John Williams is a generational talent. I studied composing in college, and the more one understands about the art and process of composing, the more you are capable of appreciating his unbridled genius. Truly a remarkable talent. We are so lucky that he lives during our lifetimes. He is up there with Mozart, Beethoven-all of them. He is criminally underrated, in fact. That might sound funny or glib, but that’s how much of a pure once in a generation genius he truly is. He inspires me, and all modern day composers.
I'm looking for the video it but you can ikf of see it around 6:05 They finally nail the song and even the chorus singers start smiling because they know "holy shit this is history". They took I think like 106 takes just to get to it and were getting frustrated. Williams was getting slightly aggressive push back but kept going then nailed it and the orchestra and chorus was pumped
"It goes into the 3rd film"....he was already thinking of Revenge of the Sith while working on making Phantomof the Menace....the man is a genius. We had no idea what to expect. Wow!
Fun Fact: My father was one of the chorus members of the "London Symphony Orchestra" In london recruited for the HIGH note vocals for "Duel of the Fates" in Episode I. He was part of John Williams vision.
@@suyashnagarkar thank you🙌🏼 whenever I hear duel of dates at BIG events or even trailers and in the movies, I know for a fact I’m listening to my Fathers voice. It’s an amazing proud feeling🙌🏼
@@okaydoomer533 i remember i asked my dad the same question when i was 12 (mind you i'm 23 right now*) i was born a 2 years after he recorded and i started asking question once episode 3 came out when duel of fates was playing in the movie and he told me at the time they saw gibberish because during that time they had no idea those were actually lyrics and were told to just harmonize... but he later told me at 12 or 15 years old it took inspiration from another poem called "The Battle of Trees". Internet was not really a thing back then so they had no idea what the script originated from, it was a mystery to them.
I hear a lot more alto and tenor at 4:01. There's also a lot less of a hard K in that first "Korah". It comes off less like a harsh witch's spell, and more like an ancient, and in the words of John himself, 'quasi-religious' chant.
4:36 Such diplomacy. "Still-improved intonation"... what a pro. No berating, no ego displays. Great composers aren't automatically great conductors, but Williams has both talents.
Such a diplomatic way to say “watch your intonation”. Most directors I have worked with were pretty direct about it. Professional but terse. Williams remains a consummate professional the whole time.
Duel of The Fates spans cohesively throughout all 3 movies of the prequel trilogy too! Anytime it starts playing, something very important is happening pertaining to the destiny of Anakin Skywalker. In episode 1, he lost his father figure at the hands of Maul, in episode 2 he’s on a speeder racing after his mother in an unsuccessful attempt to save her from the sand people (and his nightmares) and ultimately we hear it played for a final time, in episode 3 when he’s fighting his master/brother in a duel to the death that ultimately results in Anakin being all but completely destroyed/killed and doomed to the suit (and persona) of Darth Vader. They do something similar too, with The Imperial March, every time Anakin uses the dark side and lets his inner Vader loose. George and John are both absolute geniuses.
When I saw The Battle Scene with Dart Maul vs Obi-wan & Qui-Gon Jinn for the first time, it gave me chills instantly... I remember thinking: "This has be one of the greatest battle tracks ever composed!!! This is Legendary!!!"
Williams unrivaled genius is obvious to anyone, but it's also the incredible natural inclination of people like this guy building a sound bank from everyday objects. It is this kind of relentless open mind and curiosity about the world, when teamed with visionaries, which brings about greatness. Really a testament to how collective masterpieces are achieved. Incredible stuff.
4:37 “Have the sound less disturbed by still improved intonation. You’ll hear a lot of beating in that.” Dear future person who understood what John Williams was requesting, could you explain this request?
When two pitches are close but not quite in tune, they create an interference pattern that pulses, called a beat. You can hear it in the choir on the sustained notes, that there's a subtle "wah wah wah" texture in the sound. Basically, he's telling the choir they're still not in tune yet.
@@MarkZastrow Maybe he heard something that we're not hearing in this recording bc frankly, I hear no "bad" intonation, just vibrato? Being a trained choral singer myself (way back in high school) and having a pretty good ear.
Brilliant! This is an orchestra/choir rehearsal and recording session conducted by a master. And a great look into how the score can be developed for big-budget movies. Edit: Part 2 of this, the Sound, is equally brilliant, Ben Burtt CREATED the iconic sound of Star Wars.
This is why Star Wars is so good and so famous, because of all the hard work and crazy ideas that are put in to every single frame of the movie by absolute genius’s like John Williams and George Lucas.
My jaw drops because I've never actually considered checking out behind the scenes of this music until now. It still blows me away after researching this topic.
I would have KILLED to be in that choir! They would’ve kicked me out though because I can’t read sheet music. I mean, how hard is… Corn on, the cob Cola, grilled kabob! Yup. I would’ve been tossed out on my keister 🤣
I find it amusing that the absolutely epic sounding choir was made up of people who look like they were found on the street. Not dissing them, if anything its a compliment. It sounds like something from a grand religious temple or ceremony, they delivered incredibly.
It's amazing,we all take for granted how a movie and score is matched together to give a great experience for us,so to see that the movie is made,then the soundtrack is written to match the moments
Brian Blessed, who was the voice of Boss Nass, said he did all his own sound affects, and even did the joule wag on an episode of Have I got News for You
John Williams is a generational talent. I studied composing in college, and the more one understands about the art and process of composing, the more you are capable of appreciating his unbridled genius. Truly a remarkable talent. We are so lucky that he lives during our lifetimes. He is up there with Mozart, Beethoven-all of them. He is criminally underrated, in fact. That might sound funny or glib, but that’s how much of a pure once in a generation genius he truly is. He inspires me, and all modern day composers.
Just thinking of the impact this man's ear has had on millions of us, over the course of our lifetimes. Decades of films that we've experienced through his music. The brilliance of Lucas, Spielberg, and Williams. How we refer to his music not just in relation to the movies, but to the ideas of fear, bravery, evil and good. How many times have you heard someone hum that Jaws theme to emphasize that something is scary? Or the Imperial March?
7:30 I always speculated Formula 1 engine notes were part of the sound mix in the pod race, along with USA IndyCars specifically from the 1989 Indy 500. The broadcast natural sound quality from the last few minutes of that race were phenomenal.
Man, I miss going to the Technical Building at Skywalker. Used to go there every few weeks and watch movies at the Stag. One of the shitty things J J Abrams did on The Force Awakens was sideline Ben Burtt. He just wasn’t interested in his ideas, and went in his own direction for the sound design. He actually ended up using an iPhone app for some of them, including for BB-8.
The single best thing about star wars is John William's music. When we lose him one day, it'll be the same as losing one of the main actors, George, or Dave, hopefully it'll be a very long time before Dave has to go, but that's how important John has been to Star Wars, and to film music in general, he's easily in top 3, if not the best, at least he's my favorite, along with Hanz Zimmer, those 2 are incredible.
This has to be the best movie music of all time. I get the chills listening to it. I could never have imagined how it was created though. I would have this play whenever i got into a battle or fight in any game if i could.
There are three orchestral songs that nearly anyone in the world would recognize and be able to name, and they're all from Star Wars. The opening theme, the imperial march, and duel of the fates.
BRUH the fact that he mentions the choir goin into the third film. How that choir also peaks in ep III when Yoda gathers his last bit of resolve to fend off Sidious. GENIUS! HOW could he have already known!
Es maravilloso. No hay ninguna otra orquesta en el mundo que haya grabado tan excelentísimamente Duel of the Fates. Eso es lo que puedes lograe con la London Symphony Orchestra!! Y London Voices!! AMAZING!!!
the pod racing scene is so visceral ill never forget my father took 6 year old me when phantom menace released i sat there in the theatre with white knuckles gripping the arm rests from the immense tension it was so much fun what a treasured memory
Imagine spending a day seeing the world through Mr. Williams eyes. He sees the music and the magic in everything. That man has the most incredible imagination in human history in my opinion.
Star Wars was low key a budget made film. This is incredible! All coincidences of sounds and people have the imagination to think this could be a force field or droids walking!
This choir had zero idea how iconic their opening harmonization will be all these decades later.
I love watching this, you can see it on their faces "what am I doing??" They had not a single iota of an idea how Iconic they would become.
not really, it's f'ckn star wars they know its a huge deal
it's f'ckn John Williams first ! @@frimguy1054
Iconic?
It is, isn't it?
oh wait......oh no
🎶It is isn't it🎶
🎶It is isn't it🎶
🎶It is isn't it🎶
Facts!!!
Incredible how this choir will be remembered and heard for decades.
JW translating the original poem to Sanskrit was absolutely genius. Definitely the greatest of our time. He’s up there with the Mozarts for sure!!
Hell centuries
Everything about this is utterly absurd 😂😂😂🤦🏻♂️
John Williams is a generational talent. I studied composing in college, and the more one understands about the art and process of composing, the more you are capable of appreciating his unbridled genius. Truly a remarkable talent. We are so lucky that he lives during our lifetimes. He is up there with Mozart, Beethoven-all of them. He is criminally underrated, in fact. That might sound funny or glib, but that’s how much of a pure once in a generation genius he truly is. He inspires me, and all modern day composers.
When the choir kicks in, man! It is just shivers down the spine and even tears. Such a powerful theme!
I know! it's so powerful seeing that masterpiece in the making, made my eyes watery af
I would love to make something like this for my book I’ve been working on it for years hopefully I’ll get it made into a movie someday or show
Me number two
I'm looking for the video it but you can ikf of see it around 6:05
They finally nail the song and even the chorus singers start smiling because they know "holy shit this is history". They took I think like 106 takes just to get to it and were getting frustrated. Williams was getting slightly aggressive push back but kept going then nailed it and the orchestra and chorus was pumped
absolutely. The music is that good it does make you cry !!
"It goes into the 3rd film"....he was already thinking of Revenge of the Sith while working on making Phantomof the Menace....the man is a genius. We had no idea what to expect. Wow!
take that a step further, he had a good idea of what the prequels would be way back when the first movie was made
He was thinking about the prequels whilst making the original trilogy
Totally agree
I was JUST thinking about that. I had to rewatch that to make sure I heard him right. "It goes into the 3rd film" so mind blowing!
Yes! This is the kind of over-arching visionary that the newer Star Wars needs
Fun Fact: My father was one of the chorus members of the "London Symphony Orchestra" In london recruited for the HIGH note vocals for "Duel of the Fates" in Episode I. He was part of John Williams vision.
You're so lucky
@@suyashnagarkar thank you🙌🏼 whenever I hear duel of dates at BIG events or even trailers and in the movies, I know for a fact I’m listening to my Fathers voice. It’s an amazing proud feeling🙌🏼
Could he share the lyrics? That's what always wondered me, the lyrics of that piece
@@okaydoomer533 i remember i asked my dad the same question when i was 12 (mind you i'm 23 right now*) i was born a 2 years after he recorded and i started asking question once episode 3 came out when duel of fates was playing in the movie and he told me at the time they saw gibberish because during that time they had no idea those were actually lyrics and were told to just harmonize... but he later told me at 12 or 15 years old it took inspiration from another poem called "The Battle of Trees". Internet was not really a thing back then so they had no idea what the script originated from, it was a mystery to them.
@@okaydoomer533 "Korah Matah Korah Rahtahmah" is the lyrics of that first iconic lyric and it was inspired by "The Battle of the Trees" by Cad Goddeu
Compare 3:28 with 4:01
Williams did this with just 3 words: "Don't force it"....
wow
He used Force influence.
There are probably some differences in mics and effects as well though
They heard the chord and matched it with what he directed. They found it perfectly. Everyone in that room was in synch.
@@madsvold5403 yes, but mics can't improve intonation, that's what the singers had to do themselves. absolutely great effort from everyone involved.
I hear a lot more alto and tenor at 4:01. There's also a lot less of a hard K in that first "Korah". It comes off less like a harsh witch's spell, and more like an ancient, and in the words of John himself, 'quasi-religious' chant.
4:36 Such diplomacy. "Still-improved intonation"... what a pro. No berating, no ego displays. Great composers aren't automatically great conductors, but Williams has both talents.
Such a diplomatic way to say “watch your intonation”. Most directors I have worked with were pretty direct about it. Professional but terse. Williams remains a consummate professional the whole time.
When John Williams gives you a hint, you take it!
Duel of The Fates spans cohesively throughout all 3 movies of the prequel trilogy too! Anytime it starts playing, something very important is happening pertaining to the destiny of Anakin Skywalker. In episode 1, he lost his father figure at the hands of Maul, in episode 2 he’s on a speeder racing after his mother in an unsuccessful attempt to save her from the sand people (and his nightmares) and ultimately we hear it played for a final time, in episode 3 when he’s fighting his master/brother in a duel to the death that ultimately results in Anakin being all but completely destroyed/killed and doomed to the suit (and persona) of Darth Vader. They do something similar too, with The Imperial March, every time Anakin uses the dark side and lets his inner Vader loose. George and John are both absolute geniuses.
Pure genius 👏
@@tj-s6328 yeah it’s next level stuff
I'm pretty sure John Williams invented the very concept of "going hard" when he wrote Duel of the Fates.
I am so grateful to be living at the same time as this man. He is truly on a par with the greatest composers of all time.
took the words right out of my mouth. i feel so lucky to be able to experience these great artists.
I agree. I'm a Huge fan of John Williams. Especially as a Band geek..
Idk why I enjoy George Lucas being such a legend that he calls Steven Spielberg “Steve” and John Williams “Johnny” so casually
Lucas was producer for Indiana Jones and the nightclub Indiana is escaping from in "Temple Of Doom" was named Obi Wan :)
Legends treat themselves as friends. So it's normal among them.
Well of course, you need to make Steven 5 letters and and John 6 letters… so absurd
The choir section gives me chills. John Williams the GOAT
The sound production is just incredible. Amazing how creative people are.
two kings in the studio
John Williams is one of the few film composers whose work is so amazing that I can listen to without watching the film.
they literally made a 'best of' John Williams scores.
As a former orchestra member, this behind the scenes is fabulous. Wonderful memories. (Oboe/bassoon/clarinet/bass clarinet player)
When I saw The Battle Scene with Dart Maul vs Obi-wan & Qui-Gon Jinn for the first time, it gave me chills instantly... I remember thinking:
"This has be one of the greatest battle tracks ever composed!!! This is Legendary!!!"
Its the reason why ep 1 is very good
100% dude. It really reminds me of the souls games sound track, when the choir kicks in, you know shits about to go down.
The official name of the scene is "The Duel of the Fates", which is also the title of the track.
I really can’t describe how I feel when the choir opens the song. Unbelievable!!! What a brilliant, and I mean BRILLIANT, song from John Williams.
Two incredible beautiful minds are working in Harmony... Star Wars needs this again so badly.
The music is on a different level than the movie and I stand by that ❤
Williams unrivaled genius is obvious to anyone, but it's also the incredible natural inclination of people like this guy building a sound bank from everyday objects. It is this kind of relentless open mind and curiosity about the world, when teamed with visionaries, which brings about greatness.
Really a testament to how collective masterpieces are achieved. Incredible stuff.
4:37 “Have the sound less disturbed by still improved intonation. You’ll hear a lot of beating in that.” Dear future person who understood what John Williams was requesting, could you explain this request?
Hahaha I'm glad someone else is confused, I have no clue what he means
When two pitches are close but not quite in tune, they create an interference pattern that pulses, called a beat. You can hear it in the choir on the sustained notes, that there's a subtle "wah wah wah" texture in the sound. Basically, he's telling the choir they're still not in tune yet.
@@MarkZastrow god bless you.
@@MarkZastrowyeah its like a nice way of asking them to sing in tune haha
@@MarkZastrow
Maybe he heard something that we're not hearing in this recording bc frankly, I hear no "bad" intonation, just vibrato? Being a trained choral singer myself (way back in high school) and having a pretty good ear.
You are now watching a master at work
Truly some of the luckiest people in the world, getting to score one of the most shine-shuttering, emotionally provocative soundtracks in film history
the man is absolutely nothing short of genius. Him and Joe Hisaishi are my two musical influences. They both made me want to go to school for music.
Brilliant! This is an orchestra/choir rehearsal and recording session conducted by a master. And a great look into how the score can be developed for big-budget movies.
Edit: Part 2 of this, the Sound, is equally brilliant, Ben Burtt CREATED the iconic sound of Star Wars.
This is why Star Wars is so good and so famous, because of all the hard work and crazy ideas that are put in to every single frame of the movie by absolute genius’s like John Williams and George Lucas.
John Williams was right, the ritualistic feeling the chorus and orchestra combined is still such a climax. A masterpiece
My jaw drops because I've never actually considered checking out behind the scenes of this music until now. It still blows me away after researching this topic.
This man made star wars one the best franchises 👏
I would have KILLED to be in that choir! They would’ve kicked me out though because I can’t read sheet music. I mean, how hard is…
Corn on, the cob
Cola, grilled kabob!
Yup. I would’ve been tossed out on my keister 🤣
Best of all Williams! I love that video! 🙂♥️😃🤣😂♥️♥️
I find it amusing that the absolutely epic sounding choir was made up of people who look like they were found on the street. Not dissing them, if anything its a compliment. It sounds like something from a grand religious temple or ceremony, they delivered incredibly.
I would’ve loved to be in the choir for this song. So powerful!!
thank you maestro for this timeless masterpiece of a score that no modern composer can come to compete with
God I wish I could experience hearing this song for the first time
It's amazing,we all take for granted how a movie and score is matched together to give a great experience for us,so to see that the movie is made,then the soundtrack is written to match the moments
I love this just as a documentary on how such an amazing song is created, regardless of the film it’s going in. 3:08
The choir alone of this score will be played at my funeral. I will have it documented and notarized. I love your work John Williams 👍🏼
Just an absolute master at work. Insane how good Williams instincts are for setting the stage of what will come based on his initial impressions
Brian Blessed, who was the voice of Boss Nass, said he did all his own sound affects, and even did the joule wag on an episode of Have I got News for You
That is a masterpiece ! Johny is a genious !
WOW seeing this footage of this choir the theme is deep and powerful it sends chills every single time..... master composer
John Williams is a generational talent. I studied composing in college, and the more one understands about the art and process of composing, the more you are capable of appreciating his unbridled genius. Truly a remarkable talent. We are so lucky that he lives during our lifetimes. He is up there with Mozart, Beethoven-all of them. He is criminally underrated, in fact. That might sound funny or glib, but that’s how much of a pure once in a generation genius he truly is. He inspires me, and all modern day composers.
I never knew Walter was such a good singer 3:44
“I was talking to Steve about Johnny” 😂😂😂
I like how George and Steven regularly call him "Johnny". That's the name he went by back when he was a jazz cat, before he became big time.
Love to see all these guys make another SW film now to show the 'modern filmmakers' how its done properly
Yes maybe we can see Jar Jar return with the poop and fart jokes!
John Williams presence as a conductor is so powerful. Complete control, knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Masterclass
I will never forget how unique some of the slunds are in these movies. Selbulbas pod is a sound that i love so much. Ive never heard anything like it.
The patience of a master at work. Excellent
Just thinking of the impact this man's ear has had on millions of us, over the course of our lifetimes. Decades of films that we've experienced through his music. The brilliance of Lucas, Spielberg, and Williams. How we refer to his music not just in relation to the movies, but to the ideas of fear, bravery, evil and good. How many times have you heard someone hum that Jaws theme to emphasize that something is scary? Or the Imperial March?
7:30 I always speculated Formula 1 engine notes were part of the sound mix in the pod race, along with USA IndyCars specifically from the 1989 Indy 500. The broadcast natural sound quality from the last few minutes of that race were phenomenal.
Lovely, powerful, outstanding piece of art. When two geniuses colide.
Man, I miss going to the Technical Building at Skywalker. Used to go there every few weeks and watch movies at the Stag.
One of the shitty things J J Abrams did on The Force Awakens was sideline Ben Burtt. He just wasn’t interested in his ideas, and went in his own direction for the sound design. He actually ended up using an iPhone app for some of them, including for BB-8.
absolutely something new..from my young's times loved see how this was created masterpeace
it's so hard to pick a 'best bit' of this score, but for me the choir and the bells really underscores the feel of it all.
The single best thing about star wars is John William's music. When we lose him one day, it'll be the same as losing one of the main actors, George, or Dave, hopefully it'll be a very long time before Dave has to go, but that's how important John has been to Star Wars, and to film music in general, he's easily in top 3, if not the best, at least he's my favorite, along with Hanz Zimmer, those 2 are incredible.
This has to be the best movie music of all time. I get the chills listening to it. I could never have imagined how it was created though.
I would have this play whenever i got into a battle or fight in any game if i could.
John Williams is up there with the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.
There are three orchestral songs that nearly anyone in the world would recognize and be able to name, and they're all from Star Wars. The opening theme, the imperial march, and duel of the fates.
I would argue there is a 4th one from Star Wars, The Force Theme/Binary Sunset.
Battle of the heroes is good too albeit less famous
indiana jones ,jaws, close encounters third kind my friend we are bit older:)
El tema de, Leia❤
And Superman March
BRUH the fact that he mentions the choir goin into the third film. How that choir also peaks in ep III when Yoda gathers his last bit of resolve to fend off Sidious. GENIUS! HOW could he have already known!
Es maravilloso. No hay ninguna otra orquesta en el mundo que haya grabado tan excelentísimamente Duel of the Fates. Eso es lo que puedes lograe con la London Symphony Orchestra!! Y London Voices!! AMAZING!!!
The fact Lucas calls him Steve Spielberg
4:03 That sounds PHENOMINAL! Of course the finished product is timeless but that is *spine-tingling*
One of my favorite orchestra pieces/soundtrack songs is Duel of the Fates
cause im here for Obi-Wan
Saw this behind scenes so long ago. Such a genius Williams and Lucas
One of the last vestiges of musical genius. John Williams scoring transcends the merely human.
Nothing will ever get me to feel more emotion than this song
the pod racing scene is so visceral ill never forget my father took 6 year old me when phantom menace released i sat there in the theatre with white knuckles gripping the arm rests from the immense tension it was so much fun what a treasured memory
Genius at work
star wars really has the most moving classical pieces of all time
8:56 start mark still sends chill down my spine so beautiful. R.I.P Naboo pilot *press F to pay respects*
This guy is a genius
Imagine spending a day seeing the world through Mr. Williams eyes. He sees the music and the magic in everything. That man has the most incredible imagination in human history in my opinion.
Walter White prior to Breaking Bad: 3:42
I thought the same exact thing 😂
Epic.. Absolutely EPIC!!! 💯
THANK YOU JOHN WILLIAMS 😍
The sound edits wasn't up to par in the sequels at all. 😔
Maaaan it was just the woodwind, and it already sent shiver down my spine.
I am no fan of the prequels. But you have to admit, John Williams totally brought his A game. The music is amazing; for all three films.
Imagine being in that room! With the orchestra and choir! Chills…
One of the greatest pieces ever composed! ❤❤❤
isn't the guy playing the violin on 5:57 looking really similar to palpatine?
Wow, imagine being in that chorus! I'd travel to the UK just to do it if I could have!
Simply, The Maestro
Ben Burt and John Williams are maybe the best people they could’ve chosen for this franchise, seriously so good.
I just saw John live 2 weeks ago.
People…PLEASE go see him live.
Star Wars was low key a budget made film. This is incredible! All coincidences of sounds and people have the imagination to think this could be a force field or droids walking!
That choir gave me chills.
This soundtrack is amazing !
Could you Imagine Star Wars without John Williams!? Or Pirates without Hans Zimmer? Music is such a big part of movies
Or Game of Thrones without Ramin Djawadi?
@@maxinedelay9718 or the incredibles without micheal giaccino
Don’t you mean Pirates without Klaus Badelt?
How the hell George didn't start bawling hearing that chorus is beyond me. The Perfect score for that battle.
I think I missed my calling in being a sound creator. I’m always listening for interesting sounds. It’s is really fascinating what they come up with.
We’re seeing a master at work here 🔥
Pure genius
Say what you will about the Prequels, Mister Williams was and his score were always on point
1:37...if ONLY we could actually get such a book.
This is gold! thank you for posting
his neighbour is a legend
never fails to give me chills
Just one of the best ever.