Ryu2.mind

Currently Playing Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack By John Williams, John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra see related

I've been listening to the Star Wars soundtracks a lot more lately,spurred on by Episode III.  Since it tiestogether the first and second trilogies, I've been in turn listening toall the rest of the movies.  Like re-reading a novel knowing theplot goes and picking up all the foreshadowing that wasn't apparent thefirst time, it's been asimilar experience musically for me.

In particular, listen to Emperor Palpatine's theme on the Return of the Jedisoundtrack.  Now, cue "Augie's Great Municipal Band" -- the lasttrack on the Phantom Menace soundtrack, played during the final paradeon Naboo with Senator Palpatine watching -- paying close attention to thechoral line...

 a line which is essentially a transcription of the Emperor's theme in amajor key, set to a upbeat rhythm and with jubilant brass flourishes tofurther disguise it.

It's a musical wolf in sheep's clothing, and a brilliant foreshadowingof what Palpatine would become, right under everyone's nose -- possiblythe best twist I've heard thus far in Williams' work.

This little revelation that too me six years to figure out reminded me a lot about the xtian walk... inthat evil that leads to our falling is rarely manifested directly orovertly, but rather, it comes indirectly,insidiously, even joyously.  Whether it be pride,complacency, greed, or one of a multitude of other things, it comes tous in a way such that we often embrace wholeheartedly what we ought todespise.  And vigilence comes solely from the mental arsenaldescribed in Ephesians 6... a mindset for me to remember to adopt whenI do my readings.

And while we're on the subject of music -- any GrXer out there willing to send me a GrX Easter Worship CD?  I'll Paypal you.  Xie xie/kam sa ham ni da/arigato gozaimasu. =)