ANH 11: Tuba the Hutt

A NEW HOPE
Written By Chrysanthe Tan

Forget about Han and Greedo for a second. The Special Edition release of A New Hope also brought us Jabba the Hutt and his virtuosic tuba theme (which originally debuted in Return of the Jedi). Trombonist in the Disneyland Band Justin Mitnik joins me today in a discussion about minutes 51-55 of Star Wars. We talk about the cantina songs, villains, orchestration, and more.

Discussion Guide:

  • 00:00 - Hello there!

  • 04:12 - Cantina Band 1 vs. Cantina Band 2

  • 09:04 - Greedo's lines in Huttese

  • 15:49 - "Mammaloo!"

  • 19:35 - Death Star conference room scene

  • 21:09 - Peter Cushing, Tarkin, onscreen villains

  • 24:25 - Daddy Palpatine's frequent flyer miles

  • 24:54 - Breaking down a meandering woodwind line

  • 28:01 - Orchestration, using the range of the orchestra, why does John Williams double the clarinet line, etc

  • 39:27 - "Naive Luke" theme

  • 43:15 - Big tuba spotlight for Jabba (added in Special Edition)

  • 46:12 - "Crispa Greedo"

  • 52:08 - "Jabba, you're a wonderful human being." Sarcasm?

  • 57:39 - Significance of this set of minutes, everyone's wrapping up remnants of their old life

  • 1:02:29 - Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina versus Oga's Cantina in Galaxy's Edge

  • 1:05:34 - Listening to the Disneyland Band's Star Wars Medley

  • 1:13:21 - SWMM Questionnaire

  • 1:14:47 - Musical themes, soundtrack info, etc

Things Mentioned:

Themes: Main Theme (A Section)

Soundtrack: "Cantina Band 2," "Inner City," "Millennium Falcon/Imperial Cruiser Pursuit"

-------

STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:

1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?

  • Galactic thematic masterpiece.

2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?

  • All the distinct sound effects. Justin has always been fascinated by them and could never tell what comprises them.

3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?

  • Gladiator (composed by Hans Zimmer)

-------

Justin Mitnik:

Star Wars Music Minute:

Xanthe:

Chrysanthe Tan

Composer / Violinist

www.chrysanthetan.com
Previous

ANH 12: So Long, Alderaan
Next

ANH 10: Cantina Band Shot First