The Music of the Stars...Wars
Image Source: Slash Film
Star Wars has surely given us great moments to think about. From the Original Trilogy to the latest Andor episodes, we have seen spectacular lightsaber duels, dogfights between X-wings and Tie Fighters, and…music! The saga has a really impressive soundtrack as a whole, and it brings more energy to key moments of movies, live-action shows, or even animated series. Let’s take a look at a few key instances of Star Wars film scoring; not just the soundtrack in general, but diegetic music (which means the characters are also hearing it, not just the viewer). Another criterion for this list is that these moments must be placed in relevant moments of the franchise. Let’s jump in!
5. Max Rebo Band in Return of the Jedi
Image Source: Disney+
Fifth place goes to someone really special for the Star Wars fanbase: the alien, the myth, the legend, Max Rebo. Our beloved blue elephant-looking musician gives his name to a band that played in Jabba the Hutt’s palace during the events of Return of the Jedi. Even though he was only seen for a brief second, his band features several different species, counting on background vocals as an intrinsical part of the show. The song was stopped after Jabba decided he wanted some more attention from his Twi’Lek dancer. He ends up not pleased with her attitude, and throws her into the rancor pit. Unsafe working conditions for a band that played one of the toughest gigs of the whole galaxy.
RELATED:
4. Gungan celebration
Image Source: Disney+
After defeating Darth Maul in intensive combat on Naboo during the final moments of The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan, now accompanied by Anakin and the rest of the Jedi Council, attends Qui-Gon’s cremation. The following scene is not one of sadness, but happiness; we can see that there is a parade happening, and the Gungans are marching and playing instruments while walking toward the Royal Palace in Theed. The whole city is there to watch due to the importance of the event. Putting an end to the Trade Federation blockade was a massive achievement, and it wouldn’t have been successful without help from the Gungan army. We also see Anakin in his Padawan outfit with Obi-Wan by his side, like it should have always been.
3. Maarva’s funeral procession
Image Source: Disney+
This one was kind of hard to place; it is quite recent, and probably deserves a higher spot. Nonetheless, this was a huge moment for the Andor series. Maarva’s, like many other relevant people from Ferrix, was not to be buried. Turning ashes into bricks is an honor in Ferrix because even after one passes away, they become part of the community and the city itself. Clem, Cassian’s father, was also turned into a brick, which we can see Cassian touch during the season finale. The procession itself was interesting, to say the least; people from all over town gathered to see the band, the Daughters of Ferrix, and Brasso walk down Rix Road. The band had a really calm tone to it, but suddenly the music became intense. They marched toward the Imperial barricades and showed Maarva’s post-mortem speech, making the Imperial forces there uneasy.
2. Victory Celebration after the Battle of Endor
Image Source: Disney+
Probably one of the biggest moments in franchise history is when our Original Trilogy heroes celebrate their victory over the Empire in the Battle of Endor. Luke defeats Palpatine with Vader’s help on the Death Star, leading to his death in the end. While Luke cremated Anakin, the Ewoks threw a huge party to commemorate their victory. They were not the only ones on the forest moon; Han, Leia, Chewie, Lando, and many others were there as well, finally able to relax after many years of battle and struggle. This moment is even more relevant for Luke because he finally sees Anakin beside Obi-Wan and Yoda as force ghosts. It was surely a kickass party; ghosts, music, dancing, everything.
1. Cantina Band
Image Source: Disney+
First seen in Mos Eisley’s cantina in A New Hope, this band became iconic in the Star Wars lore. Even though we only see them for a small amount of time during the movie, when Luke and Obi-Wan enter the cantina, their music kicks in. Called Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes, all members were from the iconic-looking Bith species. The leader was “Fiery” Figrin D’an, plus six other members. The song was also popularized by the Lego Star Wars games, being used in the “lobby” area - the cantina. This song takes first place because of its massive popularity spanning more than 40 years.
READ NEXT:
Latest News
Featured
