DarthDementous 1,191 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Hey guys, I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone's uppermost three favourite renditions of the 'Force Theme' were. For me it'd be: 1. https://youtu.be/Itzm8-kcOAg?t=48 Until 1:10 really hits me in the feels. Its such a whimsical victorious version and the instrumentation makes it truly stand out among the rest. It's clear this would be at my top because every time I hear another Force Theme my mind instantly morphs it into this. Epic without falling into generic modern orchestration. 2. https://youtu.be/R7Rb0-pr9Mk?t=157 Until 2:50 makes me think of an ominous and brooding 'Binary Sunset' with a mythical tone that recalls the way the Force theme was intertwined with the Emperor's in the ending fight of ROTJ. It also helps that it scores the amazing moment where Rey taps into the Force and forces (lul) Kylo into submission. 3. https://youtu.be/cUBUlKgsNK8?t=450 Until 7:44 comes just at the right time in a track of complex and varied orchestration. It suddenly jumps to silence and a wonderful single instrument line of the Force theme rings out. What really makes this stand out is how beautifully interwoven Rey's theme is, its like they're two sides of the same coin and it's musical storytelling at its finest. The Force is now with Rey and this musical representation showcases that. As you can see The Force Awakens certainly made an impression on me, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romão 2,317 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 As good as those are, my favorite is probably when Luke calls for Leia after his duel with Vader in ESB. https://youtu.be/SaVz5djS26c?t=202 curlytoot and Taikomochi 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_vader 560 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1. Return Of The Jedi: Leia Breaks The News - Funeral Pyre For A Jedi: Love this version above all, so triumphant! The Key change before the theme repeats itself is amazing. 2. The Empire Strikes Back: Losing A Hand: This version when Luke uses the Force to call Leia in the Falcon gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. 3. Star Wars: The Princess Appears: Binary Sunset, just beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,376 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1 minute ago, aj_vader said: 1. Return Of The Jedi: Leia Breaks The News - Funeral Pyre For A Jedi: Love this version above all, so triumphant! The Key change before the theme repeats itself is amazing. 2. The Empire Strikes Back: Losing A Hand: This version when Luke uses the Force to call Leia in the Falcon gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. 3. Star Wars: The Princess Appears: Binary Sunset, just beautiful. This! aj_vader 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steb74 53 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 28 minutes ago, Romão said: As good as those are, my favorite is probably when Luke calls for Leia after his duel with Vader in ESB. https://youtu.be/SaVz5djS26c?t=202 That version really is so beautiful but it's also the build up before it and the sense of hopelessness it evokes that helps to finally give such an impact emotionally, at least for me anyway. I think Williams is a foreplay maestro! When the Force Theme starts and we 'feel' those soft timp hits, I never know if it's my heart beating or the music but it never fails to put a lump in my throat. aj_vader 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 39,156 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 54 minutes ago, Stefancos said: 56 minutes ago, aj_vader said: 1. Return Of The Jedi: Leia Breaks The News - Funeral Pyre For A Jedi: Love this version above all, so triumphant! The Key change before the theme repeats itself is amazing. 2. The Empire Strikes Back: Losing A Hand: This version when Luke uses the Force to call Leia in the Falcon gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. 3. Star Wars: The Princess Appears: Binary Sunset, just beautiful. This! Seconded! aj_vader 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taikomochi 1,201 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1. The one at the end of The Ways of the Force 2. when Luke calls to Leia from Cloud City 3. The full rendition that plays before going into Duel of the Fates in AOTC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 39,156 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 2 minutes ago, Taikomochi said: 3. The full rendition that plays before going into Duel of the Fates in AOTC That's a great one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,891 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1 hour ago, Romão said: As good as those are, my favorite is probably when Luke calls for Leia after his duel with Vader in ESB. https://youtu.be/SaVz5djS26c?t=202 Oh yes. This an Binary Sunset are certainly two of the very best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo 2,456 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Star Wars, Throne Room Empire, when Luke calls to Leia Jedi, Vader's pyre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,376 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 4 minutes ago, Woj said: Jedi, Vader's pyre Film version of alternate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo 2,456 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 2 minutes ago, Stefancos said: Film version of alternate? Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steb74 53 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 27 minutes ago, Taikomochi said: 3. The full rendition that plays before going into Duel of the Fates in AOTC 24 minutes ago, Jay said: That's a great one What I love about that one and also the one for when Anakin leaves home are the prominent counter lines. I can't pick three for the moment but the one I probably listen to and revisit the most is for this moment. https://youtu.be/GBw4UoyL5YA?t=30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mstrox 6,848 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Throne Room (ANH) Funeral Pyre (ROTJ) Anakin leaves Shmi (TPM) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,376 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Just now, MikeTroxell said: Anakin leaves Shmi (TPM) While pretty grand and epic, it never quite seems to get there. I prefer the swashbuckling performance for the destruction of the Federation base. Taikomochi 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 39,156 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 2 minutes ago, MikeTroxell said: Anakin leaves Shmi (TPM) Ooooh that's a good one too Just now, Stefancos said: I prefer the swashbuckling performance for the destruction of the Federation base. Shit yes! That's a GREAT one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taikomochi 1,201 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1 minute ago, Stefancos said: While pretty grand and epic, it never quite seems to get there. I prefer the swashbuckling performance for the destruction of the Federation base. That'd be #4 on my list, for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mstrox 6,848 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 6 minutes ago, Stefancos said: While pretty grand and epic, it never quite seems to get there. I prefer the swashbuckling performance for the destruction of the Federation base. I forgot that one, I switch my TPM vote to this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_vader 560 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 53 minutes ago, Taikomochi said: 3. The full rendition that plays before going into Duel of the Fates in AOTC This would be my first honourable mention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,891 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 1 hour ago, Stefancos said: Film version of alternate? The alternate of Funeral Pyre is probably my third favourite. A honourable mention goes to The Tide Turns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post crocodile 8,412 Posted January 6, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted January 6, 2016 God, there are so many great renditions of this theme. It seems like Williams is never tired of it. The OT renditions could easily close the list. And they probably do. But let's not forget about the uber-cool renditions from ROTS - the very opening, Anakin/Obi-Wan Force push moment, Goodbye Old Friend. And the Starkiller destruction from TFA is awesome too. Not to mention the interweaving of the theme with Rey's theme towards the end of end credits. Karol crumbs, Cerebral Cortex and aj_vader 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego 21 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Only three is tough: 1. Binary Sunset 2. Rebel fleet from Empire's finale (I love the "b" theme that's never used again) 3. Anakin leaves his mom Honorable mentions: - When Luke hears Obi-Wan's voice during the trench battle - Alternate from Vader's funeral - Anakin and Obi-Wan say goodbye from Revenge of the Sith (unreleased I think) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_vader 560 Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 27 minutes ago, Diego said: - When Luke hears Obi-Wan's voice during the trench battle I think this is going to be my second Honourable Mention. Has anyone heard this cue in the Re-Recording with Zubin Mehta? It's great! http://www.amazon.com/ZUBIN-MEHTA-CONDUCTS-SUITES-ENCOUNTERS/dp/B000MS4OAW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post leeallen01 2,169 Posted January 6, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted January 6, 2016 One of my favourites is when Vader picks up the Emperor and throws him. The way that scene builds as Vader is battling his own mind, until he just can't watch his son suffer any more. Plus I love the meaning in the fact that Vader is given the Force Theme again, after he lost it when he turned. But in that moment the force returned to him triumphantly, and then of course he gets it again in another great moment in 'Funeral Pyre for a Jedi.' Cerebral Cortex, aj_vader, DarthDementous and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 75 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 "Funeral Pyre for a Jedi" The statements in "The Battle of Yavin", specifically when the X-Wings first dive into their attack run and then when Luke hears Obi-Wan's call to "use the force". Gets me every time. The opening to "The Rebel Fleet". I think one of the only times the theme has been developed beyond what it normally is. I remember several years ago there was a forum-wide poll to determine our collective favorite John Williams theme and the Force theme won it. I still stand by that. DarthDementous 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balahkay 629 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Yoda and the Force: Tales of a Jedi Knight: TFA End Credits: I have to the mention this one, too... Cerebral Cortex 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthDementous 1,191 Posted January 7, 2016 Author Share Posted January 7, 2016 Yes! That rather sorrowful statement of the Force theme when Obi Wan tells Luke to turn off his targeting computer is absolutely dripping with emotion. JW very rarely goes the route of overwhelming strings of sadness but when he does its usually to score a fantastic moment, like here and the firing of the Starkiller in TFA. Damn it, I found another great one in TFA. I like how it sounds like the Force is in distress (as it bloody well should be considering the context) but is also a more of a darker rendition with the heavy bass to symbolise a major surge of the Dark Side. The way it also ends is rather unique and a tad militaristic, probably to symbolise the First Order. Cerebral Cortex 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerebral Cortex 3,358 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 While I can understand why some may not favor it, I do quite enjoy the rendition we get in Battle of the Heroes if only for how it further proves just how damn versatile the theme is; working perfectly in both the quietest and most spectacular of moments. Its got this almost kinda tortured sound to it, perhaps mirroring the conflict we see on screen. I typically don't favor the use of large choirs to create "epic" music but when Williams utilizes it in conjunction with the Force theme thrown in the way it is, the title of epic is most definitely earned. Not my absolute favorite but certainly up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Mr. Big 4,729 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 People don't favor the Battle of Heroes rendition? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerebral Cortex 3,358 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 I could have sworn I read either on here or somewhere else some time back where some didn't quite enjoy it as they felt it was kinda out of place. I could be imagining things, I suppose. At least, I hope I'm imagining it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crumbs 14,696 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 I'm probably one of those people, if only because I wish it were a "pure" thematic concert suite ala Across The Stars, Duel of the Dates and Anakin's Theme. But it's a moot point ultimately because BOTH isn't technically a concert suite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodBoal 7,541 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlytoot 97 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Haven't seen this one listed here yet (probably as it's just a fragment, in passing), but I've always loved this moment in the horns and trumpets from TPM (1:02): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 39,156 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Holy crap! The board now auto-embeds with the correct freaking TIMESTAMP if you paste in a URL with a timestamp! That's great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyy38 21 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 One. Binary Sunset Two. Burning Homestead Three. When Darth Vader kicks Palpatine's penis to a very deep curb! On 1/7/2016 at 7:45 PM, DarthDementous said: Yes! That rather sorrowful statement of the Force theme when Obi Wan tells Luke to turn off his targeting computer is absolutely dripping with emotion. JW very rarely goes the route of overwhelming strings of sadness but when he does its usually to score a fantastic moment, like here and the firing of the Starkiller in TFA. Damn it, I found another great one in TFA. I like how it sounds like the Force is in distress (as it bloody well should be considering the context) but is also a more of a darker rendition with the heavy bass to symbolise a major surge of the Dark Side. The way it also ends is rather unique and a tad militaristic, probably to symbolise the First Order. Not "sorrowful" but soaring. And you still probably think that The Imperial March is written in a minor mode too. For "sorrowful" go back to Ben's Death and the swashbuckling sadness of "Princess Leia's Theme" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaralyyth 111 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 For me, this simple arrangement before the end credits for Revenge of the Sith is the most powerful when I listen to it. Then there's Funeral Pyre for a Jedi, the Film Version Taikomochi 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnome in Plaid 219 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 1. Boys into Battle (1:38) - Those runs in the background are absolutely gorgeous. 2. Light of the Force (1:19) - I think I know what the Longinian sublime refers to now. 3. Anakin's Dream (3:31) - This or the "I Am the Senate" variations are the closest we get to a Dark Side iteration of the Force theme, but I am very grateful for those brief moments. 15 hours ago, skyy38 said: Three. When Darth Vader kicks Palpatine's penis to a very deep curb! I get it now - the OHSAA non-compliance chutes of doom are all yonic imagery! Look at who falls down chutes/out of buildings in these movies: Maul, Windu, Luke, Palpatine - further proof Lucas intended for Luke to get married and have mini-Skywalkers. Luke is capable of having a healthy relationship with a woman in ways the others (tattooed kill machine sans personality, orthodox Jedi forsaking attachment, literally Space-Satan) were not, and that is what spares him being destroyed by the feminine manifestation of the Force subverting the Empire's industrial practices. Holy fuck I need to finish my thesis. Lit crit is bleeding into everything. I was thinking about focalization reading my local newspaper at breakfast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flare 10 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 1. Right after Red leader says "I'll cut across the axis and try to draw their fire!" And the X-Wings dive in we get a resounding fanfare of the beginning of Ben's theme. 2. EP III opening scene 3. Burning homestead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demodex 558 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Isn't there a great rendition of it in the carbon freeze chamber? It might not be in the film, just the SE soundtracks. I know a version I like a lot but can't think if it's from there our somewhere else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romão 2,317 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 https://youtu.be/LN2A4pxxRNo?t=658 This one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demodex 558 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Yes! Unfortunately it's very short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 39,156 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 It so perfectly flows right into Yoda's Theme.... Williams is a freaking genius aj_vader 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,376 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Fuck yeah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthDementous 1,191 Posted January 9, 2016 Author Share Posted January 9, 2016 4 hours ago, Romão said: https://youtu.be/LN2A4pxxRNo?t=658 This one? Wow, that sounds eerily similar to the beginning of 'Ways of the Force': Especially with the strings in the background of the Force theme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DominicCobb 195 Posted January 9, 2016 Share Posted January 9, 2016 On January 6, 2016 at 9:27 AM, Taikomochi said: 3. The full rendition that plays before going into Duel of the Fates in AOTC That is probably the single best moment of the entire prequel trilogy (musically and generally). Picking the top 3 Force theme renditions is damn near impossible because pretty much every rendition is amazing, as it is without a doubt the best musical theme in cinema history. It's also hard because ANH completely owns when it comes to the Force theme, and beyond that the original trilogy more generally. So here's my top 3: 1. Binary Sunset 2. The Battle of Yavin ("Use the Force, Luke") 3. The Throne Room But of course they're all from ANH so here's my number one from each film: TPM: Anakin Is Free AOTC: Return to Tatooine ROTS: A New Hope ANH: Binary Sunset ESB: Rescue from Cloud City ROTJ: The Battle of Endor II (The Emperor's Death) TFA: The Jedi Steps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dixon Hill 4,236 Posted January 11, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted January 11, 2016 My favorite may now be the one 48 seconds into Farewell and The Trip. Not Mr. Big, BLUMENKOHL, Taikomochi and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthDementous 1,191 Posted January 12, 2016 Author Share Posted January 12, 2016 19 hours ago, TheGreyPilgrim said: My favorite may now be the one 48 seconds into Farewell and The Trip. I take pride in knowing that like me, you have been converted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,236 Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 No conversion necessary. I liked this score from the start! None of this "grower" talk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUMENKOHL 1,081 Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 21 hours ago, TheGreyPilgrim said: My favorite may now be the one 48 seconds into Farewell and The Trip. Came here to say this. Saw that it was already said, so I quoted it. Not Mr. Big and Dixon Hill 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Hill 4,236 Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 My bro! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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