STAR WARS: Symphony for a Saga

The Phantom Menace Suite

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Original Release Date: 03/01/2006

Re-release Date: 04/15/2016

Tracks Compiled and Edited 06/07/05 - 07/12/05

(A total of 58 edits have been made)

All music composed by John Williams

Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

The Phantom Menace Suite

01 - Star Wars Main Title	(00:00 - 01:39)
02 - The Waters of Otoh Gunga	(01:39 - 02:15)
03 - Duel of the Fates	(02:15 - 04:17)
04 - Darth Maul	(04:17 - 05:05)
05 - The Trade Federation March	(05:05 - 06:58)
06 - Naboo and the Palace	(06:58 - 10:30)
07 - The Chosen One	(10:30 - 12:48)
08 - Anakin's Theme	(12:48 - 15:13)
09 - The Phantom Menace	(15:13 - 19:39)
10 - Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme	(19:39 - 22:33)

Total Runtime	22:33

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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

*This suite contains brief samples of unreleased music

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Personal Track Interpretation

“Star Wars Main Title” (00:00 - 01:39)

The "Star Wars Main Title" is an iconic theme. Any STAR WARS soundtrack would be incomplete if it did not use it to announce we were entering the realm of "A Galaxy Far, Far Away..." As this is the first suite in the entire "Symphony for a Saga," this will be the only time the Main Title will appear.

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

One of the first cues I wanted to add when reconstructing the Symphony was the "Swim to Otoh Gunga." This amazing piece of music is rendered here briefly, but 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 it is 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 centerpiece in The Phantom Menace. However, through time, the standard concert version we are all familiar with has become tiresome for me. The stop-and-go feel of the piece is somewhat tedious and was edited down significantly for the first Symphony. This version was plagued by a few clumsy edits and was only slightly less stop-and-go.

Here, the moment the chorus breaks through "The Waters of Otoh Gunga," the theme never relents. Notice the use of the unreleased instrumental version of this theme as a special treat to fans. "Duel of the Fates" is used early in the suite to create a sense of close danger, overpowering, and ultimately out of control.

“Darth Maul” (04:17 - 05:05)

This danger is personified by "Darth Maul," the most dangerous villain in The Phantom Menace. His shadow is ultimately cast over the whole of the saga. In this suite, the 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 how the Federation is simply a pawn a greater scheme. Slightly arrogant in its militaristic cadence, the March 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 an additional verse of the March.

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

One of the tracks which saw the greatest expansion in this suite 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 on Coruscant.

Now, "Naboo and the Palace" contains the regal, yet somber motifs 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 Federation’s oppression and occupation of the city and palace.

However, this theme is not entirely mournful as stately trumpets and a slight cadence communicate the Naboo people's royal and artistic traditions. The grand fanfare shows us Naboo's defeat of tyranny. These memorable events and images will stay present 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 a perfect edit in the original Symphony; especially the transition into "Anakin's Theme" at the end. Both themes are relatively untouched in here, although the edits have been considerably cleaned up.

“Anakin's Theme” (12:48 - 15:13)

A flawless moment within the Symphony is one which always foreshadowing the future. The whimsical nature of "Anakin's Theme" communicates his innocence and 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 sequence in this release is the title track to the suite, "The Phantom Menace." Nearly two minutes of music is added before what is now two verses of “Darth Sidious' Theme.” Before, this track began at what is now the second quotation of this dark theme.

The medley explores the dark shadow hanging over the entire story, 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 forever.

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

One of the most memorable pieces in the original “Symphony for a Saga” was this combination of the Qui-Gon Jinn motifs from the film. Originally included in "The Phantom Menace" movement, 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.

"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.