Monday, April 25, 2016

Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace (Williams, 1999)

Star Wars Ep. I:
The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Ep. II:
Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Ep. III:
Revenge of the Sith


     In 1999, 16 years after 1983's Return of the Jedi, John Williams returned to score and conduct the 4th entry of the Star Wars saga, "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace".  As with the original trilogy, the score was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, with the main choral elements sung by the London Voices.  Due to the heavy political nature of some of the plot elements in this "prequel trilogy", the scores for Episodes I to III tend to have some long stretches of relatively subdued dynamics.  However, when the action kicks in, the music often soars to great heights, matching some of the classic moments from the original trilogy.

     Since this trilogy takes place before the introduction of the main characters of Episode IV: A New Hope, the only themes from the original trilogy which are revisited in any real way are the Force theme (Ben Kenobi's theme) and the Emperor's theme (though Luke's theme naturally appears in the main title and in a few places as brief motifs).  Naturally, Williams created several new themes to portray this "age of the Old Republic", and these are listed below.  One of the key new themes, Anakin's theme, also contains elements of Vader's theme (appropriately enough), although as a very subtle ending fragment.
  • Anakin's theme: innocent rising melody, with hints of melancholy, and sometimes ending with a Vader theme fragment.
  • Qui-Gon's theme: determined melody, somewhat martial or "knightly".
  • Duel of the Fates: a choral action theme built on a Fate ostinato, with the main Duel melody on brass.  The chorus sings a slow text (Welsh lyrics sung in Sanskrit), but a 2nd chorus also appears as staccato accents.
  • Trade Federation March: an ominous brass and percussion march.
  • Jar Jar's theme: a lyrical theme in the tradition of the "little people" themes from the original trilogy.
  • Shmi's theme: a dramatic theme with a fateful atmosphere.
  • Sith Chant and Darth Maul's motif: whispered textures and taiko drum (?) textures.
  • Taking Off motif: a rising melody, heroic yet playful.
  • Droid Army Attack motif: rhythmic figure in brass and percussion with lots of martial elements.
  • Flag Parade: this only occurs once in the film so it's not really a "theme", but it does have its own concert arrangement.
     A couple other various textures are paired with certain situations, such as female choir for the underwater scenes, synthetic choir textures for the Jedi Council setting, recorder for "political discussion" scenes, and Panaka's action theme featured in the final battle (or at least it was, until it was replaced with Duel of the Fates...).


     As is customary with Star Wars soundtracks, an "official score" was released containing edited suites of cues collected from the original recording sessions (sometimes using alternate takes), as well as a couple of unique concert suite versions of themes not meant to be used as film underscore.  The concert suite for "Duel of the Fates" proved to be so effective that director George Lucas and his music editor Kenneth Wannberg ended up replacing portions of Williams' intended music for the final battle with fragments of this concert suite (apparently the final film was re-edited several times and so Williams' music was similarly shuffled around to fit).  Additionally, Williams' score for the end of the Tatooine pod race was replaced with the music used for the escape from Naboo (retracked).  Fortunately much of Williams' unused/replaced music is still available on the official soundtrack.

Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace
Trk Dur Title Film Sequence
1 2:55 Star Wars Main Title and The Arrival at Naboo
  • 0:00: Main Title (Luke's theme)
  • 1:25: A Republic cruiser carrying Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan approaches and lands on the Trade Federation station leading a blockade of Naboo.  The two Jedi are led to a waiting chamber (high descending figures).
  • 1:49: Queen Amidala's starship arrives at Coruscant and lands (urgent brass fanfare with soaring strings).  They are met by Senator Palpatine and the Chancellor, who sympathize with Amidala's situation (low rising strings/muted brass). 
2 4:14 Duel of the Fates
Concert Suite
  • 0:00: Choral phrase intro
  • 0:15: Fate ostinato begins in violins with low string accents
  • 0:24: Duel motif begins in winds
  • 0:45: Duel motif begins in brass
  • 1:03: Choral phrase developed, Fate ostinato joined by winds
  • 1:40: Choral phrase 2 (staccato phrase), Fate with brass
  • 2:06: Development, strings briefly play Choral phrase 2 before choir returns and answers
  • 3:07: Intro recap with drums, variations with drum interludes/cadences
  • 3:36: Coda with drum breaks.
3 3:05 Anakin's Theme
Concert Suite
  • 0:00: Theme on flute
  • 0:16: Strings interlude
  • 0:23: Theme on strings, developed
  • 0:50: Theme B
  • 1:25: Theme developed and twice ending with Vader theme fragments
  • 2:14: Strings interlude
  • 2:20: Theme on strings, extended (ending with Vader theme fragments)
4 5:07 Jar Jar's Introduction and The Swim to Otoh Gunga
  • 0:00:  This section was scored for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's first encounter with Jar Jar on Naboo, but was cut from the final film (rising wind figures/pizz strings/bells, Jar Jar's theme on winds on oboe/trombone/pizz strings, brass/strings, etc).
  • 1:09: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan follow Jar Jar underwater towards the hidden Gungan city of Otoh Gunga (swirling accent into brass/wind accents, choir/swirling strings/low brass).
  • 2:08: On Tatooine, Qui-Gon becomes concerned over the sand storm.  Anakin offers shelter to the heroes (suspense strings, muted brass/strings).  
  • 2:31: They reach Anakin's home and meet Anakin's mother and C3P0 (regal winds/strings/muted brass/harp...).
  • 3:11: C3P0 is activated.  He gets his eye fixed and is introduced to Artoo (wind swirl, string pizz/wind figures, regal figures in brass, suspense cadence).
  • 3:51: Back on the street, Jar Jar gets in trouble with Sebulba when he tries to steal some food.  Anakin comes to his rescue (playful winds intercut with brief Jar Jar's theme variations and Anakin’s theme fragments).
5 2:37 The Sith Spacecraft and The Droid Battle
  • 0:00: Darth Maul's ship lands on Tatooine.  He sends out probe droids (Sith Chant with Darth Maul’s theme on percussion/dissonant strings/brass accents, swirling strings/piano/percussion).
  • 0:18: In the Battle of Naboo, fighting continues in space around the Federation Droid Control ship and down on the fields of Naboo.  Padmé's palace invasion force reaches a window (Droid Army Attack rhythmic motif, brief Duel theme variation interlude on strings).
6 4:07 The Trip to the Naboo Temple and The Audience with Boss Nass
  • 0:00: The Queen's starship arrives near Naboo, as the pilot teaches Anakin how to operate the ship's controls.  Queen Amidala considers her options and asks for Jar Jar's help ("mission" string rhythm with percussion/wind ornaments). 
  • 0:56: The starship lands in a forest. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan confer (brass figures, brass/wind fanfares, etc).
  • 1:44: Jar Jar reports that Otoh Gunga is deserted (jaunty winds/chimes, thoughtful string/wind textures) but is able to lead the group to the Gungans' "sacred place" (swirling winds, determined brass/strings).  Queen Amidala has an audience with Boss Nass (recorder solo/chimes).
  • 2:38: Padmé steps forward to reveal herself as the real Queen, and makes a personal plea to the Gungan leader for help in fighting the Federation.  Boss Nass agrees (hopeful winds/brass, strings, etc., held suspense texture, relieved/noble brass/winds, suspense cadence).
7 5:07 The Arrival at Tatooine and The Flag Parade
  • 0:00: After escaping Naboo, Jar Jar talks to Padmé as she cleans up Artoo (Jar Jar's theme on winds). 
  • 0:39: Queen Amidala's ship approaches and lands on Tatooine (falling chord motif intercut with a falling brass figure).  
  • 1:21: Qui-Gon, Padmé, Artoo and Jar Jar head towards Mos Espa spaceport (dissonant, subdued winds, falling chord motif, subtle percussion rhythm).   
  • 1:52: Pod racing contestants move out to the starting grid.  The 2-headed, bi-lingual MC announces the contestants.  Anakin waves to the crowd.  A "flag parade" moves onto the track (regal, militaristic march on brass and drums/soaring strings, extended concert suite alternate).
8 3:53 He Is the Chosen One
  • 0:00: When the Jedi Council refuses to take Anakin on as a trainee, Qui-Gon offers to train him himself (fateful string figures, Force theme cut off).  The Council tells Qui-Gon to first go back to Naboo with the Queen and investigate the Sith he encountered (Anakin’s theme, noble brass chords, thoughtful/sinister textures).
  • 1:34: The heroes return to the launch pad (Luke's theme variation in trombones into fanfare).  Obi-Wan asks Qui-Gon why he does not agree with the Jedi Council (low strings).  Qui-Gon gives Anakin some advice and explains midi-chlorians to him (Anakin's theme, etc.).  Queen Amidala appears and after everyone boards, they launch for Naboo (regal figures, fanfare).
9 4:24 Anakin Defeats Sebulba
  • 0:00: Before the pod race, Sebulba sabotages Anakin's pod racer (dissonant strings/sinister winds).
  • 0:24: Qui-Gon gives Anakin some final advice (soft strings, Force theme on horn).
  • 0:46: Jabba the Hutt makes his appearance (Jabba theme variation on brass with soaring polyphonic fanfare figures, snare roll).  He signals for the race to begin (extended alternate).
  • 1:37: Anakin's pod racer loses power due to Sebulba's sabotage (building tension in strings/brass).  Anakin fixes the problem and pulls ahead of Sebulba (unused alternate, partially replaced in film by "Escape from Naboo").
10 4:40 Passage Through the Planet Core
  • 0:00: After entering the Gungan bubble city of Otoh Gunga, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar are taken to see the Gungan leader Boss Nass, who refuses to help the Naboo.  Qui-Gon uses a Jedi Mind trick to obtain transport to the Naboo capitol (subdued female choir/synth texture leading into a recorder solo, low tremolo strings).
  • 1:59: Qui-Gon bargains for Jar Jar to accompany them (strings/harp/etc, dialogue between noble horn figures and gruff trombone figures).
  • 3:02: The heroes depart in a "bongo sub".  As Jar Jar explains why he was banished, the ship is pursued by a giant "gooberfish" (female choir with wind ornaments, intercut with brass/timpani accents, soaring brass "escape" figure).
11 4:57 Watto's Deal and Kids at Play
  • 0:00: Qui-Gon makes a new bet with Watto, with Anakin's freedom as the stakes (ironic winds, strings).  Padmé is disturbed when she finds out Anakin has never even finished a race yet (low winds, wind and string dialogues, Anakin’s theme on winds).
  • 1:23: The Sith probe droids scan the city (Sith Chant) (unused).
  • 1:38: Qui-Gon makes a bargain with Watto to enter Anakin in the pod race (high synth/harp/perc.).
  • 1:52: Qui-Gon talks with Shmi, and tells her that the Force is strong with her son (cor anglais, mystical strings/winds, Force theme on horns).  She asks the Jedi to help her son (Shmi Skywalker’s theme on poignant strings).
  • 3:16: Anakin's friends arrive but are skeptical of his racing chances (playful string and metal percussion, rhythmic wind accents/ornaments, Anakin’s theme on flute).  Jar Jar gets in trouble (playful strings/perc./etc). 
12 3:24 Panaka and the Queen's Protectors
  • 0:00: During the last battle, the heroes make it to the palace launch bay.  Naboo resistance pilots rush to their ships and take off (action brass, Taking Off motif, Luke theme fragment, Taking Off).
  • 0:35: As the Naboo fighters approach the Federation Droid Control ship they engage enemy fighters (action brass, Taking Off motif, Duel of the Fates, alternate).
  • 1:11: With the palace launch bay secured, Padmé moves her forces towards the throne room (brass figures, syncopated string rhythms).  The gates open and the heroes are faced with Darth Maul.  Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan prepare to fight the Sith Lord (Darth Maul percussion theme, alternate).
  • 1:57: Inside a Naboo fighter cockpit, Anakin opens an alternate path for Padmé's forces to enter the palace.  Afterwards his ship takes off towards the Federation's Droid Control ship on autopilot (rising figures/fanfares with Taking Off motif).
  • 2:39: Padmé's forces progress through the palace and engage Battle droids (alternate, swashbuckling action figures).
13 4:51 Queen Amidala and The Naboo Palace
  • 0:00: On Naboo, Gunray threatens the Naboo governor (tragic strings/muted brass).
  • 0:33: After departing Tatooine, Padmé reviews transmissions from Naboo (flute/harp/suspense textures), and notices Anakin, who misses his mother.  They comfort each other and he gives her a souvenir (Anakin’s theme in dialogue with soft strings).
  • 1:55: The Queen's starship arrives at Coruscant and lands (urgent brass fanfare with soaring strings).  The heroes are met by Palpatine and the Chancellor, who sympathize with Naboo's situation (low rising bass).
  • 2:52: (From beginning act) Queen Amidala contacts Gunray and pressures him to end the Federation blockade (concerned wind and string figures, recorder featured).
  • 4:02: Gunray moves to cut off her communications with Naboo Senator Palpatine on Coruscant.  She realizes that an invasion will soon begin (tense brass/strings, horn/recorder featured over string/synth textures, ending in suspense swell).
14 5:14 The Droid Invasion and The Appearance of Darth Maul
  • 0:00: As the final battle begins, the Gungan army appears out of a mist and stops on a grassy field (ethnic percussion/timpani).  
  • 0:31: The Battle droids on Naboo are activated and begin marching towards the Gungan army (Trade Federation March on brass/winds and snare).
  • 1:05: (From opening act) Trade Federation invasion forces descend on Naboo and disembark (Trade Federation March on brass/snare/timpani).
  • 1:48: Back to Droid/Gungan battle? (unused I think).
  • 2:10: Back to 1st act and underwater on Naboo: the Jedi's bongo sub regains power but is pursued by more giant sea creatures (brass/percussion action accents/figures).
  • 2:47: The droid army approaches Theed, the Naboo capital, and takes control of the city (Trade Federation March).
  • 3:16: Unused (siren effects, Sidious and Maul deleted scene?)
  • 3:46: Gunray consults with Darth Sidious (Emperor’s theme on male choir and muted brass, wind ornaments).
  • 4:17: The bongo sub briefly loses power (female choir/swirling strings, low brass cadence).
  • 4:37: Back to Battle of Naboo? (Duel of the Fates motif, unused).
15 3:48 Qui-Gon's Noble End
  • 0:00: Qui-Gon and Darth Maul duel (choral intro to Duel of the Fates, unused).
  • 0:13: In the 1st act escape from Naboo, Amidala's transport launches but is targeted by blockade ships.  The shield generator is hit, but R2-D2 fixes the problem (rhythmic strings/brass "mission" motif modulating upwards with various ornamental wind/percussion accents).  Also: Anakin defeats Sebulba in the final lap of the Tatooine pod race (cue possibly originally for Padmé's invasion of the palace, but that scene ended up scored with Duel of the Fates in the final film).
  • 1:29: Qui-Gon and Maul duel in the Generator Room as Obi-Wan is trapped behind a timed force field (Darth Maul’s drum theme/piano/eerie synth textures, Sith Chant).
  • 2:17: Maul impales Qui-Gon (poignant Duel of the Fates motif).  The Gungans are rounded up (tragic Fate figures in brass).
  • 2:56: Padmé is brought before Gunray in the throne room (subdued winds).  The false Amidala distracts Gunray and Padmé is able to turn the tables with the aid of some hidden blasters (action brass figures, Duel of the Fates).
  • 3:26: Obi-Wan waits for the shields to fall so he can engage Maul (hesitant figures, Darth Maul’s percussion theme).
16 3:09 The High Council Meeting and Qui-Gon's Funeral
  • 0:00: Padmé sends away the Gunrays.  Palpatine congratulates the heroes, especially Anakin (soft strings/harp, noble brass/drums, strings, etc). 
  • 0:54: Yoda greets Obi-Wan and tells him that the Jedi Council allows him to train Anakin, but that he has grave reservations (brief Yoda’s theme in trombones, suspense strings into brief Vader's theme motif, mysterioso strings).
  • 1:48: Qui-Gon is laid to rest on a burning funeral pyre.  Obi-Wan tells Anakin that he will train him.  Master Windu and Master Yoda suspect that another Sith Lord yet survives (noble brass, somber choir chant/Force theme on low strings, mysterious harp/winds).
17 9:37 Augie's Great Municipal Band and End Credits
  • 0:00: The Gungans parade through the streets of Theed.  Boss Nass is given a "peace" globe. (brass fanfare/march with children's choir and ethnic percussion, based on Emperor’s theme in major key)
  • End credits:
    • 1:24: Luke's theme, Rebel fanfare, Luke's theme
    • 2:15: Duel of the Fates suite
    • 6:28: Anakin's theme/Vader theme


     In 2000, an "Ultimate Edition" soundtrack was assembled, which was designed to approximate the music used in the final film - something like an isolated score, but assembled after the fact.  This release included almost all of the music with just some very minor exclusions, although alternate takes were sometimes used instead of the ones used in the film.  This release also includes some fascinating "indigenous Tatooine music", composed by Williams' son Josepth.











Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace: The Ultimate Edition
CD/Trk Dur Title Film Sequence, Themes
1.1 0:24 20th Century Fox Fanfare 0:00: 20th Century Fox logo (Alfred Newman)
1.2 1:24 Star Wars Main Title 0:00: STAR WARS logo followed by scrolling text (Luke theme).
1.3 2:32 Boarding The Federation Battleship 0:00: A Republic cruiser carrying Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan approaches and lands on the Trade Federation station leading a blockade of Naboo.  The two Jedi are led to a waiting chamber (high descending figures, martial string rhythm, eventually ethereal textures).
1:47: Trade Viceroy Nute Gunray is informed that the ambassadors are actually Jedi Knights.  He sends a droid to stall them (low brass figures/whistling enter, then back to high ethereal figures).
1.4 1:19 Death Warrant For Qui-Gon And Obi-Wan 0:00: Gunray contacts Darth Sidious (whispered Sith Chant, Emperor theme on male choir/muted brass).
0:47: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's ship is destroyed and the Jedi are exposed to gas (swirling string/wind figures, suspense brass and tremolo strings).  Battle droids prepare to confront the Jedi (held texture).
1.5 1:45 Fighting The Destroyer Droids 0:00: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan emerge from the smoke and engage the droids (action figures with Luke theme fragments).  Gunray seals off the bridge (low figures, then back to action brass).
1:02: Qui-Gon breaches the blast doors with his light saber (Force theme variation).  Destroyer droids arrive and the Jedi decide to escape into the ventilation shafts (martial percussion/brass, rising strings).
1.6 2:23 Queen Amidala Warns The Federation 0:00: Queen Amidala contacts Gunray and pressures him to end the Federation blockade (concerned wind and string figures, recorder "political texture" featured).
1:09: Gunray moves to cut off her communications with Naboo Senator Palpatine on Coruscant.  She realizes that an invasion will soon begin (tense brass/strings, horn/recorder featured over string/synth textures, ending in suspense swell).
1.7 1:01 The Droid Invasion 0:00: Trade Federation invasion forces descend on Naboo and disembark (Trade Federation March on brass/snare/timpani eventually with subtle synth pizzicato elements).
1.8 0:57 Swimming To Otoh Gunga 0:00: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan follow Jar Jar underwater towards the hidden Gungan city of Otoh Gunga (swirling accent into brass accents, choir/swirling strings/low brass).
1.9 3:05 Inside The Bubble City 0:00: Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar are taken to see the Gungan leader Boss Nass, who refuses to help the Naboo.  Qui-Gon uses a Jedi Mind trick to obtain transport to the Naboo capitol (subdued ethereal female choir/synth texture, oboe ornament leading into a recorder solo, low string tremolo textures).
1:55: Qui-Gon bargains for Jar Jar to accompany them (strings/winds/harp, dialogue between noble horn figures and gruff trombone figures).
1.10 1:38 Attack Of The Giant Fish 0:00: The heroes depart in a bongo sub.  As Jar Jar explains why he was banished, the ship is pursued by a giant gooberfish (female choir with scalar/swirling wind ornaments, intercut with brass/timpani accents, soaring brass "escape" figure).
1.11 1:05 Darth Sidious 0:00: Gunray consults with Darth Sidious (Emperor’s theme on male choir and muted brass, wind ornaments).
0:33: The bongo sub briefly loses power (female choir/swirling strings, low brass cadence).
1.12 1:18 The Giant Squid And The Attack On Theed 0:00: The bongo sub regains power but is pursued by more giant sea creatures (brass/percussion action accents/figures).
0:40: The droid army approaches Theed, the Naboo capital, and takes control of the city (Trade Federation March reprise without synth).
1.13 2:09 Qui-Gon And Obi-Wan Rescue The Queen 0:00: The bongo sub arrives at Theed (rising figures into trumpet fanfare, brass).  Gunray pressures Amidala to sign a treaty, but when she refuses she is lead towards the prison (suspense brass, pizz. bass, muted/lyrical brass).
1:24: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rescue the Naboo party from their Battle droid escort (brass fanfares, action figures).  They decide to look for transport off-planet (low suspense figures, building).
1.14 1:43 Fighting The Guards 0:00: At the ships hangar bay, Qui-Gon agrees to take Amidala back to Coruscant so that she can appeal to the Senate (rhythmic strings with muted brass ornaments/wind figures). 
1:01: Qui-Gon is stopped by Battle droids…briefly (low brass).  The droids are taken out and the party board the Queen's starship (swashbuckling brass/string figures).
1.15 2:04 Escape From Naboo 0:00: Amidala's transport launches but is targeted by blockade ships .  The shield generator is hit, but R2-D2 fixes the problem (rhythmic strings/brass "mission" motif modulating upwards with various ornamental wind/percussion accents).  They decide to land at Tatooine for repairs (subdued winds and brass into swell).
1.16 1:08 Enter Darth Maul 0:00: Gunray reports to Sidious that Amidala has escaped.  Sidious introduces Darth Maul.  Gunray starts regretting his recent decisions (Emperor’s theme, low brass/winds/timpani).
1.17 2:28 The Arrival At Tatooine 0:00: Jar Jar talks to Padmé as she cleans up Artoo (Jar Jar's theme on winds).
0:33: Amidala's ship approaches and lands on Tatooine (falling chord motif intercut by a falling brass figure). 
1:20: Qui-Gon, Padmé, Artoo and Jar Jar head towards Mos Espa spaceport (dissonant, subdued winds, falling chord motif, subtle percussion rhythm).   
1.18 1:17 Street Band Of Mos Espa 0:00: Source music on percussion and lutes.  The heroes walk through the spaceport.
1.19 1:12 Padmé Meets Anakin 0:00: Qui-Gon visits a shop to look for parts and Padmé meets Anakin (soft figures, Anakin’s theme on flute).  Anakin claims to be a pilot.  Jar Jar has trouble with some of the small droids in the shop (light wind figures, Jar Jar's theme).
1.20 1:28 Desert Winds 0:00: Source music on percussion and panflutes.  Qui-Gon tries and fails to bargain with Watto.
1.21 1:19 Jar Jar's Run-In With Sebulba 0:00: Jar Jar gets in trouble with Sebulba when he tries to steal some food.  Anakin comes to his rescue (playful winds intercut with brief Jar Jar's theme variations and Anakin’s theme fragments).
1.22 2:42 Anakin's Home And The Introduction To Threepio 0:00: Obi-Wan becomes concerned over the sand storm.  Anakin offers shelter to the heroes (suspense strings, muted brass/strings). 
1:00: They reach Anakin's home and meet Anakin's mother and C3P0 (regal winds/strings, muted brass).
1:40: C3P0 is activated.  He gets his eye fixed and is introduced to Artoo (wind swirl, string pizz/wind figures, regal figures in brass, suspense cadence).
1.23 1:13 Darth Sidious And Darth Maul 0:00: The Queen gets a transmission from Naboo (suspense strings/muted brass).
0:23: On Coruscant, Darth Sidious briefs Darth Maul about his mission to Tatooine (Coruscant fanfare, Emperor’s theme, low muted brass, winds).
1.24 2:59 Talk Of Podracing 0:00: Anakin asks Qui-Gon if he is a Jedi.  He offers to help them out by entering himself in a pod race.  His mother disallows it (curious strings/harp with dialoguing wind and brass figures).
1:55: Anakin presses his mother to let him race and she relents (Anakin’s theme variation on flute and trombone).  Padmé questions Qui-Gon's methods (slightly tense string figures).
1.25 2:24 Watto's Deal/
Shmi And Qui-Gon Talk
0:00: Qui-Gon makes a bargain with Watto to enter Anakin in the pod race (high synth/harp/perc.).
0:38: Back at the ship, Obi-Wan is concerned about the chances they are taking (transitional fanfare, concerned winds/tremolo strings/etc.).
1:06: Qui-Gon talks with Shmi, and tells her that the Force is strong with her son (cor anglais, mystical strings/winds, Force theme on horns).  She asks him to help Anakin (Shmi Skywalker’s theme on poignant strings).
1.26 1:39 Anakin, Podracer Mechanic 0:00: Anakin's friends arrive but are skeptical of his racing chances (playful string and metal percussion, rhythmic wind accents/ornaments, Anakin’s theme on flute).  Jar Jar gets in trouble (playful strings/perc./etc). 
1.27 1:24 The Racer Roars To Life 0:00: Anakin starts up his pod racer successfully (Shmi’s theme on soaring strings/winds/brass).  
Anakin's Midi-Chlorian Count 0:16: That night, Qui-Gon takes a blood sample from Anakin and finds out his midi-chlorian count is off the charts (falling winds, thoughtful winds/strings intercut with Anakin’s theme, brief Force theme fragment).
1.28 1:00 Darth Maul And The Sith Spacecraft 0:00: Darth Maul's ship lands on Tatooine.  He sends out drones. (Sith Chant with Darth Maul’s theme on percussion/dissonant strings/brass accents, swirling strings/piano/percussion).
1.29 0:53 Mos Espa
Arena Band
0:00: Source music with percussion, panflutes.  Watto talks to Qui-Gon before the race.
1.30 1:59 Watto's Roll Of The Die 0:00: Qui-Gon makes a new bet with Watto in order to gain Anakin's freedom if he wins the race (ironic winds, strings).  Padmé is disturbed when she finds out Anakin has never even finished a race yet. (low winds, wind and string dialogues, Anakin’s theme on winds).
1:45: The Sith drones scan the city (Sith Chant, brass/xylophone accents).
1.31 1:14 The Flag Parade 0:00: Pod racing contestants move out to the starting grid.  The 2-headed, bi-lingual MC introduces the contestants.  Anakin waves to the crowd.  A "flag parade" moves onto the track (regal, militaristic march on brass and drums/soaring strings).
1.32 1:38 Sebulba's Dirty Hand 0:00: Sebulba sabotages Anakin's pod racer (dissonant strings/sinister winds).
Qui-Gon's Pep Talk 0:25: Qui-Gon gives Anakin some advice (soft strings, Force theme on horn).
0:48: Jabba the Hutt makes his appearance (loose Jabba theme variation on brass with soaring polyphonic fanfare figures, snare roll).  He signals for the race to begin.
1.33 2:18 Anakin Defeats Sebulba 0:00: Anakin's pod racer loses power due to Sebulba's sabotage (building tension in strings/brass).
0:12: Anakin fixes the problem and catches up to Sebulba (rhythmic strings/brass "mission" motif modulating upwards with various ornamental wind/percussion accents (retracked Escape from Naboo material)).
1:42: Anakin defeats Sebulba (building action figures).
1.34 1:14 Hail To The Winner, Anakin Skywalker 0:00: Anakin is celebrated as the winner of the race (swashbuckling victory figures, Anakin’s theme/Vader theme fragment).
1.35 1:14 The Street Singer 0:00: Source music with percussion and "bending" winds/voice.  Watto reluctantly agrees to give Anakin his freedom.
2.1 5:04 Anakin Is Free 0:00: Qui-Gon tells Obi-Wan that he must return to the spaceport to pick up Anakin (Qui-Gon Jinn’s theme on low strings).  He arrives at the Skywalker home and gives them the good news (hopeful strings, brass, strings/harp).
1:14: Qui-Gon tells him that he will learn to be a Jedi (Force theme).  Anakin happily packs (high metal percussion), but hesitates when he learns that his mother will not be going with him (low brass, recorder solo over harp, Shmi's theme in soft winds).  He tells Threepio farewell (hopeful brass/strings).
3:42: As they leave, Anakin looks back and gives his mother a final farewell (poignant strings, oboe dialogue with resolute brass).
4:47: Anakin turns and leaves with Qui-Gon (Force theme).
2.2 1:48 Qui-Gon & Darth Maul Meet 0:00: Darth Maul is informed of Qui-Gon's location by the probe droids, he moves to pursue (Darth Maul’s theme/Sith Chants/eerie strings, falling low brass).
0:23: Qui-Gon and Anakin rush towards the Queen's ship (rhythmic strings).  Qui-Gon engages Maul (brass accents, Qui-Gon's theme in brass).  The Queen's ship takes off and Qui-Gon leaps aboard, leaving Maul behind on Tatooine (action figures).  Qui-Gon introduces Anakin to Obi-Wan. (soft strings, Qui-Gon's theme and Force theme fragments).
2.3 4:11 Anakin & Group To Coruscant 0:00: Gunray threatens the Naboo governor (tragic strings/muted brass).
0:31: Padmé reviews transmissions from Naboo (flute/harp/suspense textures), and notices Anakin, who misses his mother.  They comfort each other and he gives her a souvenir (Anakin’s theme in dialogue with soft strings).
2:18: They arrive at Coruscant and land (somber brass fanfare with soaring strings).  They are met by Palpatine and the Chancellor, who sympathize with Amidala's situation (low rising strings/muted brass).  Anakin and Padmé head to the Naboo consulate, as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan head to the Jedi Temple (cut to Senate) (brief brass fanfare).
2.4 0:42 The Queen & Palpatine 0:00: Palpatine urges the Naboo Queen to undermine the Chancellor's position in order to make progress (subdued string textures, muted brass/harp).
2.5 2:38 High Council Meeting 0:00: Qui-Gon reports to the Jedi High Council that he thinks he encountered a Sith Lord (high synthetic voice textures, eerie strings, muted brass, etc).  He also proposes that Anakin is the Chosen One who will bring balance to the Force (Anakin’s theme).  Jedi Master Mace Windu is skeptical (somber string/brass figures).
1:41: Anakin visits Padmé to say goodbye before he reports to the Jedi Temple for testing (suspense textures with "ticking" pulses, swell).
2.6 1:12 The Senate 0:00: In the Senate, Queen Amidala speaks out against the inaction and calls for new leadership (concerned winds/brass/muted strings, dark brass, winds, percussion/low strings, brass accents, etc).
2.7 3:42 Anakin's Test 0:00: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discuss Anakin's future before a Coruscant sunset (somber swelling textures with a few hopeful harp/wind/horn ornaments).
0:29: Anakin is tested by Windu and Yoda.  He admits that he misses his mother.  Yoda states that fear leads to the Dark Side. (Anakin’s theme with recorder counter melody/tremolo strings, Force theme).
1:49: Amidala and Jar Jar discuss the Naboo-Gungan situation (soft choir/harp/tremolo strings).  Palpatine arrives after he has been nominated as the new Chancellor (regal but muted brass figures, tense strings/winds/choir).  Amidala states that she will return to Naboo to be with her people (cut to Jedi Temple) (somber strings/harp into string variation of Qui-Gon's theme, rising brass figures).
2.8 3:48 Qui-Gon's Mission 0:00: When the Jedi Council refuses to take Anakin on as a trainee, Qui-Gon offers to train him himself (fateful string figures, Force theme cut off).  The Council tells Qui-Gon to first go back to Naboo with the Queen and investigate the Sith (Anakin’s theme, noble brass chords, thoughtful/sinister textures).
Obi-Wan's Warning 1:34: The heroes return to the launch pad (Luke's theme variation in trombones into fanfare).  Obi-Wan asks Qui-Gon why he does not agree with the Jedi Council (low strings).  Qui-Gon gives Anakin some advice and explains midi-chlorians (Anakin's theme, etc.).  Queen Amidala appears and after everyone boards the ship, they launch for Naboo (regal figures, fanfare).
2.9 0:29 Nute & Rune Confer With Darth Sidious 0:00: Palpatine tells the Gunrays that Maul will soon be arriving (Emperor’s theme with male choir and eerie strings).
2.10 2:20 The Queen & Group Land On Naboo 0:00: The Queen's ship arrives near Naboo, as the pilot teaches Anakin how to operate the ship's controls.  Queen Amidala considers her options and asks for Jar Jar's help.  Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan confer ("mission" string rhythm/percussion/wind ornaments).
0:54: The Queen's starship lands in a forest (brass figures, brass/wind fanfares, strings).
1:43: Jar Jar reports that Otoh Gunga is deserted (jaunty winds/chimes, thoughtful textures).
2.11 2:26 Jar Jar Leads Group To The Gungans 0:00: Jar Jar leads the group to the Gungans' "sacred place" (swirling winds, determined brass/strings).  Amidala approaches Boss Nass (recorder solo/chimes, poignant strings).
1:04: Padmé steps forward to reveal herself as the Queen, and makes a personal plea to the Gungans for their help in fighting the Federation.  Boss Nass agrees (hopeful winds/brass, strings, etc., held suspense textures, noble brass/winds).
2.12 2:31 War Plans 0:00: The Gunrays report to Lord Sidious (dark strings/winds/brass). 
0:21: The Naboo and Gungans make war plans.  Jar Jar is made a General ("mission" string rhythm, determined wind/brass figures, falling accent). 
1:01: Padmé describes her plan to use the Gungans as a diversion so that a small team can infiltrate the capital and capture the Viceroy in the throne room (somber strings/muted brass/snare, thoughtful wind figures and string tremoli).
2.13 0:25 Darth Sidious Receives News Of The Gungan Army 0:00: Upon hearing the news about the gathering Gungan army, Sidious tells Gunray to "Wipe them out.  All of them." (suspense textures).
2.14 0:58 The Gungans March 0:00: The Gungan army appears out of a mist and stops on a grassy field.  Their shield is activated (ethnic percussion and didgeridoo/timpani, rising brass/string figures into cadence).
2.15 0:19 The Queen & Her Group Sneak Back To The Palace 0:00: The heroes sneak into the capitol (subdued but tense texture). 
2.16 0:25 The Battle Begins 0:00: The heroes engage Battle droids and enter the palace (action accents, Duel of the Fates partial theme).
2.17 1:26 The Republic Pilots Take Off Into Space 0:00: The heroes make it to the palace launch bay and resistance pilots rush to their ships.  The Naboo fighters take off.  As they approach the Federation blockade they engage fighters (Taking Off motif in brass figures, Luke’s theme, Taking Off, Duel of the Fates motif with timpani, Droid Army Attack motif)
2.18 0:44 Activate The Droids 0:00: The Battle droids on Naboo are activated and begin marching towards the Gungan army (Trade Federation March on brass/winds and snare).
2.19 0:24 The Gungans Fight Back 0:00: The Gungans lob grenades at the Battle droid army and engage them (action accents/figures).
0:11: With the palace launch bay secured, Padmé moves her forces towards the throneroom (syncopated string rhythms).
2.20 0:52 The Duel Begins 0:00: The gates open and the heroes are faced with Darth Maul (Duel of the Fates choir intro on brass).  Padmé takes her forces in another direction.  Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan prepare to fight Darth Maul (Duel of the Fates full theme with Fate ostinato in strings).
0:40: The duel begins (Duel of the Fates chorus).
2.21 0:48 Anakin Takes Off In Spaceship 0:00: Inside a Naboo fighter cockpit, Anakin opens a path for Padmé forces into the palace.  His ship takes off towards the Federation's Droid Control Ship (rising figures/fanfares with Taking Off motif).
2.22 1:00 The Duel Continues 0:00: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan force Maul to retreat into the palace (Duel of the Fates theme using choral phrase 2 in strings, then back to main choir figure, then choral phrase 2, choir solo).
0:40: Padmé's forces progress through the palace but are pinned down by Battle droids (Fate ostinato/Duel brass figure).
2.23 1:59 The Battle Rages On 0:00: Battles continue in space around the Federation's Droid Control Ship and on the fields of Naboo.  Padmé 's forces reach a window (Droid Army Attack rhythmic motif, brief Duel theme variation interlude on strings).
2.24 1:23 Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan & Darth Maul Continue Battle 0:00: Padmé's forces ascend using grappling guns  (Fates ostinato).
0:22: Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan continue driving Maul deeper into the palace towards the Theed Generator Complex (choral Duel of the Fates, with percussion interludes, etc).  Obi-Wan is knocked off a platform but Qui-Gon continues dueling Maul alone.  Eventually all 3 become separated by timed force-fields (Duel of the Fates ending cadence).
2.25 0:14 Qui-Gon, Darth Maul & The Invisible Wall 0:00: The 3 combatants wait for the force fields to reopen (ethereal textures).
2.26 2:18 The Gungans Retreat & The Queen Surrenders 0:00: The Gungan shield is disabled and they retreat before the Federation artillery (tense action figures, some based on Droid Army Attack rhythms).
1:35: Padmé's forces are surrounded by Destroyer droids (Darth Maul’s theme).
1:44: Anakin's ship is hit but he manages to land inside the Federation's Droid Control Ship (action figures, Duel of the Fates theme, end accents).
2.27 2:29 The Death Of Qui-Gon & The Surrender Of The Gungans 0:00: Qui-Gon and Maul duel in the Generator Room as Obi-Wan is trapped behind a timed force field (Darth Maul’s drum theme/piano/eerie synth textures, Sith Chant).
0:48: Maul impales Qui-Gon (poignant Duel of the Fates motif).  The Gungans are rounded up (tragic Fate figures in brass).
1:25: Padmé is brought before Gunray in the throne room (Darth Maul’s theme/Sith Chants).  The false Amidala distracts Gunray and Padmé is able to turn the tables with the aid of some hidden blasters (action brass figures, Duel of the Fates, hesitant figures).
2:15: Obi-Wan waits for the shields to fall so he can engage Maul (Darth Maul’s theme).
2.28 3:24 The Tide Turns 0:00: Obi-Wan falls into a reactor shaft and holds on to a small protrusion.  Maul disposes of his light saber (tragic strings/brass/organ). 
0:15: Anakin restores power to his fighter and begins shooting up the interior of the Federation's Droid Control Ship (brass rhythmic "mission" motif, fanfares, Duel of the Fates).  The station begins to explode and Anakin flies to safety (triumphant Force theme with Duel of the Fates theme).
1:27: The Droid army is deactivated and the Gungans celebrate (subdued textures becoming peaceful and pastoral).
The Death Of Darth Maul 1:47: Obi-Wan concentrates on Qui-Gon's fallen light saber.  He Force jumps up out of the reactor shaft and kills Maul.  Qui-Gon speaks his last words (suspense textures, Force theme, action accent then falling figures, soft strings, Qui-Gon’s theme on bassoon)
3:02: A Senate consulate ship from Coruscant arrives with Palpatine (Qui-Gon's theme into peaceful cadence).
2.29 1:48 The Queen Confronts Nute & Rune 0:00: Padmé sends away the Gunrays.  Palpatine congratulates the heroes, especially Anakin (soft strings/harp, noble brass/drums, strings, etc). 
0:52: Yoda greets Obi-Wan and tells him that the Jedi Council allows him to train Anakin, but that he has grave reservations. (brief Yoda’s theme in trombones, suspense strings into brief Vader's theme motif, mysterioso strings)
2.30 1:18 The Funeral Of Qui-Gon 0:00: Qui-Gon is laid to rest on a burning funeral pyre.  Obi-Wan tells Anakin that he will train him.  Master Windu and Master Yoda suspect that another Sith Lord yet survives (noble brass, somber choir chant/Force theme on low strings, mysterious harp/winds)
2.31 1:24 The Parade 0:00: The Gungans parade through the streets of Theed.  Boss Nass is given a "peace" globe. (brass fanfare/march with children's choir and ethnic percussion, based on Emperor’s theme in major key)
2.32 8:15 End Credits 0:00: End Credits
0:00: Luke's theme, Rebel fanfare, Luke's theme
0:51: Duel of the Fates concert suite
5:02: Anakin's theme suite/Vader theme
2.33 4:22 Duel Of The Fates (Dialogue Version) Concert suite with dialogue and sound effects.

     A few years later, John Williams would continue his "musical journey" in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones...

Links
Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace Wikia Entry
Duel of the Fates Wikia
Star Wars Musical Scores Wikia
John Williams Wiki Entry
JWFan Network Cue Breakdown
JWFan Network Star Wars Themes topic
"Making Star Wars Sing Again", Boston Globe, 1999 feature
Filmtracks Review

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for all this! This soundtrack order makes less sense than Batman Returns!

    ReplyDelete