ESB 2: Wampa Vision

Nov 21

This episode is about minutes 6-10 of The Empire Strikes Back, and composer-artist Christina Ward returns to the show to discuss! The YouTube version of this episode is here: https://youtu.be/xHuhO51iYuc

Timestamps:

00:00 - Hello there!
02:15 - Listening to the beginning of these minutes.
08:17 - Assessing the feelings behind Han and Leia's dialogue.
12:28 - Slow, awkward waltz.
16:41 - Threepio slander.
24:32 - Irvin Kershner wanted the ESB score to be spare.
29:44 - Talking through a part of the score.
36:47 - Reverse-engineering the Wampa based on how the Wampa sounds.
41:07 - Swarming, swirling strings rise up. Reminiscent of the Moldau (by Smetana).
49:27 - Getting the notes exactly right vs. "this is an effect."
55:55 - Conductors as Jedi Masters.
1:02:17 - Esa Pekka Salonen and kung fu masters.
1:10:53 - Tauntaun sounds.
1:13:53 - Quickie topic: Dynamics.
1:23:40 - SWMM Questionnaire.

Things Mentioned:

Smetana - The Moldau - https://youtube.com/watch?v=BhAwqPBPIEM&t=110
The Soundtrack Show: The Empire Strikes Back: the Music Part I: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-the-soundtrack-show-29021108/episode/the-empire-strikes-back-the-music-30719133/
Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (by Frank Lehman): https://franklehman.com/starwars/.

Check out Dominic Sewell Music 's YouTube channel for a more in-depth cue analysis of the following cues:

1m3/2m1 "Luke's Escape" - https://youtu.be/xKysHgjNtmk
1m2B "The Imperial Probe" Part 2 - https://youtu.be/29teKKgKNm8

Musical Themes:

4. Leia
11a. Han & Leia (A Section)
13. Droids
3. Force
1a. Main Theme (A Section)

Where are we in the soundtrack?:

"Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth"
"The Wampa's Lair/Vision of Obi-Wan/Snowspeeders Take Flight"

Cue Numbers and Names:

1M2B "The Imperial Probe - Part 2" aka "New Start"
1M3/2M1 "Luke's Escape"

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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:

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

Old answer: Heartfelt. Direct. Dramatic.
New answer: Droids. Hopeful. Dramatic.

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

Old answer: What are the thematic relationships that tie the dark side with Imperialism, musically speaking? Similarly, what musical relationships tie the light side with rebellion and goodness?
New answer: What the aural representation of Chiss brainwaves, particularly Sky-walkers, would be.

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

Old answer: Dune (music composed by Hans Zimmer, sound team led by Mark Mangini and Theo Green)
New answer: Ms. Marvel (composed by Laura Karpman) and Moon Knight (composed by Hesham Nazih)

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Guest: Christina Ward