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Live performance, Milan, July 17th, 2016. LaVerdi Orchestra conducted by Simone Pedroni.

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Star Wars Suite - Princess Leia's theme (BBC Proms)

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3. Padme and Anakin (Across the stars) Character Love Theme

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3. Padme and Anakin (Across the stars) Character Love Theme

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Instruments in this theme:
Strings: Violas, violins, cellos and harp.
Woodwinds: Flutes, oboe, clarinet and piccolo.
Brass: Tuba, French horns, horn and trumpets.
Percussion: Timpani tremolo drum and cymbals.

The strings (mostly violins) start off mezzo-pianissimo repeating the pattern of notes twice before the flute comes in to play the melody. A harp is also playing along with the strings before the theme appears.

The flute plays the melody (leitmotif) on its own at a (moderato) speed, accompanied by the strings. However, the flute's dynamics are slightly louder than the string instruments, emphasising the theme with a high-pitch sound; thus, the melody plays in (Key Minor D).

Moreover, the violins follow the pitch of the (solo) flute and blend in with the other string instruments, while the clarinet plays on its own. This theme has almost the exact melodic pattern as Leia's theme, the only difference is the timbre or in this case, the primary instrument which plays the melody. In Leia's theme, the melody is emphasised by the violins whereas in this theme the flutes conduct the melody.

At 1.14 mins, a three-note ostinato is played pianissimo by the strings; thus, at 1:23 minutes, the violins play the melody legato with the harp playing very quietly in the background. Another instrument is the piccolo which plays in some jumpy notes for 3-4 seconds. At this point, the dynamics have crescendo to mezzo-forte while the tempo increases to allegretto (rather fast).

Gradually, at 1:58 minutes, the tuba plays solo while the brass (trumpets) play quietly in the background along with the strings.
Once again at 2:06 minutes, the timpani drum introduces the melody with a crescendo-tremolo kick; the violins are slightly higher in pitch, and the dynamics have increased to forte while the violins accelerate the tempo to allegro. The piccolo comes in again while the brass accompanies the strings.

A new idea is introduced at 3:03 minutes by the tuba which plays an ostinato of lower notes in a march style along with the timpani beats. A clash of instruments is occurring: strings play allegro in a march style, the (solo) flute plays a few notes shortly, French horns play a few notes staccato, and the clarinet plays the same notes legato.
In this case, the instruments seem fairy agitated increasing the speed to (presto), to match with the rhythm of the timpani drums; this creates a triumphant march sound which climaxes in texture. However, at 3:39 minutes, the brass instruments ascends in pitch and crescendos to forte dynamics before the strings come in once again playing legato higher in pitch at a moderated speed.

Later on, at 5:12 minutes, there is a three-note ostinato played by the lower-pitched brass accompanied by timpani rolls before it descends in volume to pianissimo with all the other instruments at 5:18 minutes. The harp plays the melody solo at 5:24 minutes, while the strings play quietly legato at an adagio speed.

Lastly, at 5:57 minutes, the violins repeats the same three-note ostinato as before (at 1.14 mins) while the oboe plays the melody solo for the last time before the harp ends the melody with a few descending notes.

How does it represent Padme and Anakin?
Across the Stars is a romance film score composed by John Williams in 2002 for Star Wars: Attack of The Clones.
The tempo of the motif is 76 BPM (Moderato) with the time signature of 3/4, written in (Key: Minor F or D).
It is a melancholic romance character theme which shows the development of a forbidden and complicated love story between the Queen/Senator Padme Amidala and Jedi-Knight Anakin Skywalker.

Character Information?
Queen (Senator of the Galactic Empire) Padme Amidala falls in love with the young Jedi-Knight Anakin Skywalker (Age 9), and later on marries secretly. Later on, in Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith, Anakin turns to the dark side and unconsciously using the dark forces kills his beloved wife Padme; whom later on gives birth to two fraternal twins: boy and girl (Luke and Leia Skywalker).

Why is it effective?
Moreover, this motif has a variety of intervals, triads, ostinatos and key changes. In one section, we hear the violins changing their pitch from (Minor D to Minor F) and plays at a moderated speed legato to resonate with the romance in the film. The violins give us a melancholy feeling of doubt that the romance between Padme and Anakin will not last for very long. The minor key adds this effect of sadness and heartache to the melody. But, primary, the flute and oboe drive the whole melody into the love zone. On the other side, the rising tension made by the instruments: brass, strings and timpani drums. The climax of the instruments where they accelerate in speed and rises in dynamics has a powerful effect on us, it tells us the conflicts and obstacles found in this relationship. However, it also reinforces the idea of the battles between the Dark forces (Sith) and the Light forces; an ongoing war in the galaxy between the forces which never ends.

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Instruments in this theme:
Strings: Cello, Violin, Viola, Harp and Double Bass.
Brass: French horns, trumpets and tuba.
Percussion: Glockenspiel, triangle bell, timpani drums and marimba.
Woodwinds: Flutes.

The melody starts off very quietly (pianississimo) in a slow and steady tempo with the violins and harp playing soft,
the French horns play the melody low pitched with long-held notes, and its dynamics becomes slightly louder as it progresses. The tempo remains moderated.
Next, the French horns which play a part of the leitmotif, crescendo to Forte with the strings supporting the melody, before they diminuendo and ends with the harp playing a few notes.
At about 0:59 minute, the glockenspiel along with the triangular bell introduces a new idea, making the melody sound joyful and magical.

On the third part of the melody at about 2:27 minutes, the flute plays the melody on its own while being supported by the strings and the harp. The dynamics remain Pianissimo while the rhythm stays moderated. Lastly, at about 2:56 minutes, the French horns plays a melodic riff, leaving the strings to reach the ending. As it approaches the ending, the dynamics become quieter in volume.

Who is Yoda?
Jedi Master Yoda is a wise, peaceful old-man (900 years-when he died), a well-known Master in its right and a devoted fighter in the whole galaxy. He trained Luke Skywalker into becoming the legend he is today. Yoda was known to be with the force (the good side), and trained aspiring young Jedi, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of Anakin's closes friends and mentor.

How does this theme represent Yoda?
Yoda's theme is a character's film score composed by John Williams in 1980 for the Star Wars film. The theme plays in key 'Major C' which gives a happy/joyous feeling, in the tempo of 80 BPM (Moderato) with the time signature 4/4. Overall, the theme represents the character traits which are known to be, his wisdom, caring and meditative nature, and especially his joyful sense of humour.

Why is it effective?
The leitmotif delivers a peaceful and calming message through instrumentation, dynamics and harmonic arrangement. Thus, it signifies the Jedi First Order and reminds us that the good will always win in the end.

Where does the theme appear?
The Star Wars saga 'The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sixth, A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of The Jedi (ending part).

Reference:
StarWars.Wikia.com
Yoda's famous quote 'Ally of the force'

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Instruments in this theme:
Strings: Cello, Double Bass, Harp, and Violin.
Brass: French Horn and Trumpet.
Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe and Clarinet.
Percussion: Cymbals.

In the beginning, there is a descending melodic riff played by the flutes and oboes in an ostinato mode, underneath the oboes the French horns are played pianissimo before the introduction of the theme.
The tempo of this melody is Adagio (72 BPM) with a time signature of 4/4. In the second part of the melody, the leitmotif (main theme) is played by the French horns which start off quietly (piano) and crescendo into a rhythmic pattern supported by the oboe.
Thus, the flutes come in into the second part of the melody introducing a new idea supported by the harp immediately switching back to the oboes. Then, the leitmotif crescendos forte in volume, halfway through, the violins play in high-pitch with underneath support from the French horns, oboes and trumpets.

Moreover, from 2:58-3:46 minutes, the melody plays forte in volume with a mix of instruments creating a climax-espressivo moment; pre-ending with a tenderly-lacrimoso riff played by the violin, with a twist of the harp concluding the ending of Leia's chapter.
The French horns introduce a little bit of Leia's theme (with support from the strings which are played pianissimo at 0:21 seconds before the full melody comes in at (1:18 minutes). The main melody is played by the flutes, accompanied by the strings and the harp to create a harmonic-romance tune. The timbre of the theme is distinguished by the flutes which are high-pitched, adding a sweet-melodic flavour to the melody. The pre-melody (sample/riff) plays the same pattern of notes but in a different low-ranged pitch produced by only the French horns.
Although flutes play the main melody, the violins repeat the same pattern of notes later in the melody representing Leia's theme: giving it a romantic feeling with a dreadful twist.

Who is Princess Leia?
Princess Leia Organa is the General of the Rebel Alliance and part of the Imperial Senate. A rebellious-charming fighter and an asset in helping to establish the balance of the positive force in the galaxy.

How does this theme represent Princess Leia?
This melody, in particular, is a romantic (love theme) which represents Leia's loves interest 'Han Solo', and their continuous love throughout the thick and thin in the movie. However, it is also a reference to her parents' love theme (Anakin and Padme, 'Across the stars'), as it plays on a flute with a similar melodic pattern of notes. Also, the same melodic riff from Leia's theme plays at the end of 'The Return of the Jedi' scene to represent the end of the dark forces, starting with a new chapter.

Why is it effective?
Overall, the whole melodic piece is a romantic love theme for 'Leia and Han', which shows both good and bad sides of their relationship. Yet, the melodic leitmotif is also a reflection on Leia's past: her parents' romance, her mum's (Padme's death) and the end of the dark forces in the galaxy. The melody itself is played in the Key Minor D to signify the melancholy/romance of Leia Organa in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Further information on Princess Leia (Character Theme)
The score was initially created by John Williams in 1977 for Star Wars prequel trilogy, as a character's love theme for Princess Leia and Han Solo. The theme plays in Minor D and according to 'Paolo Pietropaolo's Signature Series', this is associated with 'overachievers and negotiators'

Melody Foundation:
The melody has an interval of Major Sixth which is the foundation of a love theme. In contrast, as the theme instrumentally develops it discovers the flat key of the melody which signifies her emotional and humanistic side but also the ongoing romance in the movie trilogy.
Surprisingly, the theme is played randomly when Obi-Wan is killed by Darth Vader in the ' A New Hope' film, as well as other scenes. John Williams has a way of creating multiple themes randomly which fits with the scene/mood rather than focusing on the character itself.

Reference:
starwars.wikia.com
http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/18550/princess-leia-theme-star-wars-new-hope-analysi s