The 20TH Century Fox fanfare ends, and blue letters appear on a black screen bearing the legend, 'A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...', before the silence is ended by a dramatic orchestral flourish which begins one of the most recognisable, and greatest pieces of music ever composed for film.
It is of course the theme to Star Wars, composed by the American composer/conductor John Williams, who has, in a career spanning more than 45 years, created music for the Star Wars epics, Superman, Jurassic Park, Jaws, ET, that have become so iconic, they are as indispensible to the films as their plotlines and leading characters - think of the ominous, droning cello in Jaws, giving way to a rapid, frantic sound; the soaring majesty of the orchestral swells as Sam Neill and co enter the ill-fated Jurassic Park; and the sinister martial rhythms of 'The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme )':
Williams' music will be performed and celebrated at the concert organised by Music For Galway. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, under conductor John O’Brien, will present The John Williams Collection, in Leisureland on Saturday October 24 at 7.30pm, with the orchestra performing music from Superman, ET, Schindler’s List, Star Wars, and other films. Feel the goose bumps rise as a full orchestra performs this music - a great family night out!
Tickets are €30/25/15 with booking through Music For Galway (091 - 705962, www.musicforgalway.ie ) or Opus 2, High Street.
