this triumph, it is only fitting to end with a restating of the main title--Luke Skywalker's theme--as much of this victory is owed to him. But, at the same time the Rebellion's victory is a collective one, and the conclusion of the Classic Trilogy echoes with the sound of the Rebellion fanfare.

 

I have greatly enjoyed my work with STAR WARS: Symphony for a Saga. Over 11 years ago I started my edits of the soundtracks. While some of you have listened from my first version, finally having the completion of these two trilogies is exciting. I had longed to listen to this work from beginning to end, and the result is satisfying.

 

But there is more, isn't there? Soon, I will begin editing the new adventure with The Force Awakens. I do not have a timeline on when this work will be completed, but certainly it should be before we all sit down in over a year to view STAR WARS: Episode VIII!

 

May the Force be with You!

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