Thank you so much for watching my friends! If you haven't already, download the free guide 'The Ideal Composing Workflow' to juice up your workflow and composing once and for all! www.christophersiu.com/composing-workflow
It's no peak of the peak john williams themes, but it's still great, fits the character, and after 20 min of watching the show it was already stuck in my head. He writes so freshly even with 90 years. Also agree on that he probably pulled back on purpose.
Definitely mature and refined. Reminds me of typical classical music - “art music” that requires some sophistication to fully appreciate. You can’t just expect a fancy, grand epic melody all the time. Sometimes, it’s the subtle emotional textures that really tell the best stories.
Great analysis, Christopher. I actually love this theme -- it has a dark richness that really resonates with me. As for people not liking the theme or thinking it's not up to Williams' standards -- well, it seems that in our culture these days everyone wants something to hit you over the head with its impact, and to be "mega" this or "uber" that. The fact that this theme is restrained only adds to its eloquent brilliance, IMHO.
I respect your position, but I’m not sure it’s that. It just seems to share too much DNA with too many other themes and as a result sounds a bit generic. Not bad at all, just not something that sticks with you. That being said it has some good ideas and is definitely better than a lot of music these days. But I’d argue even Ludwig Goransson’s work main theme for Mando was more standout/malleable
@@ARZiehm but keep in mind that this Theme was not supposed to stand out like the Mandalorian Theme. Its a theme for a Character that we already know and so should sound more in line with the est of the Star wars themes like the force theme for example.
@@jessemoog5310 To be fair it is written for Disney Starwars which is not the best source material and subpar craftmanship alone. If Williams composed with his finest to a low quality show, it would outshine the show and one would not bother listening to the poorly written script and put up with holes which arise in storyline continuity. People enjoying and expecting beautiful music is not a problem of modern audiences. Expecting engaging well written stories is. The composer can only build off of what they are given to orchestrate to.
I think the theme by John Williams is nice. I think my only issue with the soundtrack so far is that in places Natalie Holt did not go dark or menacing enough to match the imagery of scenes like Order 66.
Something I noticed upon first listening to this theme was that the first four notes (kind of the hook motif in the piece) seem to be taken directly from the beginning of Qui-Gon's theme from Ep 1. They develop very differently, but I like to think that Obi-wan got his start with his master, but instead of becoming strong and defiant like Qui-Gon and how his theme is typically played, Obi-wan's theme develops with more depth. The melody isn't focused on as much as in Qui-Gon's theme, but instead focuses on the harmonies around it, creating color and tones that wouldn't be possible if the melody was too rigid. Sort of reminiscent of Obi-wan being beaten down and staying in hiding, but focusing on making everything around him better (or at least that's my guess since I haven't actually watched the show yet). Not sure how intentional of this was, but that's my interpretation of it anyways.
I love this theme and it shows that, even at 90 years old, John WIlliams still has that musical touch. It's so melancholic yet beautiful, it sounds like it has elements of the Force Theme (which makes sense considering that was originally supposed to be Obi-Wan's theme in A New Hope) and it fits perfectly with Obi-Wan. and the middle section is my favorite part of the theme. Absolutely love it!
Really enjoyed that. 👍I think it sounds great - I love that D7 chord. Not sure why anyone would 'hate' it - but also I guess it's a good thing that there are people out there that care about stuff like this :)
As usual - a superb review of this piece. And you know, I have no real, educated opinion on the piece. I like it - as I do all his music. And as I always say, "everyone is a critic" - and a self-important expert when it comes to someone else's music that brought THE COMPOSER such acclaim and success. I always think with every piece I hear by Williams - that it absolutely has a "signature" on it that is truly his - no matter how dynamic, bombastic or restrained as this piece is mostly. And that's okay - he found what worked for him. There are many other composers of this TYPE of music but even his non-Star Wars music is recognizable and I only WISH I was one/one-thousandth as accomplished as he has been. And he's getting old, still busy but I'm sure tired of it all too....especially this Star Wars stuff. I mean I go all the way back to SW 4, 5 and 6 (the originals), then along came 1, 2 and 3. THEN years later came all the remakes, the updates, the continuation of the same stuff. I was done after the first remake. But Williams' music - being criticized, critiqued, questioned, conjectured upon by those who only wish they were as prolific and talented - is a bit much. Sure I know there are LOTS of fans of the entire universe that is Star Wars. It's a movie franchise for pity's sake. Williams is paid dearly to create the music for it and has been for a long time. Seriously it's fine that people have opinions, but when they start criticizing Williams' music in terms of it's quality beyond whether it appeals to them OR NOT, is absurd. They can look at the progression of his work on this franchise and "assume" what they think they know. But Williams - whether he skated on this one or not - is depositing the checks in the bank and really I feel certain, could not care less at this stage of his life, what anybody thinks. His work has spoken - and spoken WELL for itself, for a long time, now and forevermore in the annals of movie music. The rest of the critics - well as one Webster definition put it "CRITIC" - ..."engaged in providing criticism for purposes of censure"!! And I don't hardly think Williams is worried at all.
I really like how, in bar 14, he begins the familiar "force theme/binary sunset" but instead of going up to the F, he stays on the E-flat, but then gives the F an octave lower. It's such a beautiful tease and so symbolic of how the Force is still with Obi-Wan, but eluding him, not quite there yet.
I also agree with you about him intentionally not going for something memorable, but I would add to it that it also fits with the story line. At this point, Obi-Wan is not seeing himself as heroic. He even says "I'm not the same man you used to know". A strong and memorable (heroic sounding) theme wouldn't fit him at this point. He's a traumatized and extremely reluctant hero. Something elusive, not extremely memorable at first, but that grows with you fits the character development perfectly.
To answer you open question, no. I believe Across the Stars is his best one. I play the oboe so bought the full score to study and play along to with my instrument and I am swept away still, every time I listen to it, after countless hours of studying it. I have listened to it on repeat for entire nights. I have read every analysis and review I could fine. It never grows old or boring. It always has the magic within it to take you away.
I think it’s mature and refined style is very fitting for the character of obi wan in his current state, it begins somber (obi wan is older/in hiding, betrayed by the one closest to him, a fraction of his former self), and matures into something very hopeful and triumphant (obi wan regaining his strength and growing closer to the character in a new hope). I really hope Nathalie develops the theme in the series.
It's been a long time since Williams made such a great theme fora start wars. The stuff in the sequels it's not that iconic, but the theme for Obi-was is exquisite. It's definitely had a sense of the Ben Kenobi theme that became the force theme with almost the same rythmically idea. He isn't attached to the force as he used to be and the music tells that really well.
Nice, clear analysis - even I could follow it! I like the way this theme evokes many elements from familiar Star Wars music without actually repeating them. It's clever, but not in a way that makes the music stale or distancing. It also captures a sense of reflection and inaction combined with hints at intense drama that aren't quite present. There is power in the music, it does things that, however forceful, or fast, could always be more so. It is held back - there is danger, but the action isn't here and now. For me, though, it is never dull. I mean all these things be said of most of Hamlet - that the real action has either happened is may be performed in the future. I haven't seen the television series, though, so I don't know how well it fits. From what little I know of it, I'm guessing pretty well. Have you seen any of Star Wars yet? Or Star Trek? If I remember correctly from an earlier video, you had never seen them.
People who are negative about this incredible new piece of music are just self-important jerks who only want to voice a different opinion because they want to be different from everybody else. As soon as I heard it during the first scene with Obi-Wan leaving the sand whale station I said: This sounds like John Williams, and sure enough, there it was in the end credits: Obi Wan theme by John Williams.
What I’m curious would be to see if this theme can be reworked in the films, would it flow or not. It feels like it’s specific to where the character is at right now. And also measure 4-5 has a bit of the main titles in it
Thank you for sharing your insights about this. I would also be interested in your thoughts about the rhythmic structure used after this portion repeats. While just trying to sit in my car and try to count out the ostinato, I feel that there’s something interesting and unexpected about the timings but can’t put my finger on it.
The whole piece kind of feels backwards to me... Kinda like a recording which is playing in reverse. I've heard of classical composers reversing/flipping melodies, and have seen it done in media before (Example being Zelda's Lullaby and the Skyward Sword theme being the same melody but reversed). Sounds interesting! Not sure whether or not I like the piece, but it's certainly interesting and sounds pretty John Williams-y.
John Williams is infallible lol! but seriously, I liked the theme. I think it signifies a different way/style that John Williams is able to compose a tune. And more importantly, I do believe that this theme will be more suited for the type of plot and writing that the storyline with have.
For me, it’s alright. I never would’ve wanted a big bombastic piece for Obi Wan, especially not around this point in the story. But it still isn’t really his best work. Something about it feels really underwhelming, not because it’s not loud or complex enough but maybe because there’s almost no variety in its usage or rearrangement throughout the series. Also, with how abysmal the show’s writing is, this song has no opportunity to really be the subdued emotional piece it could be because the show hasn’t remotely earned that level of emotional engagement. There’s no particular moment or feeling I think of when hearing it, except an oddly specific moment when I turned to my friend and said it sounds like a loading screen theme for an RPG. That’s how I generally feel about it. It’s just kind of a theme that’s there because Obi Wan needs a theme. Nothing else. And with the rest of the soundtrack being such generic fluff with no substance, it kinda just blends into the background most of the time. I only notice it because it genuinely annoys me how boring it is.
It's a good theme... a really, REALLY good theme, but is it his best? Not even close especially when there are at least a dozen or so better JW themes in the Star Wars saga alone.
The title here is a bit clickbait-y. Either way, I don’t understand the issue. The theme is fine. Musically, it’s not my favourite. But it fits the character, and fits the theme of the show. If it sounds out of character for JW, then we should always look to the circumstances. This is a new show, with s new writer/director/show runner. People forget that even geniuses like John Williams have to answer to someone, and that someone seems to be trying to establish her own version of Star Wars from other people’s. She probably asked John to write something in this style to set a specific tone for the show. That’s all. I think it works, and would never question his integrity. At 90 years old, we can rule him out as doing it for the money or career aspirations.
Thanks for sharing Michael! Indeed, as the film composer, the music must ultimately serve the picture. As I haven’t seen it myself, I don’t have an opinion on that, but I have no doubt he did a wonderful job.
Not in a wildest dream. It is one of his worst. The melodic material is weak and orchestration is really not helping it. It really feels like a quick sketch developed by some mediocre ghostwriter who can’t mimic JW: style at all. I really didn’t hear anyone saying this is amongst his best works. It’s ridiculous statement. I am die hard JW fan. And this piece is really not great.
Thank you so much for watching my friends! If you haven't already, download the free guide 'The Ideal Composing Workflow' to juice up your workflow and composing once and for all! www.christophersiu.com/composing-workflow
I like his theme and agree with you that he, and all of us as well are growing in our craft
It's no peak of the peak john williams themes, but it's still great, fits the character, and after 20 min of watching the show it was already stuck in my head. He writes so freshly even with 90 years. Also agree on that he probably pulled back on purpose.
Thanks for sharing :)
Definitely mature and refined. Reminds me of typical classical music - “art music” that requires some sophistication to fully appreciate. You can’t just expect a fancy, grand epic melody all the time. Sometimes, it’s the subtle emotional textures that really tell the best stories.
Great take!
Great analysis, Christopher. I actually love this theme -- it has a dark richness that really resonates with me. As for people not liking the theme or thinking it's not up to Williams' standards -- well, it seems that in our culture these days everyone wants something to hit you over the head with its impact, and to be "mega" this or "uber" that. The fact that this theme is restrained only adds to its eloquent brilliance, IMHO.
Thanks Kevin! Appreciate it, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I respect your position, but I’m not sure it’s that. It just seems to share too much DNA with too many other themes and as a result sounds a bit generic. Not bad at all, just not something that sticks with you. That being said it has some good ideas and is definitely better than a lot of music these days. But I’d argue even Ludwig Goransson’s work main theme for Mando was more standout/malleable
@@ARZiehm but keep in mind that this Theme was not supposed to stand out like the Mandalorian Theme. Its a theme for a Character that we already know and so should sound more in line with the est of the Star wars themes like the force theme for example.
@@jessemoog5310 To be fair it is written for Disney Starwars which is not the best source material and subpar craftmanship alone. If Williams composed with his finest to a low quality show, it would outshine the show and one would not bother listening to the poorly written script and put up with holes which arise in storyline continuity. People enjoying and expecting beautiful music is not a problem of modern audiences. Expecting engaging well written stories is. The composer can only build off of what they are given to orchestrate to.
I think the theme by John Williams is nice. I think my only issue with the soundtrack so far is that in places Natalie Holt did not go dark or menacing enough to match the imagery of scenes like Order 66.
Thanks Jeremy!
Obi Wan's theme is perfect. It's aged, grown up and supports the new series and the situation that the character is in when we catch up with him.
So glad you like it Nathan!
Something I noticed upon first listening to this theme was that the first four notes (kind of the hook motif in the piece) seem to be taken directly from the beginning of Qui-Gon's theme from Ep 1. They develop very differently, but I like to think that Obi-wan got his start with his master, but instead of becoming strong and defiant like Qui-Gon and how his theme is typically played, Obi-wan's theme develops with more depth. The melody isn't focused on as much as in Qui-Gon's theme, but instead focuses on the harmonies around it, creating color and tones that wouldn't be possible if the melody was too rigid. Sort of reminiscent of Obi-wan being beaten down and staying in hiding, but focusing on making everything around him better (or at least that's my guess since I haven't actually watched the show yet).
Not sure how intentional of this was, but that's my interpretation of it anyways.
That final cadence could so easily slot into the Imperial March motif!
Really hope we get to hear that as it would be so poetic!
True!
I love this theme and it shows that, even at 90 years old, John WIlliams still has that musical touch. It's so melancholic yet beautiful, it sounds like it has elements of the Force Theme (which makes sense considering that was originally supposed to be Obi-Wan's theme in A New Hope) and it fits perfectly with Obi-Wan. and the middle section is my favorite part of the theme. Absolutely love it!
Really enjoyed that. 👍I think it sounds great - I love that D7 chord. Not sure why anyone would 'hate' it - but also I guess it's a good thing that there are people out there that care about stuff like this :)
Thanks Dylan!
An amazing breakdown. Thank you!
Great analysis!
Really love this theme!
I think the theme is absolutely superb. It captures the character perfectly at this point in the timeline. John Williams at his best.
As usual - a superb review of this piece. And you know, I have no real, educated opinion on the piece. I like it - as I do all his music. And as I always say, "everyone is a critic" - and a self-important expert when it comes to someone else's music that brought THE COMPOSER such acclaim and success. I always think with every piece I hear by Williams - that it absolutely has a "signature" on it that is truly his - no matter how dynamic, bombastic or restrained as this piece is mostly. And that's okay - he found what worked for him. There are many other composers of this TYPE of music but even his non-Star Wars music is recognizable and I only WISH I was one/one-thousandth as accomplished as he has been. And he's getting old, still busy but I'm sure tired of it all too....especially this Star Wars stuff. I mean I go all the way back to SW 4, 5 and 6 (the originals), then along came 1, 2 and 3. THEN years later came all the remakes, the updates, the continuation of the same stuff. I was done after the first remake. But Williams' music - being criticized, critiqued, questioned, conjectured upon by those who only wish they were as prolific and talented - is a bit much. Sure I know there are LOTS of fans of the entire universe that is Star Wars. It's a movie franchise for pity's sake. Williams is paid dearly to create the music for it and has been for a long time. Seriously it's fine that people have opinions, but when they start criticizing Williams' music in terms of it's quality beyond whether it appeals to them OR NOT, is absurd. They can look at the progression of his work on this franchise and "assume" what they think they know. But Williams - whether he skated on this one or not - is depositing the checks in the bank and really I feel certain, could not care less at this stage of his life, what anybody thinks. His work has spoken - and spoken WELL for itself, for a long time, now and forevermore in the annals of movie music. The rest of the critics - well as one Webster definition put it "CRITIC" - ..."engaged in providing criticism for purposes of censure"!! And I don't hardly think Williams is worried at all.
Great to hear your thoughts Bill!
I really like how, in bar 14, he begins the familiar "force theme/binary sunset" but instead of going up to the F, he stays on the E-flat, but then gives the F an octave lower. It's such a beautiful tease and so symbolic of how the Force is still with Obi-Wan, but eluding him, not quite there yet.
I also agree with you about him intentionally not going for something memorable, but I would add to it that it also fits with the story line. At this point, Obi-Wan is not seeing himself as heroic. He even says "I'm not the same man you used to know". A strong and memorable (heroic sounding) theme wouldn't fit him at this point. He's a traumatized and extremely reluctant hero. Something elusive, not extremely memorable at first, but that grows with you fits the character development perfectly.
Love it!
@@jvaranx Totally agree, he doesn’t really know who is and imo this theme reflects that quite perfectly imo.
To answer you open question, no. I believe Across the Stars is his best one. I play the oboe so bought the full score to study and play along to with my instrument and I am swept away still, every time I listen to it, after countless hours of studying it. I have listened to it on repeat for entire nights. I have read every analysis and review I could fine. It never grows old or boring. It always has the magic within it to take you away.
The main part of this theme is identical to Siegfried's Horncall from Wagner's Ring Cycle...
Haha cool!
It is classic Williams in the way that the more you listen to it, the more you pick up on and love it.
Love it!
I think it’s mature and refined style is very fitting for the character of obi wan in his current state, it begins somber (obi wan is older/in hiding, betrayed by the one closest to him, a fraction of his former self), and matures into something very hopeful and triumphant (obi wan regaining his strength and growing closer to the character in a new hope).
I really hope Nathalie develops the theme in the series.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video brother! Thankyou so much for making it ♥️🙏🏼
My pleasure!!
It's been a long time since Williams made such a great theme fora start wars. The stuff in the sequels it's not that iconic, but the theme for Obi-was is exquisite. It's definitely had a sense of the Ben Kenobi theme that became the force theme with almost the same rythmically idea. He isn't attached to the force as he used to be and the music tells that really well.
It's incredible! It compliments the prevoius Star Wars themes perfectly.
Glad you think so!
Nicely done analysis. But honestly, I just watched the show and enjoyed it. :-) The music didn't pull me out of the show, so it did it's job.
Thank you!
Have you ever studied a John Williams sketch?
Love this kind of explanation with the theory! Do more of this with other tunes!
Thanks Jay!
Nice video, thank you! I love this theme!
Glad you like it!
Love this ❤️
Thank you!
Nice, clear analysis - even I could follow it! I like the way this theme evokes many elements from familiar Star Wars music without actually repeating them. It's clever, but not in a way that makes the music stale or distancing. It also captures a sense of reflection and inaction combined with hints at intense drama that aren't quite present. There is power in the music, it does things that, however forceful, or fast, could always be more so. It is held back - there is danger, but the action isn't here and now. For me, though, it is never dull. I mean all these things be said of most of Hamlet - that the real action has either happened is may be performed in the future.
I haven't seen the television series, though, so I don't know how well it fits. From what little I know of it, I'm guessing pretty well. Have you seen any of Star Wars yet? Or Star Trek? If I remember correctly from an earlier video, you had never seen them.
Thank you! That’s correct, I haven’t watched any of them, but definitely appreciate all it’s done for modern society and music as a whole!
People who are negative about this incredible new piece of music are just self-important jerks who only want to voice a different opinion because they want to be different from everybody else. As soon as I heard it during the first scene with Obi-Wan leaving the sand whale station I said: This sounds like John Williams, and sure enough, there it was in the end credits: Obi Wan theme by John Williams.
What I’m curious would be to see if this theme can be reworked in the films, would it flow or not. It feels like it’s specific to where the character is at right now. And also measure 4-5 has a bit of the main titles in it
Interesting!
Thank you for sharing your insights about this. I would also be interested in your thoughts about the rhythmic structure used after this portion repeats. While just trying to sit in my car and try to count out the ostinato, I feel that there’s something interesting and unexpected about the timings but can’t put my finger on it.
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
The whole piece kind of feels backwards to me...
Kinda like a recording which is playing in reverse. I've heard of classical composers reversing/flipping melodies, and have seen it done in media before (Example being Zelda's Lullaby and the Skyward Sword theme being the same melody but reversed).
Sounds interesting! Not sure whether or not I like the piece, but it's certainly interesting and sounds pretty John Williams-y.
Thanks for sharing Nic!
it sounds definitly like john
I really don't HATE it, it just sounds a lot like the main Star Wars Theme soundtrack
Cheers Joey!
French horn rocks!
John Williams is infallible lol! but seriously, I liked the theme. I think it signifies a different way/style that John Williams is able to compose a tune. And more importantly, I do believe that this theme will be more suited for the type of plot and writing that the storyline with have.
Fair enough!
For me, it’s alright. I never would’ve wanted a big bombastic piece for Obi Wan, especially not around this point in the story. But it still isn’t really his best work. Something about it feels really underwhelming, not because it’s not loud or complex enough but maybe because there’s almost no variety in its usage or rearrangement throughout the series. Also, with how abysmal the show’s writing is, this song has no opportunity to really be the subdued emotional piece it could be because the show hasn’t remotely earned that level of emotional engagement. There’s no particular moment or feeling I think of when hearing it, except an oddly specific moment when I turned to my friend and said it sounds like a loading screen theme for an RPG. That’s how I generally feel about it. It’s just kind of a theme that’s there because Obi Wan needs a theme. Nothing else. And with the rest of the soundtrack being such generic fluff with no substance, it kinda just blends into the background most of the time. I only notice it because it genuinely annoys me how boring it is.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
binary sunset tops this one
It's a good theme... a really, REALLY good theme, but is it his best? Not even close especially when there are at least a dozen or so better JW themes in the Star Wars saga alone.
Link to the reduction score?
Check out 'Frank's Obi Wan Kenobi Theme Analysis Account' on Twitter!
It's a meh of a meh meaning it's ok I'm hoping when the episodes fly by we will hear the epicness of his Star wars Themes New and rejuvenated.
It's not even close to his older themes !
The title here is a bit clickbait-y.
Either way, I don’t understand the issue. The theme is fine. Musically, it’s not my favourite. But it fits the character, and fits the theme of the show.
If it sounds out of character for JW, then we should always look to the circumstances. This is a new show, with s new writer/director/show runner. People forget that even geniuses like John Williams have to answer to someone, and that someone seems to be trying to establish her own version of Star Wars from other people’s. She probably asked John to write something in this style to set a specific tone for the show. That’s all. I think it works, and would never question his integrity. At 90 years old, we can rule him out as doing it for the money or career aspirations.
Thanks for sharing Michael! Indeed, as the film composer, the music must ultimately serve the picture. As I haven’t seen it myself, I don’t have an opinion on that, but I have no doubt he did a wonderful job.
Not even close.
Not in a wildest dream. It is one of his worst. The melodic material is weak and orchestration is really not helping it. It really feels like a quick sketch developed by some mediocre ghostwriter who can’t mimic JW: style at all.
I really didn’t hear anyone saying this is amongst his best works. It’s ridiculous statement.
I am die hard JW fan. And this piece is really not great.
It totally feels like a ghostwriter, if you know John Williams music, that's not his best work.
Thanks for sharing!
Great analysis!
Thank you sir!