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STAR   WARS
Symphony for a Saga


Private Compilation Composed and Conducted by John Williams
Format: CD-R (Thanks to T.B.!) Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra
Total Playing Time: 77:05 / 75:04
Date: Feb 27, 2008
Cat. No. MI26-223

Compiled and edited by a true STAR WARS fan.


Disc One
THE PREQUEL TRILOGY (v2.0)

The Phantom Menace Suite v2.0

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

Total Runtime 22:33

Attack of the Clones Suite v2.0

01 - Across the Stars (00:00 - 02:27)
02 - Master Yoda's Lesson (02:27 - 03:58)
03 - A Dangerous and Disturbing Mystery (03:58 - 06:30)
04 - Attack of the Clones (06:30 - 09:24)
05 - The Tatooine Interlude (09:24 - 10:00)
06 - Anakin and the Senator (10:00 - 11:51)
07 - To A Dark Place (11:51 - 18:58)
08 - The Shroud of the Dark Side (18:58 - 24:08)

Total Runtime 24:08

Revenge of the Sith Suite v2.0

01 - The Droid General (00:00 - 01:12)
02 - Anakin and Padme (01:12 - 03:15)
03 - The End of the War is Near (03:15 - 07:19)
04 - Revenge of the Sith (07:19 - 11:10)
05 - Battle of the Heroes (11:10 - 14:14)
06 - The Fall of Anakin Skywalker (14:14 - 19:22)
07 - The Boy You Trained, Gone He Is (19:22 - 21:07)
08 - The Lava Planet (21:07 - 24:24)
09 - Consumed By Darth Vader (24:24 - 26:12)
10 - The Funeral March (26:12 - 28:09)
11 - The Fate of the Twins (28:09 - 29:24)
12 - Finale (29:24 - 30:26)

Total Runtime 30:26


Original recording sources:

STAR WARS - EPISODE I : THE PHANTOM MENACE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
STAR WARS - EPISODE I : THE PHANTOM MENACE Ultimate Edition Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

STAR WARS - EPISODE II : ATTACK OF THE CLONES Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
STAR WARS - EPISODE III : REVENGE OF THE SITH Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
(ROTS Suite includes previously unreleased music)


Disc Two
THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY

A New Hope

1. Princess Leia's Theme (04:19)
2. Rebellion (03:23)
3. The Desert Planet (00:46)
4. A New Hope, Part II (04:06)
5. Rendezvous with the Death Star (02:19)
6. A Sacrifice and An Escape (01:33)
7. The Battle of Yavin (04:12)
8. Victory (01:49)

The Empire Strikes Back

9. The Imperial March (02:59)
10. The Empire Strikes Back (03:13)
11. Escape Through the Asteroid Belt (01:53)
12. Han and Leia (01:19)
13. Yoda's Theme (03:57)
14. Pursued (00:48)
15. A City in the Clouds (02:24)
16. Lord Vader Set A Trap (02:08)
17. The Funeral March and Escape From Cloud City (02:11)
18. The Duel (00:55)
19. Rescued (01:18)

Return of the Jedi

20. Arrival at the Death Star (02:56)
21. Jabba the Hutt (01:10)
22. The Rebel Alliance (01:44)
23. The Parade of the Ewoks (03:23)
24. Brother and Sister (04:38)
25. Into the Trap (02:10)
26. The Forest Battle (04:00)
27. Palpatine (01:43)
28. Return of the Jedi (05:01)
29. Finale (02:34)

Original recording sources:

STAR WARS - EPISODE IV : A New Hope
Special Edition Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

STAR WARS - EPISODE V : THE Empire Strikes Back
Special Edition Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

STAR WARS - EPISODE VI : Return of the Jedi
Special Edition Original Motion Picture Soundtrack




THE PHANTOM MENACE v2.0 - Personal Track Interpretation by T.B.

STAR WARS Main Title (00:00 - 01:39)
---------------------------------------
The "STAR WARS Main Title" is iconic in the world. Any Star Wars soundtrack would be incomplete if

it did not announce we were entering the realm of "A Galaxy Far, Far Away..."

The Waters of Otoh Gunga (01:39 - 02:15)
-------------------------------------------
One of the first cues I wanted to add was the 'Swim to Otoh Gunga.' This amazing piece is very
short, but ultimately gives you the feeling of being pulled into the Star Wars universe. Being
placed directly after the "Main Title" and mystically titled "The Waters of Otoh Gunga", it
accomplishes just that...although never meant to solely remind you of Otoh Gunga itself.

Duel of the Fates (02:15 - 04:17)
------------------------------------
"Duel of the Fates" is a wonderful thematic piece. Through time, the standard concert version we
are all familiar with has become tiresome. The stop-and-go feel of the piece is somewhat tedious
and was edited down for v1.0. This version was plagued by a few clumsy edits and was only
slightly less stop-and-go. From the moment the chorus breaks through The Waters of Otoh Gunga
the theme never relents. Notice the use of the instrumental version of this theme as a special
treat to fans.

Here, "Duel of the Fates" is used early in the suite to create a sense that danger close,
overpowering, and ultimately out of control.

Darth Maul (04:17 - 05:05)
-----------------------------
This danger is then personified by "Darth Maul" the most dangerous villain in THE PHANTOM MENACE
as his shadow is ultimately cast over the whole of the saga. In v2.0, this theme is lengthened
to include more percussion, signifying the carnal, raw nature of this Sith Lord.

The Trade Federation March (05:05 - 06:58)
---------------------------------------------
'The Trade Federation March' grows from Maul's theme revealing to the listener that the
Federation is ultimately a pawn a greater scheme. Slightly arrogant in it's militaristic cadence,
the Trade Federation quickly brings to mind images of droid armies marching over the grasslands
of Naboo...seemingly unaware of their ultimate weakness. This theme has been expanded to include
another verse of the march.

Naboo and the Palace (06:58 - 10:30)
---------------------------------------
One of the tracks that has seen the greatest expansion in v2.0 is "Naboo and the Palace."
Originally, only the end fanfare was used to convey the elegance and majesty of the Theed Palace,
even though it was used in the film for the heroes arrival at Coruscant.

Now, "Naboo and the Palace" contains the regal, yet somber motifs that directly related to the
location in the film. While this track may remind the listener of the magnificent cliffs and
waterfalls of Theed, it should also evoke images of the Trade Federations oppression and
occupation of the city and palace.

However, this theme is not entirely mournful as stately trumpets and a slight military cadence
communicate the people's royal traditions, while the grand fanfare shows us Naboo's defeat of
tyranny. These grand images will ultimately stay with young Anakin Skywalker throughout his life
...continually reminding him of the beautiful Padme Amidala, queen of the Naboo.

The Chosen One (10:30 - 12:48)
---------------------------------
The dark tone of the opening measures of "The Chosen One foreshadow" the uncertain nature of
this vergence in the Force. This is evident to all, as the Jedi Council is wary of young Anakin
Skywalker's Jedi training. Yet the power of this boy cannot be denied. Entwined with the destiny
of the chosen one is always the love of his mother, as quoted in the second half of this theme.

"The Chosen One" was perfection in v1.0, especially the transition into "Anakin's Theme" at the
end. Both themes are relatively untouched in v2.0, although the edits have been considerably
cleaned up.

Anakin's Theme (12:48 - 15:13)
---------------------------------
A flawless moment within the symphony, always foreshadowing the future. The whimsical nature of
"Anakin's Theme" communicates how he will be shaped by the events around him. As Anakin grows
and changes, his theme will likewise change. This theme seems sorrowful, as if Anakin is
mourning for the life he knows he will never have.

The Phantom Menace (15:13 - 19:39)
-------------------------------------
Another greatly expanded theme is the title track to the suite, "The Phantom Menace." Nearly
two minutes of music is added to the beginning. Now two verses of 'Darth Sidious' Theme' appear.
Before, this track began at what is now the second quotation of this dark theme."

The medley explores the dark shadow hanging over the galaxy, continually making its presence and
influence felt. No moment carries greater weight in the Galaxy than the vote of no confidence in
Chancellor Valorum. While this decision may have been a turning point for good, its consequence
will resonate throughout the galaxy forever.

Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme (19:39 - 22:33)
----------------------------------------------------
One of the most memorable pieces in Symphony for a Saga v1.0 was the combination of the
'Qui-Gon Jinn' themes from the film. Originally included in "The Phantom Menace", it quickly
became fans' favorite part of the work. Here, "Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme" receives
prominent glory. As fans we may always desire to hear a concert version of this piece, but for
now, this cut may have to do.

This cue was also used as the single for The Phantom Menace v2.0, and contains some music not
found on "Symphony for a Saga" at all. "Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn's Theme" was chosen as the
single because of the love fans have for the theme and this Jedi Master's importance in the saga.
Was he to have lived, how would the fate of Anakin Skywalker have been altered?

Would there ever have been a Darth Vader? The quotation of Darth Vader's theme at the end seems
to state that Qui-Gon's death certainly played a part in his creation...however small or great.


Attack of the Clones Suite v2.0 - Personal Track Interpretation by T.B.

Across the Stars (00:00 - 02:27)
-----------------------------------
The epic theme for the second STAR WARS prequel, "Across the Stars" is found throughout the film.
Originally this theme is meant to embrace the love story between the young Anakin Skywalker and
Senator Padme Amidala. Now the theme seems to connect less with the love story, and more with
the tragedy of the prequels. Placing "Across the Stars" at the beginning of this suite signifies
a loss of innocence and is a hallmark of the darkness to come.

Master Yoda's Lesson (02:27 - 03:58)
----------------------_----------------
Yoda's theme is essential to Attack of the Clones, and not merely for the film's heroic ending.
In Attack of the Clones the relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda is strengthened
from the ambivilance seen in The Phantom Menace.

The boys choir during "Master Yoda's Lesson" embodies the spiritual nature of Yoda's knowledge as
he shares it with his pupils and Obi-Wan. This segment ends with an appearance of William's '
Force Theme', often directly associated with Obi-Wan and further strengthening their relationship
with one another.

A Dangerous and Disturbing Mystery (03:58 - 06:30)
-----------------------------------------------------
Titled Yoda's quotation during the film, "A Dangerous and Disturbing Mystery" highlights the
adventure Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on to discover the secret behind Senator Amidala's attempted
assassination. The idea of a film noir detective story within the STAR WARS universe was an
exciting prospect for fans, and William's 'Mystery' theme sets the tone perfectly.

While story arc of the film leaves no question to this riddle's answer (the Senator correctly
names Count Dooku as the villian behind her assassination immediately), yet with an good
imagination, fans will still be able to enjoy this mystery simply by listening to William's
theme whispering that danger is close by.

When creating Version 1, this theme was obviously absent and was at the top of the list to add
back into the film's suite. "A Dangerous and Disturbing Mystery" almost became the suite's
single.

Attack of the Clones (06:30 - 09:24)
---------------------------------------
"Attack of the Clones" was a fan favorite theme from Version 1, and is mostly intact. This action
piece reminds us of the images of Obi-Wan and Jango standing off at Kamino, the speeder chase on
Coruscant, and hopefully the Battle of Geonosis.

While not meant to convey images of any specific battle, "Attack of the Clones" effectively shows
how all hell is breaking loose across the galaxy as The Clone Wars begin. This segment's new
ending should leave the listener with an unsettling feeling...as the Clone Wars are only just
beginning.

In addition, the ending flute embodies the musical feeling of the original STAR WARS trilogy
scores and hopefully help connect the two trilogies together musically.

The Tatooine Interlude (09:24 - 10:00)
-----------------------------------------
Tatooine holds a special place in the heart of STAR WARS fans, however over-used the planet may
be. This new piece of music proudly displays the oddity of the world that is home to the
Skywalker family.

Anakin and the Senator (10:00 - 11:52)
-----------------------------------------
"Anakin and the Senator" was the single for the ATTACK OF THE CLONES suite. In the original
version, this theme was given a brief appearance and a terrible beginning in "Of Love and Loss".
When it came time to remix AOTC, this untitled theme was in obvious need for improvement.

While "Across the Stars" is generally believed to be the love theme for the second STAR WARS
prequel, I disagree. After working on this particular theme, I do not believe that to be true.
This courtship music creates instant images of romance, not only between the young Padawan and
Naboo's senator, but of young love itself.

We are reminded of the quiet time spent on Naboo, away from a galaxy embracing war. Alone, love
is kindled between "Anakin and the Senator"...a love that would change the fate of the STAR WARS
universe, forever.

The title for "Anakin and the Senator" is an ode to another favorite romantic theme in the STAR
WARS universe, "Han Solo and the Princess".

To A Dark Place (11:51 - 18:58)
----------------------------------
Anakin Skywalker is unsettled by his growing love for Senator Padme, and at the same time is
haunted by visions of his dying mother. Lacking the discipline to focus on the task at hand,
Anakin is absorbed with emotion, and in a rash decision is led down a path of darkness.

"Duel of the Fates" is reprised here, almost pleading with Anakin against his terrible anger.
As Anakin succumbs to revenge, he takes one more step closer to his dark fate

Seperated from out from "Of Love and Loss", "To A Dark Place" remains intact from Version One,
with only a few improved edits.

The Shroud of the Dark Side (18:58 - 24:08)
----------------------------------------------
Nearly identical to Version One, "The Shroud of the Dark Side" should instantly bring forth the
images of Count Dooku and Darth Sidious plotting the fall of the Republic. As the Grand Army of
the Republic is born, the rise of the Empire begins. With this turn of events, the reprisal of
the theme "Across the Stars" is altered, and now forms a military cadence.

This final piece ends with a quotation of "Anakin's Theme" and slowly progresses into a sad
rendition of "The Imperial March", signifying that the innocent Tatooine boy is indeed the
galaxy's greatest villian.


Revenge of the Sith Suite v2.0 - Personal Track Interpretation by T.B.

The Droid General (00:00 - 01:12)
------------------------------------
REVENGE OF THE SITH begins with a strong rendition of "The Droid General", a new theme for a new
villian, General Grievous. It felt appropriate to start with this theme and the events in the film
are greatly influenced by Grievous. It is through his plot to capture Chancellor Palpatine that
Anakin takes makes his first kill at Palpatine's bidding.

In addition, "The Droid General" quickly and immediately brings you back into the world of STAR
WARS, one last time. The Choir chants the power and danger of this new villian.

Anakin and Padme (01:12 - 03:15)
-----------------------------------
A mournful rendition of ACROSS THE STARS plays in "Anakin and Padme". This is the first, and
tragically last time we see these characters as a married couple, embracing one another with hope
for a joyful future in their unexpected child.

The tenderness of this piece is under scored by brewing tragidy, as if fate is rolling over them
like an unyeilding force.

In Version 2, I made a concious effort to cut out the shrill quality of Anakin's nightmare, hoping
to extend the peace in "Anakin and Padme's" relationship, just a bit longer.

The End of the War is Near (03:15 - 07:19)
---------------------------------------------
"The End of the War is Near" combines several action cues from REVENGE OF THE SITH to embody the
final hours of the Clone Wars. A triumphant rendition of the Force / Obi-Wan Kenobi's theme features
prominently in this sequence, just before his final encounter with General Grievous.

This was such an incredible piece of music in the first version of Symphony for a Saga that it
needed to remain intact. Here I was able to tweak a few edits and improve the overall quality of the
piece.

Revenge of the Sith (07:19 - 11:10)
--------------------------------------
By far the most brooding piece of music in this suite is aptly titled "Revenge of the Sith". This
sequence of music is meant to underscore the confusion placed upon the galaxy by the Phantom Menace,
Lord Sidious. Formerly titled, "The Enemy Revealed", this piece is not only about Palpatine's
seduction of Anakin Skywalker, but how Palpatine has been able to lead the entire galaxy along a
dangerous path.

Finally, this sequence erupts into a frenzious version of the Emperor's motif symbolizing the
collapse of the Republic and indeed the Galaxy.

"Revenge of the Sith" contains quite a few pieces of unreleased music. While the quality of these
pieces is nowhere near offical quality, I have taken great care to enhance it as best I could.
Hopefully, this music will eventually be released and will be heard in a final, ultimate Version 3.

Battle of the Heroes (11:10 - 14:14)
-----------------------------------------
Placing "Battle of the Heroes" here came at great deliberation. Finally, I realized that this music
has come to symbolize all of the heroic struggles from the Prequel Trilogy. Moving the music here
allows it to serve as a backdrop for Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Ki Adi Mundi, and the countless other
Jedi Knights serving the Republic during the Clone Wars.

"Battle of the Heroes" also clearly projects the feeling that the tide is turning against the heroes
of the Republic, and that their hour is nigh.

Some fans may strongly dislike moving "Battle of the Heroes" toward the middle of the REVENGE OF
THE SITH SUITE. I feel like this order provides a fuller listening experience, and is something
unique and fresh for the listener.

The Fall of Anakin Skywalker (14:14 - 19:22)
-----------------------------------------------
Very close to the original version of SYMPHONY FOR A SAGA, "The Fall of Anakin Skywalker" remains
my favorite moments of this suite. With a minor addition of some unreleased music, this version
cleans up some edits nicely.

Musically, we begin with a representation of Palpatine's voice, whispering lies and deceit to the
young Jedi. The calm tonal qualities of this piece lull you into unease quickly. The underscoring
highlights the struggle within Anakin as he marches toward his destiny. Darth Vader's and Obi-Wan
Kenobi's themes duel slightly, futher highlighting this conflict.

Abruptly, Obi-Wan's theme is cut short, and Anakin's world begins to turn and become dark. The
shrill entry of the horns signify Skywalker's final turn to the Dark Side of the Force. The choir
then acts as the voice of the Galaxy in lament for the loss of the Chosen One.

I love this reworking of ANAKIN'S BETRAYAL.

The Boy You Trained, Gone He Is (19:22 - 21:07)
-------------------------------------------------
Capturing the feeling of Obi-Wan's realization at Anakin's turn is "The Boy You Trained, Gone He
Is". This music relates the tragidy and loss of Anakin's destruction of the Jedi Temple and the
loss of the other Jedi Knights. The future seems to be without hope as Obi-Wan leaves to face
his former apprentice who is now his greatest enemy.

I also feel the last half of this section is also Padme's heart breaking, unable to bear the her
loss of her husband.

The Lava Planet (21:07 - 24:24)
----------------------------------
An overbearingly dark theme, "The Lava Planet" was the third single for Symphony for a Saga
Version 2. Throughout the Star Wars saga, there is no darker time than during the events on the
planet Mustafar.

Beginning with a militarist cadence, "The Lava Planet" symbolizes Anakin Skywalker's seeming
lack of humanity. Now as a Dark Lord of the Sith, Anakin mindlessly does his master's bidding as
a leader in the new Galactic Empire. After the purge of the Jedi has begun, Anakin is sent to
Mustafar to wipe out the Emperor's former allies, cementing his rule over the galaxy.

"The Lava Planet" depicts the final moments of the rise of Darth Vader when Anakin Skywalker
casts aside his destiny as the Chosen One, and turns on his wife, Padme, essentially killing
her. In that instant, the boy Obi-Wan trained is no more and a final battle must be waged to rid
the galaxy of the Sith.

Consumed By Darth Vader (24:24 - 26:12)
------------------------------------------
Instead of remaining in defeat, Anakin turns himself fully to hatred and is "Consumed by Darth
Vader" after his battle with Obi-Wan. Here is where we hear Obi-Wan Kenobi's heart break for
his former apprentice. "You were my Brother, Anakin!" What would be worse, to see your friend
consumed by fire...or pure evil? Sadly, Obi-Wan witnesses both.

This reworking of THE IMMOLATION SCENE may sound a bit odd to first time listeners who know the
cue so well. Artistically, notice the five key changes during the course of this theme. With
this reworking, the key changes raise the emotion of the scene, ascending higher and higher.

The Funeral March (26:12 - 28:09)
-----------------------------------
I knew immediately when I set to work on this version of REVENGE OF THE SITH that I wanted to
include the instrumental portion of "The Funeral March". I able to succeed in mastering some
unreleased music well enough to make the blend nearly perfect. I would have also enjoyed the
inclusion of this theme blended with the Imperial March, but that turned out to be impossible.

"The Funeral March" almost became the single for REVENGE OF THE SITH Version 2, but I felt it
would be a much better surprise in the end. The extension of this theme from the first version
is much welcomed.

This piece of music truly captures the sorrow experienced throughout the Prequel films. Remember,
we have lost Qui-Gon, Anakin...and now Padme, along with the majority of the Jedi Knights. It
is therefore fitting that The Force theme is woven into "the Funeral March".

The Fate of the Twins (28:09 - 29:24)
----------------------------------------
We must not forget that in the wake of tragedy, we have "The Fate of the Twins". Luke and Leia
go on to become A New Hope for peace and justice in the Galaxy. Sadly, this theme ends with a
lonesome rendition of Obi-Wan Kenobi's theme, and he shrinks into the desert to wait until the
Skywalker twins call him forward once again.

Finale (29:24 - 30:26)
-------------------------
The "Finale" of SYMPHONY FOR A SAGA, The Prequels, is a much debated ending. While many fans
have voiced the opinion that a darker ending is needed, we should remember about our New Hope
and rejoice that this is not the end, but merely the end of the beginning.


© MH