The Force Awakens The Force Awakens Sheet Music from Hal Leonard

[Scarpia 132]

That would make more sense. If this is the case, then we would be talking about Movements 4a and 4b, then. Cannot wait to have the score!

 

I usually order from Sheet Music Plus, though I have to wait more than a month for the packages to arrive. Any other recomendation?

[aviazn 267]

Just noticed Hal Leonard posted a bunch of their TFA arrangements for concert band yesterday, with "videos" of the full scores on YouTube—including the awesome arrangement that the US Army Field Band debuted:

 

 

The rest are all lower-level adaptations, but this strings reduction of March of the Resistance is a minor gem of the sort. It would make for a fun string quartet.

 

There's also this band arrangement of The Jedi Steps and Finale, which must be based on JW's own concert suite—it includes the "concert ending" that someone noticed was listed on Hal Leonard's site in an earlier thread, but sadly it's just the same old Throne Room finale.

 

 

 

 

[Not Mr. Big 4043]

Cool!

[A Farewell to Kings 3537]

33 minutes ago, aviazn said:

 

 sadly it's just the same old Throne Room finale.

 

 

 

 

Actually, I think I hear an extra counterpoint of Luke's Theme in there..

[aviazn 267]

9 minutes ago, Faleel said:

Actually, I think I hear an extra counterpoint of Luke's Theme in there..

Oh yes, you're right! Still, I'm a bit disappointed the fanfare is basically the same. I suppose JW will play the concert ending in Boston and whenever he does it live (or else why would he have written it), but I'd rather hear the film ending. I know pops audiences want the big finish, but that haunting statement of Luke's theme is so perfect I think it'd be equally effective in the concert hall.

[Scarpia 132]

Yes, it's Return of the Jedi finale, but arranged differently, including Luke's Theme counterpoint, and in a different key (B flat instead of G).

 

To be honest, it's rather bland, badly prepared and doesn't work even close as well as the original ending, in my opinion.

 

So good to have this available! Thanks aviazn. 

[A Farewell to Kings 3537]

15 minutes ago, Scarpia said:

To be honest, it's rather bland, badly prepared.

John Williams has lost it!

[Scarpia 132]

Oh, it never passed through my mind this finale was a Williams arrangement.

 

Now that you mention it, it probably is. 

[A Farewell to Kings 3537]

Quote

Utilizing the distinctive “Jedi Steps” theme featured at the end of the film, combined with the rousing “Finale” from the end credits, Jay Bocook authentically recreates the beauty and power of this amazing film score. Courtesy of Mr. Williams himself, an alternate “concert ending” is provided in addition to the quiet ending as heard at the end of the film.

 

[aviazn 267]

2 minutes ago, Scarpia said:

Oh, it never passed through my mind this finale was a Williams arrangement.

 

Now that you mention it, it probably is. 

"Courtesy of Mr. Williams himself, an alternate “concert ending” is provided in addition to the quiet ending as heard at the end of the film."

http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4004653&lid=0&promotion=1014&subsiteid=6&

Presumably the same "concert ending" as this:

http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4490056

 

Although, since the band arrangement is intended for high school orchestras, it's possible that it's a cut down version of what Williams wrote.

[Scarpia 132]

I hope so!

 

Well, each to his own. Judging just from the Band arrangement, I prefer the superior original finale. Let's see what the complete orchestral score will bring!

[artguy360 1669]

This new concert ending sounds just fine to me. It's not amazing but it's a nice rousing finish. Nothing will ever top ESB's credits ending. If I were JW I would have used that to finish this concert arrangement.

[Vclguy90 1]

Does anyone know of an existing recording of The Battle from the Official Star Wars Symphonic Suite published by Fox Fanfare Music? Or at least, what track and soundtrack is it from? I can't find it anywhere!!! This is the first page of the movement if it looks familiar 

 

[TownerFan 4974]

2 hours ago, Vclguy90 said:

 

Also, does anyone know of an existing recording of The Battle from the Official Star Wars Symphonic Suite published by Fox Fanfare Music? Or at least, what track and soundtrack is it from? I can't find it anywhere!!! This is the first page of the movement if it looks familiar 

 

 

The original Star Wars symphonic suite was recorded in 1977 by Charles Gerhardt with the NPO and by Zubin Mehta with the LA Phil. I found only the Mehta recording on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP_R4FZgGrM

 

[Vclguy90 1]

Thanks alot!

[crumbs 12591]

Strange creative decision from JW, but at least he gave people options. The film ending of TFA's End Credits is perfect.

[Scarpia 132]

6 hours ago, crumbs said:

The film ending of TFA's End Credits is perfect.

 

Wholeheartedly agree.

[organplayer608 0]

Me too.

[Vclguy90 1]

I just ordered TFA from Luck's Music. I don't normally order from them unless I want an individual SE part. But if you pre-order you get a 15% discount and free shipping. 

[Scarpia 132]

On 08/02/2016 at 7:36 PM, Vclguy90 said:

I just ordered TFA from Luck's Music. I don't normally order from them unless I want an individual SE part. But if you pre-order you get a 15% discount and free shipping. 

 

Interesting. How did you get the discount?

[Vclguy90 1]

Just call them up and place your ordere before it arrives to their warehouse.

 

Without notice of the discount, I called them to see when they should be getting it in and they informed me towards the end of February. They went on to say that if I pre-order it now, it will be discounted 15% and it indeed was. 

 

However, I ended up canceling my order because they charged me for the discounted score which did not include shipping because they "could not determine the cost of shipping without the product physically being there" - wtf? So knowing Lucks and the cost of their shipping, (as well as the time it takes for a package to get from Wisconsin to Northern California) I chose to go with sheetmusicplus since I can pay for 1 to 2 week budget shipping and receive it in a matter of 2 or 3 days since I live close to their warehouse. I am, however, going to purchase the cello part from Luck's once it is available as I think they are the only sheet music retailer that sells individual SE parts.

[Scarpia 132]

Oh, I see. I guess I'll stick to sheetmusicplus... or just wait until May, when I'm visiting the US.

 

Thanks for the information!

[Jay 30937]

Wait, is that something different than what's being discussed here?

 

http://www.jwfan.com/forums/index.php?/topic/25984-the-force-awakens-sheet-music-now-available/

[Scarpia 132]

No! No different! Only different in our mind.

[Jay 30937]

Thanks

[tedfud 38]

Peeps...Does anyone have an inkling as to how different this score would be to the one used in the film. I ask because it says grade 5 skill set. Is that an average for an orchestra ? I know these are "arrangements" and not cues but has there been any radicle simplification of the parts. Is this common in the signature editions or are they pretty close ( albeit  double winds instead of triple  ) ?

 

Thanks

 

T

[Scarpia 132]

The Suite for Orchestra is marked level 6, and the sample pages show accuracy with the recordings. I'm pretty confident is the closer to the original we will get.

 

http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4491706&lid=21&keywords=force%20awakens&searchcategory=00&subsiteid=6&

 

The individual concert band arrangements are intended for professionals, so I don't really know what that level 5 means, but I wouldn't worry too much. I think it should work and sound just like the orchestral suite, but in a concert band setting, without major musical differences.

 

http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4004660&lid=25&keywords=force%20awakens&searchcategory=00&subsiteid=6&

 

Soon we'll have the material!

[tedfud 38]

Thanks..  That's a little reassuring

 

t

[KK 3251]

From what I remember in my concert band days, Level 6 is the most difficult grade in categorizing music. Professional ensembles usually play a mix between level 6 and level 5 in concerts. So I'm sure these arrangements will be fairly close to the original.

[tedfud 38]

I suspect I've made a basic error. Here in Great Britain Grade 8 is the highest. 

 

t

[The Psycho Pianist 216]

Is there any timescale as to when this is going to be sent out to people who've ordered it? I emailed Sheet Music Plus and they seem to have no clue, they just say it's on back order and they can't confirm or guarantee a date.

[KingPin 194]

On March 5, 2016 at 7:34 PM, The Psycho Pianist said:

Is there any timescale as to when this is going to be sent out to people who've ordered it? I emailed Sheet Music Plus and they seem to have no clue, they just say it's on back order and they can't confirm or guarantee a date.

I just got notification today that mine shipped, so there is hope for you!

[Loert 2296]

Which means that the full suite has been released?! Whoopeee!

 

 

[Tom 3368]

I realize this sounds crazy (because it is), but once you have the full score, check out MotR and see if it is extended at all.  The website list a time of 2:40, but the OST track is only 2:30 (and the runtimes of Rey and the Scherzo match the OST). 

[Jilal 439]

Ray(s) of Scherzo sounds like a great title for an Eric Whitacre piece.

[Tom 3368]

Fixed.

[aj_vader 429]

On 3/5/2016 at 3:34 AM, The Psycho Pianist said:

Is there any timescale as to when this is going to be sent out to people who've ordered it? I emailed Sheet Music Plus and they seem to have no clue, they just say it's on back order and they can't confirm or guarantee a date.

I still haven't heard anything from Sheet Music Plus about my FA score. 

[The Psycho Pianist 216]

7 hours ago, aj_vader said:

I still haven't heard anything from Sheet Music Plus about my FA score. 

 

They are extremely unhelpful via email. I've contacted them twice now, once before @KingPin mentioned his was dispatched and once since then. Both times I've got handoff, template answers that didn't provide any information I couldn't have worked out myself. Fairly unimpressed as I've also had the Lincoln score on order from them for a while now, again with no dispatch and no communication as to when it is to be sent 

[aj_vader 429]

15 hours ago, The Psycho Pianist said:

 

They are extremely unhelpful via email. I've contacted them twice now, once before @KingPin mentioned his was dispatched and once since then. Both times I've got handoff, template answers that didn't provide any information I couldn't have worked out myself. Fairly unimpressed as I've also had the Lincoln score on order from them for a while now, again with no dispatch and no communication as to when it is to be sent 

That's terrible! how long have you been waiting for Lincoln? 

 

I actually had an email this morning saying TFA has been dispatched, probably going to take a long time coming from the US to the UK. 

[Loert 2296]

Mine's been dispatched early morning as well.

[aj_vader 429]

I can't wait to hear what Jedi Steps Concert Version sounds like! 

[Loert 2296]

Just arrived!

 

 

And there's some great stuff inside!

 

Firstly, @Tom, you were wondering about whether MotR is extended. No it is not. The version in the score is the same as the concert suite on the album.

 

From a quick glance, Rey's Theme and Scherzo for X-Wings are identical to the album...

 

The handling of the Jedi Steps theme is interesting. Firstly, both in IV. and V., the orchestration is clearly different at the beginning. On the album, you've got a solo celeste playing the chords, and the initial rising melody is taken by the strings and flute. But in the sheet music, the celeste is doubled by flutes, and the rising melody is taken by strings + clarinet. Perhaps Williams decided in making the suite that this orchestration would sound preferable. I'm not sure...

 

Anyway, so what about the 3 min concert version of Jedi Steps?

 

Spoilers ahead!  

 

The music is identical to the last track in the album, up until about the 1:09 mark, where the strings combine with the horns to form a beautiful but dark melody. The strings continue for a bit, in Williams-like contrapuntal style, with sus chords a-plenty, but in particular strongly hinting at that Vader leit-harmonie (a bit like "Anakin's Theme" then...but NOT Anakin's Theme!).

 

Then, we go back to the original track, with the horns from about 1:09 on the album, but we're in Bb minor now, instead of G minor. And rather than going down in pitch, the horns simply restate the main motif (0:43 - 0:58).

 

Then, the dotted figure from 0:59 reappears, but orchestrated primarily for the brass. The dotted figure plays twice, but then the brass plunges into Vader territory, (note that only the brass is playing here), and we get a terrifying crescendo with the timpani from F# minor back into Bb minor (F# minor -> Bb minor is simply a transposition of Eb minor -> G minor, which are the chords which play on the 4th and 1st beat of the Imperial March, respectively). 

 

The brass is suddenly hushed, and we are back in Jedi Steps territory...but what is still unmistakably a variation on the opening chords of the Imperial March. But this again is hushed, and the winds resurface with a statement of the Jedi Steps motif. Although this time, the orchestra largely drops out for the final bar of this four bar phrase, and the final notes are changed slightly to emphasise a perfect cadence (F major add Db -> Bb minor) and to signify that this is the last time you'll hear the Jedi Steps motif.

 

After the cadence, the flutes finish off by playing Db -> Bb (a figure which is based off the first two notes of the Jedi Steps motif), and fading away on the Bb. The orchestra underpins this by playing the Vader leit-harmonie (Bb minor -> F# minor add Bb) three more times, before "degenerating" into a kind of perfect cadence (F-A-Bb -> Bb minor) but which still hints at the 'Dark Side'. While the orchestra is slowing down, the Db -> Bb figure is repeated, first in the violins, then the violas, then the cellos, i.e. descending through the "dying" orchestra.

 

We end with a low Bb minor chord in the strings, decorated by an upward Bb minor arpeggio in the harp...but it's not quite Bb minor.

 

All in all, an interesting suite which has plenty of Dark Side infused to keep the Star Wars fans guessing...

 

As for the actual ending suite: musically it's identical to the album version, apart from two places:

• The Harry-Potter-esque bit at 2:58 is played twice, as in "Rey's Theme"
• The instance of Poe's theme which appears at 5:23 is extended by about 200%, to include the entirety of the theme (as it appears in 1:19 of "I Can Fly Anything" for example)

The film ending is...identical to the film ending. The concert ending is the same as the ending in this video.

 

That's all I'll be saying about the suite for now.

 

EDIT: Just noticed that that first horn note at around 0:11 in Scherzo for X-Wings is an octave lower in the score.

 

 

[Tom 3368]

Thanks for all of the info.  I was just listening to "I can fly anything" and lamented that the full statement was not in the end credits.  So, it is wonderful news that it is now there. 

[karelm 2587]

Interesting that the original Star Wars suite from Hal Leonards had trumpets in B-flat and here they are trumpets in C.

[aj_vader 429]

20 hours ago, karelm said:

Interesting that the original Star Wars suite from Hal Leonards had trumpets in B-flat and here they are trumpets in C.

This is the first Williams full orchestral score i've seen with Trumpets in C, they are always Bb. 

[Score 702]

1 hour ago, aj_vader said:

This is the first Williams full orchestral score i've seen with Trumpets in C, they are always Bb. 

 

He uses Trumpets in C also in "Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra", "Summon the Heroes", "Call of the Champions" and "Olympic Fanfare and Theme". 

[Jilal 439]

Session musicians can choose whatever trumpet suits whatever passage best, anyway. I've never seen Williams indicate use of trumpets in a specific key on his sketch scores.

[karelm 2587]

Here is why I thought it was interesting.  In London, the B flat trumpet is more common in symphonic settings but in the US, the C trumpet is more common. This being the first Star Wars performed in US, I wonder if that is why it was arranged for C unlike the previous Star Wars movies which were all B flat.  It also might indicate this is a gradual switch to C being the preference of the modern orchestral sound.  Yes, most players will decide on the instrument of choice, but there has been a gradual weaning off of B flat in the US.  Incidentally, Holst Planets and Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra were both using C trumpets.  It is a very minor point but just a little surprising. In the past, if you just thought "trumpet" generically, you were thinking of the B flat trumpet.  But it seems to be nowadays the generic trumpet is a C.  The C is considered slightly brighter than the B flat.  Maurice Murphy used a B flat in LSO Star Wars.

[Score 702]

46 minutes ago, karelm said:

Here is why I thought it was interesting.  In London, the B flat trumpet is more common in symphonic settings but in the US, the C trumpet is more common. This being the first Star Wars performed in US, I wonder if that is why it was arranged for C unlike the previous Star Wars movies which were all B flat.  It also might indicate this is a gradual switch to C being the preference of the modern orchestral sound.  Yes, most players will decide on the instrument of choice, but there has been a gradual weaning off of B flat in the US.  Incidentally, Holst Planets and Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra were both using C trumpets.  It is a very minor point but just a little surprising. In the past, if you just thought "trumpet" generically, you were thinking of the B flat trumpet.  But it seems to be nowadays the generic trumpet is a C.  The C is considered slightly brighter than the B flat.  Morris Murphy used a B flat in LSO Star Wars.

 

That could be a very good and interesting point, and what you say might well be the reason. The fact that also "Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra", which is one of the very last Signature Editions published, uses C Trumpets, might be indeed the signal of a trend.

 

[Jilal 439]

C, D, E flat and B flat trumpets were used during the recording sessions for Star Wars.