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"'''The Imperial March (''. One of the best known Symphonic movie themes, it is a classic example of a Leitmotif , a recurrent theme associated with characters or events in a drama. USAGE IN THE ''STAR WARS'' FILMS "The Imperial March" is sometimes referred to simply as "Darth Vader's Theme", or sometimes as the "Imperial Death March". In the movies (except for '''', though it does segue into the Emperor's own theme as he appears. Two major variations of the tune exist, with many other minor ones. The Imperial March is a fanfare-like form that usually refers to the militaristic theme of the Empire and their ruthless quest for power, while the Imperial Medley is more sinister, with the opening intro removed and the first four notes of the tune shorted down to three. Original Trilogy "The Imperial March" is first heard in '''' in low piccolos as the Empire sends the probe droids across the Galaxy. Its major opening occurs as the Star Destroyers mass and the ''Executor'' , Vader's flag ship and the first Super Star Destroyer, flies over them. Upon first glimpse of how well the Empire has rebuilt, the full theme is exposed, to help convey a sense of just how vast the Empire's power has become. The theme (or motives therefrom) is also incorporated into THE BATTLE OF HOTH and then again in THE ASTEROID FIELD, as Imperial Star Destroyers chase the rebels into a field of asteroids. A minor usage occurs on Bespin in the Carbon-freeze chamber, when Han Solo is frozen in carbonite and lifted out of the carbon-freeze pit, it is heard, though in a different key. It is also used in the end credits, also in a different key (see The Rebel Fleet/End Title ). At the end of '' Return Of The Jedi '', the motif is heard one last time but is very different as it is now a distant sounding melancholy tune played on a Harp as a redeemed Anakin Skywalker dies after having gazed at his son just once with his "own eyes." It is usually played in a scene featuring (or soon to be featuring) Darth Vader . The trumpets and dark mood of the music match Vader's fury and anger at the universe perfectly, and cinemagoers often cheered upon hearing the music as they knew their favourite character was about to appear. Prequel Trilogy "The Imperial March" theme appears scarcely in the prequel trilogy, but is often used to hint at Anakin Skywalker 's future as Darth Vader . Its usage increases throughout the trilogy. A few notes of "The Imperial March" were played in '''' in a scene between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda when they discussed the future of Anakin Skywalker . It is also interesting to note that the last few notes of the theme appears occasionally in "Anakin's Theme" in the soundtrack for ''''. (Also, at the end of the credits, Darth Vader's breathing is heard.) In the second prequel, ''. This foreshadows the fact that the clones are the predecessors to the Stormtroopers of the Galactic Empire, under the gaze of then Supreme Chancellor Palpitine at one of Coruscants marshaling areas. '' Across The Stars '' plays during the end credits of ''Attack of the Clones'' (a cue that appears on the soundtrack CD, but which was replaced by the concert version of ''Across the Stars'' for the actual film). In the very last bit, when the flute is playing the melody, the ominous notes of "The Imperial March" are heard, slow and deep, underneath the love theme. In the final film, '''', it is played as Anakin rebukes the Jedi Council for not being given the rank of Jedi Master despite being appointed to the Council, when he reveals to Mace Windu that Palpatine is a Sith Lord, when Anakin receives his Sith name (Darth Vader), as Palpatine tells Vader to go to the Jedi Temple and kill all the Jedi, as the Clone Troopers on Kashyyyk search for Yoda after failing to kill him as per Order 66 , as Darth Vader prepares to assassinate the Separatist leaders, when Padmé turns down Vader's offer to join him and rule the galaxy, during the duel between Yoda and Palpatine, and when the famous mask is first put on Darth Vader's disfigured head. In addition, a cue based on Qui-Gon's funeral dirge plays as Vader and Palpatine brood over the construction of the Death Star ; three key notes of "The Imperial March" can be heard in Counterpoint . USAGE IN OTHER POPULAR CULTURE "The Imperial March", being widely recognized by world pop culture, is used to symbol Oppression , Tyranny , Totalitarianism , and Authoritarianism , usually in reference to a particular government (be it fascist, totalitarian communist, military junta, imperial, or any other form of tyranny) or specific person/leader. The theme was used on several occasions by late night and other comedy shows when referring to presidential candidates. Although played by an orchestra on the movie states that the Heavy Metal band Metallica also recorded a version of "The Imperial March" with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra ; an MP3 claiming this is easily found on file sharing networks, although there are no official sources stating that such a collaboration ever took place. The band Karan katayl recorded their own remix interdispersed with guitar harmonies. The pop-rock band Green Day played their own variation of the piece as an opener to one of their concerts. The Fall Of Troy has used the theme to open some of their shows as well. The rap song "16's Wit Me" by San Francisco Rapper Ya Boy uses a sample of the ''Imperial March'', along with samples of Emperor Palpatine renaming Anakin Skywalker "Darth Vader", and sounds of the electrical surges that emanate from Palpatine in his altered form, and the sounds of a Light Saber humming. Dan Regan from Reel Big Fish , a popular ska band, also plays the imperial march at the intro to "Where Have You Been". Reggae Metal band Skindred use a version of the theme, fading into a Drum And Bass remix, as their entrance music. A surf version of the Imperial March called Imperial Surf has been recorded by Kenny Haining and The Hollywood Has Beens. During football games at the University Of Notre Dame , when the Fighting Irish are on defense, the March is often played by the Irish Marching Band . When the downbeats are played, the student section chants "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Two remixed versions of the theme were produced by Dave Levison for the video game ''. As an . On a few occasions, "The Imperial March" has been used to introduce Mr. Burns on the television series '' The Simpsons ''. Additionally, it has been used as a background musical piece by radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh when discussing subjects relating to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev . The music is also used to introduce the character of radio executive David G. Hall on the syndicated radio program, '' The Phil Hendrie Show ''. It is also used to introduce Alex Jones ' radio show at the top of every hour of the show. The music was modified by Sal The Stockbroker on the syndicated '' Howard Stern Show '', whenever producer Gary Dell'Abate fails to complete a task that Howard Stern himself asked to be done. The music is laced with his "Ba Ba Booey" nickname. Dave Dameshek has also used the March as the theme to his "Creep of the Week" segment of "The Jerk List" on the Adam Carolla show. Alex Jones uses it as Bumper Music on his radio show. The Imperial March is also played prominently by sports teams. The Oakland Raiders claim it as one of their anthems. It is commonly played by college marching bands while their team is on defense, and is used by professional sports teams to represent the visiting team. One notable college team that uses the march frequently is the Miami Hurricanes as a way of embracing their role as the sport's villain. The Atlanta Braves used to play this song when John Smoltz entered the field as a relief pitcher, replacing his original introduction music of Dancing Queen . The New York Yankees play the theme as the starting line up for the visiting team is announced, followed by the End Theme from Star Wars for the Yankees' lineup. The Oakland Athletics also use the theme during a rally in later innings. It was also sometimes used when Shaquille O'Neal entered the court at the start of LA Lakers games and in All Star Games. Houston Astros play the piece in the player introduction for leftfielder Luke Scott. The New York Mets play the piece in the player introduction for backup catcher Ramon Castro . The Montreal Canadiens use the theme during a powerplay when playing at home. In addition, Canadian professional Darts player John Part has this played as his "entrance music" at the beginning of matches, in keeping with his ''Darth Maple'' Soubriquet . Professional Wrestler Bryan Danielson used a remixed version of the march for his theme music in the Ring Of Honor promotion. Australian band " The Cat Empire " uses the theme in some of their concerts to announce their encore, punning on the "empire" part of their name. A Remixed version of the Imperial March was used in the trailer of the Robot Chicken: Star Wars special. SAMPLE Midi sample of The Imperial March - . SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINK Imperial March variations on LucasArts' Force Commander page, through the Internet Archive 's Wayback Machine |
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