The best musical compositions of John Williams in Star Wars

John Williams is an American songwriter who has won 5 Oscars and 24 Grammys and is known for his work on films like Indiana Jones or Harry Potter. However, he is the musical "soul" of one of the most important sagas in the history of cinema, as is the case of Star Wars.

Well, according to the specialized media Indie Hoy, at 88 he confessed that he will leave the galactic saga after Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker was released. Recall that he has been present in them since the premiere of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, released in 1977.

Therefore, according to what is mentioned on the website of El Espectador, a new series of films that will be based on the "High Republic" was confirmed, a period 400 years before the events of the Skywalkers. Surely, John Williams will give way to a new composer to score these films, so we decided to review the 9 films to see their 9 best songs.

It should be noted that we will leave out the Main Title, one of the most iconic of the saga since it is repeated throughout all the films. Similarly, Cantina band is omitted from this same episode, since it is spectacular, but it doesn't have the epic feeling of the others. 

'Princess Leia's Theme' ('Star Wars – Episode IV – A New Hope')

In this case, we are talking about one of the most poetic and tender themes, which faithfully represents this heroine.

It's about nostalgia made music, with a beauty and sensitivity that refer to the most romantic aspect of all movies.

'Binary Sunset' ('Star Wars – Episode IV – A New Hope')

Perhaps the most representative Star Wars theme after the titles. When we listen to it, we immediately relate it to the desert planet of Tatooine, hence why it was also used in the endings of the prequels and sequels.

It is a truly solemn melody, where our skin stands on end when we recognize that this theme represents nostalgia for the galaxy. It is also known as the theme of the Force.

'The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)' ('Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back')

If the previous theme was a kind of ode to peace and adventure, here we see that everything is tension and war. That is, a very strong contrast is generated between Luke Skywalker and the Empire.

Popular culture itself associates this theme with evil and problems since it serves to represent one of the most important villains in film history: the evil Darth Vader.

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'Yoda's Theme' ('Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back')

If the above theme is a representation of darkness, the dominance of the light side is perfectly manifested here.

This piece is full of light and courage, something necessary for that important journey of the film.

'Han Solo and the Princess' ('Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back')

Even love is important in wartime, something that is demonstrated in this music that maintains the essence of these two characters.

Despite being brief, it contains different moments that oscillate between sadness and the joy of love.

'Duel of the Fates' ('Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace')

Who said prequels have bad themes? It is the only song in the whole saga that contains voices, but that remains majestic.

As soon as we listen to it, we recognize that an epic fight is coming, due to the chords, winds and the lyrics with dark and ghostly overtones.

'Across the Stars' ('Star Wars – Episode II – Attack of the Clones')

Perhaps the most beautiful theme in the entire saga. Unlike what happened in the film, the representation of a tender and pure love appears.

The entire musical translation reveals the feeling that exists between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala while maintaining the essence of other songs.

'Rey's Theme' ('Star Wars: Episode III – The Force Awakens')

Here we are introduced to our new protagonist, thanks to a musical arrangement that faithfully represents her adventurous spirit.

Perhaps it contrasts a bit with the previous melodies, but it perfectly respects Rey.

The Rise of Skywalker ('Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker)

Maybe it went unnoticed, but the main theme of the last movie serves as a farewell to the franchise.

Here is a perfect share of nostalgia, but also of uncertainty in the face of the tension that exists in the galaxy.