Star Wars Music Minute

ANH 10: Cantina Band Shot First (Minutes 46-50)

Kris AKA Star Wars Lawyer joins me in a discussion about the music and sound in the infamous cantina scene of Star Wars: A New Hope! This takes place during minutes 46-50 of the film.
This episode is also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vMV5GadqP5o 
Discussion Guide:
00:00 - Hello there!
04:55 - How the upbeat music in the cantina goes against some expectations.
05:39 - The upbeat swing music was George Lucas's idea.
09:38 - Benny Goodman's influence ("king of swing")
13:21 - Comparison of "Cantina Band" (A New Hope) and "Canto Bight" (The Last Jedi)
19:06 - Cantina Band soundtrack recording versus what we hear in the film.
21:09 - Worldizing (sound technique)
24:33 - How realistic is this scene in terms of portraying musicians and live music?
28:14 - First time we get to see a lightsaber being used in action.
32:59 - Weird cut in the music
37:55 - Han Solo being a blowhard. What makes him sound so ?
43:42 - Greedo's voice
43:48 - All the random sounds we hear in the cantina.
53:57 - Band shoutout! Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes play kloo horn, fanfar, ommni box, bandfill, and Dorenian Beshniquel
1:00:45 - Actual instruments for the recording were 2 saxophones, trumpet, clarinet, Rhodes piano, steel pan drums, drum kit, percussion, and an ARP synthesizer
1:01:30 - The difficulty of syncing movements and music onscreen in the diegetic context.
1:05:02 - Ben Burtt's creation of alien voices/languages.
1:07:09 - Background babble of voices = the editors on helium.
1:08:43 - Kris's personal favorite sound effects and music in Star Wars
1:12:14 - What is Finn's theme?...
1:21:00 - SWMM Questionnaire
1:23:58 - Theme list, soundtrack list, Shazam test
1:25:09 - Where to find Kris (Star Wars Lawyer)
Things Mentioned:
The Soundtrack Show (hosted by David W. Collins) Star Wars Part II episode - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-the-soundtrack-show-29021108/episode/star-wars-the-music-part-ii-29333139/
Star Wars Music Minute episode with the steel pannist from the "Canto Bight" track: https://youtu.be/JWTWFCUw5pc
"Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra - https://youtu.be/u_E0UVNtJ9Y
"Finn's Theme" in Battlefront 2 by Gordy Haab: https://youtu.be/w5JMwjR47cQ
Samuel Kim's mashup of Kylo's and Rey's themes (Reylo): https://youtu.be/7JGe5GAhOf4
"World's Worst Bedtime Storyteller" from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom by Michael Giacchino: https://youtu.be/VavUXawVQG0
Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars: https://franklehman.com/starwars/ .
Themes:
No "themes" other than the diegetic songs.
In universe, "Cantina Band" is called "Mad About Me" and "Cantina Band 2" is called "If I Only Could Let Go and Cry"
Soundtrack: "Cantina Band," "Cantina Band 2"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
A galactic symphony
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
A deeper dive into the Star Wars themes (motifs, etc)
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Interstellar (composed by Hans Zimmer)
Tron: Legacy (composed by Daft Punk)
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (composed by Michael Giacchino)
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Follow Star Wars Lawyer (Kris):
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starwarslawyer?lang=en
Too Black Too Nerdy (podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-black-too-nerdy-podcast/id1407139619
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kris_Butler23
Star Wars Music Minute:
Website: starwarsmusicminute.com
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com 
Leave a voice message: SWMM Comlink
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 9: Diagnosing Dies Irae (Minutes 41-45)

When Luke looks out at the Burning Homestead, we hear an overt reference to the first four notes of Dies Irae. What is the meaning of this musical meme? Where else does the Dies Irae show up in Star Wars? Alex Ludwig AKA "Dies Irae guru" joins us today to help us gain a deeper understanding of this foundational musical trope.
Discussion:
00:00 - Hello there!
03:33 - What is Dies Irae?
04:56 - "Dies Irae" Gregorian chant clip.
06:05 - Dies Irae in the "Burning Homestead" clip.
08:10 - The 3 types of Dies Irae references.
08:20 - Type 1: full chant statement.
11:13 - Type 2: four-note statement, most common type.
14:04 - Type 3: ostinato pattern
16:26 - Why is type 3 the most controversial?
17:26 - Sensitivity vs. specificity.
19:20 - Assessing the Dies Irae-ness of "Alternate Binary Sunset" cue.
21:08 - If we're steeped in modern Western tonal language (most of us are), Dies Irae can sound like it outlines a minor triad, with sadness coded into it.
24:38 - Xanthe thinks "Burning Homestead" example is hopeful, while Alex does not. (Music interpretation is subjective!)
27:36 - Rhythmic displacement and John Williams planting the seeds of tension prior to the actual Dies Irae instance.
31:39 - Does the music sound sad, or is it sad, because we are connecting it with the story? Chicken or the egg.
32:02 - Chaotic listening experiment #1: Gregorian chant edition.
34:00 - Original characteristics of Dies Irae.
37:46 - Frank Lehman shoutout. We are fans.
38:33 - Chaotic listening experiment #2: Star Wars edition. Would you consider those "Dies Irae" or not?
41:33 - Coincidences.
43:38 - Would we diagnose the music in Obi-Wan's hut with a case of Dies Irae? (listening example). Alex and Xanthe have different answers.
45:42 - The Force Awakens, Rey's journey, answering the hero's call, how Dies Irae might play in.
48:48 - Rogue One Dies Iraes.
50:40 - Multiple transformations of Dies Irae, Mozart, Verdi, Romantic programmatic music, etc. From chant to sacred setting to secular spooky piece to Hollywood.
55:13 - Late 19th century composers influenced the first wave of film composers; Dies Irae may have been passed down.
58:41 - Catholic perspectives on Dies Irae. The "Dies Irae" was actually dropped by the Vatican because it was thought to be too frightening. However, some Catholics find it awe-inspiring, as it invites them to a "deeper, more serious faith," grasping that "choices and actions have eternal consequences."
1:04:47 - Is Dies Irae a meme, a trope, or both?
1:08:48 - Do you think the Dies Irae will be played out pretty soon? Is it too cliche now that it's blown up so much?
1:09:53 - A question for listeners!
1:15:04 - Overview of the soundscape in the rest of these 5 minutes. "Close your eyes and you know exactly where you are."
1:21:00 - SWMM Questionnaire
Stuff from the episode:
Check out Alex's Dies Irae list: https://alexludwig.net/
"Why this creepy melody is in so many movies" (Vox appearance) https://youtu.be/-3-bVRYRnSM
"Dies Irae" (Twenty Thousand Hertz appearance): https://www.20k.org/episodes/diesirae
Check out more Gregorian chants at Graduale Project: http://gregoriana.sk/graduale/
Introitus: Tibi dixit: https://youtu.be/RnUz0Qju9uM
Verset: Virga recta est: https://youtu.be/ScOq_ysbhH8
Introit: Domine ne longe: https://youtu.be/tGT_b38tXSA
Sequentia: Dies Irae: https://youtu.be/RMZPdSo2qUQ
Jesu Dulcis memoria: https://youtu.be/oxLRbXUy8qE
Berlioz Symphonie fantastique: The Witches' Sabbath – Aurora Orchestra at the 2019 BBC Proms https://youtu.be/G2aHglwKH_I
Themes:
3. Force
13) Dies Irae
5. Death Star
6a. Imperials (Motif)
4. Leia
Note: I use the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Soundtrack:
"The Return Home"
"Mos Eisley Spaceport"
"Shootout in the Cell Bay/Dianoga"
"Cantina Band"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
triumphant brass fanfares
ominous contrapuntal warblings
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
What it's like for new composers (Michael Giacchino, John Powell, Ludwig Göransson, etc) to play in the playground of Star Wars music -- to have all these themes at their fingertips, get to use them and take them to new places. "What is it like to get the keys to this kingdom as a composer?"
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
The Social Network (composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) and Sunset Boulevard (composed by Franz Waxman)
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Alex Ludwig:
Dies Irae List: https://alexludwig.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/celexo
YouTube channel Film Music Tropes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFp0lHhIg7pHK34X2_crmSA
Woodstock Then and Now: A 50th Anniversary Celebration by Alex Ludwig and Simon Pilon: https://libraries.clemson.edu/press/books/woodstock-then-and-now/
Star Wars Music Minute:
Website: starwarsmusicminute.com
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Leave a voice message: SWMM Comlink
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 8: Royal Oboe to Rebel Orchestra (Minutes 36-40)

This episode is about music and sound heard in minutes 36-40 of Star Wars: A New Hope.
Obi-Wan finally hears Princess Leia's message, Luke isn't ready to go to Alderaan, and Vader finds Admiral Motti's lack of faith disturbing. Today, Elizabeth Lain joins me in a discussion about oboes, Death Star sound design, sonic screen wipes, and more!
Highlights:
00:00 - Hello there!
01:53 - How sonically lean A New Hope is.
06:18 - Start of chronological breakdown.
07:45 - Leia's theme on oboe. Oboe vs. English horn vs. flute.
15:45 - Grassroots Leia theme?
17:41 - Luke and Obi-Wan reaction shots while the music fades out.
20:23 - Is Obi-Wan trying to "Jedi mind trick" Luke?
23:04 - Hero's call to action and refusal of the call (a la Joseph Campbell).
24:49 - This cue of music is so...! Where else have we heard it? For one, it sounds a lot like Jyn's theme in Rogue One. But both of those could also be interpreted as plays on Dies Irae.
27:43 - Hologram as a metaphor.
28:53 - "How am I every going to explain this?" "Learn about the Force, Luke" Cue Force theme.
32:18 - "I can take you as far as Anchorhead."
33:11 - Death Star motif accompanying the exterior shot of space/Star Destroyer. But before that, we hear what Elizabeth calls a "sonic screen wipe."
35:27 - The silent Death Star conference room.
37:33 - Jk, it's totally not silent. This is Ben Burtt's time to shine.
39:49 - How Ben Burtt designed the Death Star sounds.
44:35 - How Ben Burtt designed the ambient electronic, telemetry sounds.
46:43 - "Until this battle station is fully operational, we are vulnerable."
48:09 - What if there were music in this part? What makes the Death Star feel scary.
49:27 - Power dynamics between Vader and Tarkin.
56:04 - What keeps Xanthe up at night with regard to Vader.
1:01:40 - Back on Tatooine as Luke, Ben, and the droids discover the remains of an attack.
1:01:58 - Solo trumpet leads us into the next cue, and it builds gradually. The worldbuilding that occurs in this scene.
1:08:44 - Tempo picks up as Luke rushes to his landspeeder.
1:13:11 - A pretty bad pun, sorry.
1:13:33 - Interesting sound design thing Elizabeth noticed with the speeder on screen.
1:15:38 - SWMM Questionnaire
1:19:06 - Rundown of musical themes and soundtrack stuff from these minutes.
1:19:49 - Where to find Elizabeth, upcoming stuff, goodbyes.
Musical Themes:
4. Leia
3. Force
5. Death Star
Note: For consistency, I use the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
"Tales Of A Jedi Knight/Learn About The Force" by John Williams
"Burning Homestead"
"The Return Home"
References:
telemetry: the in situ collection of measurements or other data at remote points and their automatic transmission to receiving equipment (telecommunication) for monitoring.
pedal (tone, point): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedal_point
Opening trumpet part of "Pictures at an Exhibition (Promenade Part 1)" by Modest Mussorgsky - https://youtu.be/_5r8sa863Ts
Rogue One/A New Hope music: https://youtu.be/DKheYfOl7hQ
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
John Fucking Williams.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
A super detailed deep dive on C-3PO's voice; like, the very, very specifics of specifics, including which effects units they put on it, what the raw recordings sound like, what microphones they use, etc.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Chernobyl (miniseries) composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir
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Follow Elizabeth Lain!
Bandcamp: https://elizabethlain.bandcamp.com/
Website: https://elizabethlain.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizardeatsflies
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 7: Laser Sword Sound Design (Minutes 31-35)

Lightsaber Sound Design: an extreme deep dive in 4 levels with Justin Leo Kennedy.
NOTE: This episode contains a plethora of lightsaber sound effects that may be jarring for some listeners. You may want to have the volume controls handy. Furthermore, headphones or a quiet environment may be helpful for part 3 (starting at the 1-hour mark) if you want to hear the details in the sound design demonstration.
Discussion Guide:
0:00:00 - Hello there.
0:00:30 - Description of action in minutes 31-35 of Star Wars.
0:17:14 - Level 1: What do lightsabers sound like in various states of operation? (ignition, retraction, hum-buzz, swing, clash, etc)
0:33:08 - Level 2: Historical/documentarian perspective. How did Ben Burtt make the first lightsaber sounds, and what were his aims?
0:59:38 - Level 3: Mega sound design nerd stuff. We break down the lightsaber sound in extreme detail and talk about how to recreate it.
1:49:31 - Level 4: Big picture discussion, the future of lightsaber sound design, why old lightsaber sounds were re-recorded.
2:18:53 - SWMM Questionnaire
Musical Themes:
12) Distress
3. Force
6a. Imperials (Motif) (when O-W is telling Luke about his father)
Note: For consistency, I use the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
"Landspeeder Search/Attack of the Sand People"
Sound Sources and Other References:
Ultimate Lightsaber Sounds HD (Mauler Cosplay): https://youtu.be/XBeXy62JSxY
Dry ice touching metal, loud annoying screams squeals - https://youtu.be/4Xw0Q5u0CVo
Singing Spoons https://youtu.be/NuVxT6UPLBQ
35mm simplex millennium: https://youtu.be/UqKp4O0bNVE
Chimes sound effect for the transitions (freesound.org): https://freesound.org/people/newagesoup/sounds/351408/
Justin followed this tutorial from Doctor Mix: How To Make The LIGHTSABER Sound: https://youtu.be/wzYO66HQAgw (From Justin: "I used his TV buzz recording and recreated the synthesized projector sound he made on his analog synth using a software plugin on my computer")
This is the interview that talks about making the new lightsaber sounds: Conversations with Sound Artists: The Last Jedi (Dolby Institute) - https://youtu.be/suuDA0ZsLbo
The Lightsaber Sound Cookbook: http://www.dblondin.com/071807.html
Star Wars Featurette: The Birth of a Lightsaber - https://youtu.be/RIefj6dOhnM
Star Wars: Designing a Universe of Sound - https://youtu.be/ot_hsw3AZcs
The History of Lightsaber Ignition Sounds in Star Wars (Video Essay) - https://youtu.be/nO0fMIDIKdU
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
pwsh vrrrrum shhpt
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
"Duel of the Fates" orchestration
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
I, Robot (composed by Marco Beltrami)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) (composed by John Du Prez)
Spirited Away (composed by Joe Hisaishi)
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Follow Justin Leo Kennedy!
Website: https://www.justinleokennedy.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLK_Beret
Star Wars Music Minute:
Leave a voice message: https://starwarsmusicminute.com/comlink
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
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Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 6: Binary Sunset Breakdown (Minutes 26-30)

A thorough analysis of the Force theme with music theorist/film musicologist Frank Lehman. We discuss form, structure, harmony, orchestration, and John Williams's alternate "Binary Sunset" cue that didn't make it to the film.
Discussion Guide:
0:00:00 - Hello there.
0:04:33 - Luke at the Lars kitchen table. Like father, like son.
0:06:46 - Beginning of the "Binary Sunset" breakdown.
0:09:00 - Frisson and which elements are in place to nearly "guarantee" the aesthetic shivers in Binary Sunset.
0:15:28 - Unsustainability of sustained notes.
0:18:54 - Tactile quality of the London Symphony Orchestra recording, Imperfection in the film and recording.
0:25:22 - Do you think this is the Force theme, Ben Kenobi theme, or Luke Skywalker theme in this moment?
0:30:00 - Structural analysis.
0:35:18 - Variety in the Force theme.
0:37:55 - French horn associations: solo, tenderness, hunting instrument, quiet nobility, Siegfried, chorales, funeral themes, etc
0:44:26 - Listening to the cello part.
0:46:00 - The Last Jedi mirroring this part.
0:47:33 - We start talking about "Binary Sunset (Alternate)" version.
0:57:25 - Signs of Shostakovich all over these scores.
1:01:04 - Listening to Binary Sunset alternate again. "Dies Irae," the retained cadence, etc.
1:05:54 - Listening to the baby "Rebel Fanfare" and the flutes not playing together.
1:09:19 - In the garage with Luke and Threepio.
1:10:15 - Listening to the magical chimes and the cadence. "Thicket of sonority." Evasion of the perfect authentic cadence.
1:14:23 - Who orchestrated this cue? Frank thinks it might be Angela Morley (but Herb Spencer and Morton also worked on orchestration)
1:16:10 - Lars homestead, Aunt Beru's food processor.
1:17:15 - Landspeeder motif and why Dr. Lehman included it in the catalogue.
1:20:58 - Sandpeople motif, instrumental textures
1:28:13 - The limitations of harmonic framing (or any reductionist analysis) when it comes to representing motifs/music.
1:32:30 - Crait dragon call, special edition sound design changes.
1:37:19 - The Obi-Wan twinkle.
1:42:43 - SWMM Questionnaire
Musical Themes:
3. Force
10) Landspeeder
11) Sandpeople
Note: I'm using the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
"The Hologram/Binary Sunset"
"Landspeeder Search/Attack of the Sandpeople"
"Binary Sunset (Alternate)"
Things Mentioned:
Frank Lehman's other episode on this show: Musical DNA of The Last Jedi - https://youtu.be/NZwIpV3igBo
Angela Morley, composer and orchestrator - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Morley
Ravel: "Pavane for a Dead Princess" - https://youtu.be/GKkeDqJBlK8
Richard Wagner: Siegfried leitmotifs - https://opera-inside.com/richard-wagners-leitmotivs-opera-guide/#Siegfried
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8, 4th movement - https://youtu.be/xqP_PhzVKV0
Gustav Holst: Uranus - https://youtu.be/aDFGmiXnLjU
Jerry Goldsmith's Planet of the Apes score. "The Clothes Snatchers" - https://youtu.be/iaeqnu7TikE
Obi-Wan's Grunt Call Scene Comparison 1977-2006 - https://youtu.be/_O-Fdf2-8Z4
John Williams: "The Hologram/Binary Sunset" - https://youtu.be/_dr3W3QuVCs
John Williams: "Binary Sunset" (Alternate) - https://youtu.be/ARhQWV1ZkNs
John Williams: "The Princess Appears" - https://youtu.be/r6Qbbyc1eLc
John Williams: "The Land of the Sand People" - https://youtu.be/WyDhshJUoac
John Williams: "Landspeeder Search/Attack of the Sandpeople" - https://youtu.be/Fl2JvJ9Gzz4
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Dissonant pedal notes.
Minor planing triads.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
What we're musically in store for as Star Wars moves onto the next chapters of its development.
Also: What was the actual score to Episode IX supposed to be (before changes)?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Star Trek: The Motion Picture  (1979) (composed by Jerry Goldsmith)
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FOLLOW DR. FRANK LEHMAN AND HIS WORK!
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Hollywood Harmony: Musical Wonder and the Sound of Cinema (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Harmony-Musical-Wonder-Cinema/dp/0190606401
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fmlehman
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
(New): Use this comlink to leave a short voice message.
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 5: Hologram Opera (Minutes 21-25)

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope." In minutes 21-25 of Star Wars, we see and hear Princess Leia's hologram, Lovesick Luke™, and the glorious ambience that is the Lars Homestead. Joining me for this episode is opera singer/librettist/robot dad Aiden Feltkamp!
This episode is also available on YouTube in video format. 
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Hello there.
0:02:31 - Layers of sound in Luke's garage.
0:06:59 - Luke's interactions with the droids and what that indicates about his character.
0:12:20 - Threepio introduces himself to Luke. Does he make a dirty joke?
0:17:06 - Threepio sounds so self-deprecating.
0:18:00 - Zap! Bloop! Cello. "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope."
0:19:18 - Hologram message looping but artfully mixed in and out.
0:20:30 - We discuss the "bigness"/drama of the cello entrance (sound clip example). This is "The Princess Appears" on the soundtrack.
0:21:34 - Leia's theme (and the difficulty thereof).
0:25:36 - Context matters when it comes to evaluating the impact/drama of musical cues.
0:27:54 - Parallel to Luke in his hut on Ahch-To in The Last Jedi.
0:29:00 - Cat bomb.
0:29:46 - Orchestration of Leia's theme while the hologram plays. Lots of beautiful space for the dialogue to lay on top. Orchestration as "pre-mixing."
0:35:26 - Recitative (the sung-style of dialogue in opera).
0:38:29 - Artoo is the smartest in the room.
0:39:09 - "Where'd she go? Bring her back! Play back the entire message!"
0:40:41 - The quirkiness of old robots (like R2) running on the same hardware and software. Aiden has a robot.
0:42:45 - Aiden talks about showing his robot Star Wars and how the robot tries to mimic Artoo and the soundtrack...
0:47:57 - Moving on to the Lars kitchen, comparing the ambient hums in the kitchen and garage.
0:55:00 - Our different relationships with scores/soundtracks, consumption habits, etc.
1:01:11 - Threepio name drops Obi-Wan Kenobi and Captain Antilles. Worldbuilding.
1:03:21 - Dialogue between Uncle Owen and Luke (while Aunt Beru watches and gives looks).
1:06:55 - Luke's personality, adventure-seeking, quick buy-in to the Force. Do gullible people take to the Force the most?
1:12:33 - Star Wars Minute podcast references.
1:15:54 - Shazam test.
1:17:18 - SWMM Questionnaire.
1:23:15 - Cat bomb.
Musical Themes:
4. Leia
Note: For consistency, I use the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
"The Princess Appears"
"Hologram/Binary Sunset"
Shazam test:
"Sector 12" by Marsfinder
"Who Am I" by Marsfinder
"Daft Fader (Original Mix)" by DJ Phully
"Alot More" by Jett I Masstyr
"Tron, Clu, & R2D2" by DJ Digital Josh
"Luke Skywalker" by MISTER
References:
Aiden's robots are Sony aibo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIBO
10 hours of the Lars family kitchen hum: https://youtu.be/ZJXEoG66LUY
Switched-On Bach by Wendy Carlos: http://www.wendycarlos.com/+sob.html
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Expansive. Dramatic. Romantic.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
R2-D2.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
TRON (composed by Wendy Carlos)
----------
Follow Aiden Feltkamp!
Website: https://www.aidenkimfeltkamp.com/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TransCherubino
Instagram: https://instagram.com/TransCherubino
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 4: Lars Family Ties (Minutes 16-20)

The Jawa ice-cream truck parks in front of the Lars homestead, and Uncle Owen gets a translator droid that speaks Bocce. Today, Mat from Blue Bantha Milk Co. is here to help us dive into the music and sound of Star Wars: A New Hope! Minutes 16-20 correspond to timecode 00:15:01-00:20:00 of the film.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Hello there
0:02:11 - Remembering dialogue through phonetics and pitch
0:10:22 - Sound design of the Sandcrawler
0:17:11 - Stormtroopers, Imperials Motif, dewbacks, special edition changes
0:20:56 - A New Hope soundtrack, various editions, what do we seek in a soundtrack album?
0:33:00 - Precursor to the Imperial March
0:36:50 - Have you ever watched Star Wars for the first time with someone who's never seen it?
0:42:39 - Jawa oom-pahs, Ewoks, Oopma Loompas, scoring cuteness and levity.
0:51:00 - Ice-cream (droid) truck stops at the Lars homestead
0:54:20 - Guess the dialogue in this sound clip (quiz)
0:57:02 - Homespun main theme
0:59:39 - Dies Irae
1:11:00 - Uncle Owen, wannabe haggler
1:24:05 - Threepio goes in for his bath.
1:27:42 - Anakin-bomb
1:28:33 - Blue Bantha Milk Co. using AI to help generate Star Wars fan-fiction
1:42:00 - SWMM Questionnaire
1:51:48 - Themes, soundtrack info
Musical Themes (leitmotifs and incidental motifs):
6a. Imperials (Motif)
9) Diminutive Creatures (incidental)
7. Jawas
7) Sandcrawler (incidental)
3. Force
Note: For consistency, I use the theme names and numbers established in Frank Lehman's Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars. You can download it free at his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/.
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
"The Dune Sea Of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler"
"The Little People Work"
"Mouse Robot/Blasting Off"
"The Desert And The Robot Auction"
"The Moisture Farm"
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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like? Action, danger, romance.
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about? What happens with unused music cues?
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Tenet (composed by Ludwig Göransson)
Horizon Zero Dawn (video game) (composed by Joris de Man, and The Flight)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (composed by Ennio Morricone)
Inception (composed by Hans Zimmer)
Interstellar (composed by Hans Zimmer)
Loki (series) (composed by Natalie Holt)
----------
Follow Blue Bantha Milk Co!
Blue Bantha Milk Co creates Star Wars fan-fiction performances written by artificial intelligence. They call this Star Wars written by AI 'The Banthaverse'.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlueBanthaMilkCo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueBanthaMilk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebanthamilkco/
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 3: Droid Musicality (Minutes 11-15)

There's no music for our first 90 seconds on Tatooine, forcing us to reckon with the cicadas, barren landscape, and Threepio's frozen joints. This is a deep dive into the music and sound of Star Wars: A New Hope, Minutes 11-15. Guest: Ender Smith AKA AurekFonts.
Let's see if timestamps work this time (if not, I'm sorry!):
(0:00:00) - Hello there.
(0:03:49) - Fonts and motifs
(0:09:03) - Ben Burtt on creating R2-D2's voice
(0:11:48) - "Worldizing," a sound design concept by Walter Murch
(0:15:41) - Cicadas
(0:23:00) - Silence on Tatooine and what that evokes
(0:33:20) - Stravinsky Rite of Spring comparison
(0:48:00) - Sound design of Artoo in the canyon
(0:55:16) - Jawaese
(1:15:19) - Cat bomb
(1:21:20) - Tuba forum tidbits
(1:22:09) - Tour of the sandcrawler droids.
(1:24:45) - GNK droid's music debut.
(1:27:22) - PSA: Gonk droids say more than just "Gonk"!!!!!!!!!!
(1:33:00) - Hidden writing
(1:39:18) - Star Wars Music Minute questionnaire
Musical Themes:
7. Jawas
7) Sandcrawler
8) Scum and Villainy
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler
Anything Else Mentioned:
Star Wars Minute 11: Cicadas (with guest Chris Radtke): https://wiki.starwarsminute.com/index.php?title=Star_Wars_Minute_11:_Cicadas
Star Wars Music Minute TLJ #24: Quiet Quadnoculars (with guest Chris Radtke): https://youtu.be/UdxWx9anTcU
Ben Burtt demonstrating R2-D2 voice creation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBKKXjNf1sE
INDEPTH Sound Design: A New Hope sound design explained by Ben Burtt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0nmciiFJg
American Graffiti: One Song at a Time podcast - Episode 27: Misadventure: https://www.onesteelesister.com/american-graffiti/episode-27-misadventure (Xanthe is a guest and talks about sound mixing)
Twitter thread about the blank musical slate on Tatooine: https://twitter.com/StarWarsMusMin/status/1446673353402585094?s=20
Ender's interpretation of the GNK line: "Gonk. Gonk. Gonk-yeh gyow goy geh."
"Jawa Sandcrawler" score reduction and analysis by David McCaulley on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOj6ildsHW4
Beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark: https://youtu.be/mUWYmTpYdP4
According to TubeNet (a tuba forum), the solo in the Jawa sandcrawler scene was played by John Fletcher on a CC Holton 345: http://forums.chisham.com/viewtopic.php?p=519631#p519631
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
California radio voiceovers
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Ender would like to see the making of one musical cue from start to finish (similar to the documentary Star Wars Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III Documentary). This might include things like John Williams looking at a scene, writing sketches, passing it on to copyists, all the way to editors and sound team working on the final mix.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Knives Out (composed by Nathan Johnson)
GUEST LINKS:
Follow AurekFonts!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AurekFonts
Fonts: https://aurekfonts.github.io/
SWMM LINKS:
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan
Acknowledgments:
"Cantina Band" theme music written by John Williams, performed by Chrysanthe Tan
Frank Lehman created and maintains the Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars, a resource that we frequently reference on this show. Available as a PDF on his website: https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Thank you to Star Wars Minute podcast for inspiring this show.

ANH 2: Baby Force Theme (Minutes 6-10)

First Darth Vader appearance in all of Star Wars. First Force theme appearance in all of Star Wars (but it's different than we expect). First stun gun. First droids on Tatooine... Element7 (Pep) joins me in a discussion about the music & sound in minutes 6-10 of Star Wars!
Discussion Highlights:
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:03:45 - Start talking about the minutes
0:06:15 - Is scoring done chronologically?
0:10:43 - First instance of the Force theme, but some notes are missing
0:11:52 - Discussion on score vs. lore
0:15:27 - Our introduction to C-3PO, R2-D2, and their sound/language
0:18:03 - Underscore and the relative softness of the music in the mix
0:22:00 - Darth Vader without the Imperial March
0:33:12 - Seamless transitions in and out of music, like an airport conveyer belt
0:35:00 - How this choreography and set feels like a black box theater
0:40:24 - The first stun gun moment in Star Wars
0:41:28 - How does loud, prominent music make us feel as opposed to softer or background music?
0:46:30 - Launching from the escape pod, and the music says "this is where it all begins"
0:48:30 - Star Wars through Threepio's eyes
0:53:50 - The cadence of James Earl Jones's voice
0:56:30 - pressurized doors in Star Wars
0:59:30 - The desolate soundscape of Tatooine
1:07:10 - What is music?
1:10:12 - SWMM questionnaire
1:18:15 - Goodbyes
Themes Referenced:
4. Leia
5. Death Star
6a. Imperials (Motif)
6b. Imperials (Ostinato)
6) Planetary Descent Figure
Set Piece Motif: Escape Hatch
References:
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet (Arabian Dance): https://youtu.be/kI4HTzXPzgE
Star Wars Minute 6: The Spice Mines of Kessel: http://www.starwarsminute.com/2013/06/10/minute-6-the-spice-mines-of-kessel/
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Beyond the horizon
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Lightsaber sounds
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
The Last Samurai (composed by Hans Zimmer)
GUEST LINKS:
Follow Element7 (Pep)!
Element7 Website: https://www.7thelement.net/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_element7_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/element7s
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_element7_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_element7__/
SWMM LINKS:
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan

ANH 1: The First Five Minutes of Star Wars (Minutes 1-5)

Pete and Alex from Star Wars Minute join me to discuss the first five minutes of (any, all) STAR WARS.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Hello there.
00:02:24 - The 20th Century FOX fanfare, purpose of studio logos, myth of movies.
00:16:53 - Is the London Symphony Orchestra playing sharp? Pitch inflation, Treaty of Versailles, a whole rabbit hole.
00:28:08 - Skipping the Star Wars Main Title when listening to the soundtrack.
00:34:33 - Opening crawl was a practical effect.
00:40:40 - The music syncs up differently in the original version of the opening crawl!
00:59:50 - Holst Mars vs. Blockade Runner quiz.
01:09:30 - Xanthe brings up something that Pete said on Star Wars Minute 4 (in 2013). We talk original mono mix, special editions, de-specialized editions, etc.
01:13:08 - The hectic soundscape of the blockade runner. Various alarm sounds in Star Wars.
01:19:33 - Darth Vader's introduction. Breathing as Vader's true motif. The "not-Imperial March"
01:23:20 - Pete tries to remember the music but realizes that the sound design is burned into his memory of the soundtrack. We discuss how the soundtrack without the sound design and dialogue can sound bare at times.
01:30:55 - Inaugural Star Wars Music Minute Questionnaire
Musical Themes: (in order of appearance, using Frank Lehman's catalogue designations):
1a. Main Theme (A Section)
1b. Main Theme (B Section)
2. Rebel Fanfare
3. Force
1) Starry Night Arpeggios
2) Starry Night Piccolo
3) Martial Chords
4) Martial Rhythm
Where we are in the soundtrack album:
20th Century Fox Fanfare
A New Hope Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner
Imperial Attack
References:
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/
Star Wars (1977) - original opening crawl: https://youtu.be/iXDnFYu91vY
Art of the Score Episode 34: Studio Fanfares Part 1 - http://www.artofthescore.com.au/podcast/2021/7/25/episode-34-studio-fanfares-part-1
Hollywood Harmony by Frank Lehman - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Harmony-Musical-Wonder-Cinema/dp/0190606401
How A London Orchestra Broke International Law (12tone) - https://youtu.be/BzznBt8tVnI
Treaty of Versailles - https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/treaty_of_versailles-112018.pdf (search for the word "pitch")
Star Wars Tantive IV alarm - https://youtu.be/e7xmBeW7vf0
Darth Vader Attacks - Star Wars Rogue One | official clip (2017) - https://youtu.be/P_PZGECoJT0
Buck Rogers In The 25th Century - Intro - https://youtu.be/v32VypWeF0I 
STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?
Alex: majestic French horns
Pete: Aunt Beru's kitchen
2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?
Pete would like to watch a sound design commentary from Ben Burtt or any sound department special.
Alex wants a documentary featurette explaining what the process of scoring a film is.
3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?
Pete: The Black Hole (composed by John Barry)
Alex: Superman (composed by John Williams)
GUESTS:
Follow Star Wars Minute, Pete and Alex!
Star Wars Minute: https://www.starwarsminute.com/
ABCDevo: https://abcdevo.com
AlphaBeatical: http://www.alphabeatical.com/
Pete the Retailer:
Website: https://petetheretailer.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteTheRetailer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterbonavita/
ABCD:TOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcd-tos/id1531020539
Alex Robinson:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARobTwit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arobtwit/
Website: https://alexrobinson.fun
Godfather Minute: https://godfatherminute.tumblr.com/
SWMM LINKS:
Star Wars Music Minute:
YouTube: /starwarsmusicminute
Twitter: @StarWarsMusMin
Instagram: @starwarsmusicminute
TikTok: @StarWarsMusicMinute
Email: podcast@starwarsmusicminute.com
Xanthe:
Twitter: @chrysanthetan
Instagram: @chrysanthetan
Spotify Artist Page: Chrysanthe Tan
Website: chrysanthetan.com
Patreon: patreon.com/chrysanthetan