The Phantom Menace (Single)

“Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme”

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Original Release Date: 08/31/2005

Re-release Date: 04/08/2016

Track Compiled and Edited 06/07/05 – 06/22/05

(A total of 19 edits have been made)

All music composed by John Williams

Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

01 - Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme	(03:25)



Total Runtime	03:25

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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Personal Track Interpretation

One of the most significant pieces in “Symphony for a Saga v1.0” was the combination of the "Qui-Gon Jinn" themes from the film, and 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 version of the cue contains some introduction music that will not be found on the album version of “The Phantom Menace Suite” 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.

If he had lived, how would the fate of Anakin Skywalker have been altered? Would there ever have been a Darth Vader? As we now learn of him, would Kylo Ren even exist? The quotation of Darth Vader's theme at the end seems to state that Qui-Gon's death certainly played a part in Vader’s creation...however small or great.

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Cover Artist’s Statement

I really wanted to have Qui-Gon be a strong central figure, as this is who the single is about. Not surprisingly, the music describing Qui-Gon is soft and flowing, with a little bit of "spunk." I think Williams accurately described his character. Qui-Gon is an intellectual icon of pacifism, patience, and stability. I chose a strong, defensive pose, but included his lightsaber as this is a defining feature of any Jedi's character.

I also took a reductionist view, placing Qui-Gon in the background of Naboo (which might also be described by the majority of the music) and giving the background more of a hand-drawn look. Too often the artistic elements of STAR WARS are over-looked, and the cover for this single is the perfect time to reemphasize the fact that STAR WARS is also an artistic concept. Having Qui-Gon become a rendered figure from a 2D draft shows his ascendance out of this world and concepts into a valid symbol.

By keeling the background white, I intend to represent the symbolic purity of Qui-Gon, a talent that so many Jedi are losing at the time of The Phantom Menace. Yet, Qui-Gon's energy, displayed as similar to the green energy of his lightsaber blade, pervades the sky above Naboo (itself a peaceful, intellectual and rational planet), presenting him as a holy symbol of Jedi enlightenment to both Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi (which is what I think is Qui-Gon's dominant role in the saga). It also helps to cover the faster phrases in the single.

- Mike Malone