The Imperial March

"The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" {{audio|The_Imperial_March.ogg|sample}} is a musical theme recurring in the Star Wars movies. It was composed by John Williams, and first appeared in the film '.

Related Topics:
Darth Vader - Music - Theme - Star Wars - John Williams

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The theme has some rhythmical similarities with the well known funeral march from Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat Minor.

Related Topics:
Chopin - Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat Minor

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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. "The Imperial March" is the theme music that represents the totalitarian Galactic Empire. As Anakin Skywalker is stripped of all individuality, he, in essence, becomes one with the Empire as Darth Vader; hence the reason the march is many times associated with him as well. "The Imperial March" represents all that is the Empire; therefore, it is nearly equivalent to a galactic anthem.

Related Topics:
Symphonic - Leitmotif - Anakin Skywalker

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Although played by an orchestra on the movie soundtrack, it is often played by brass bands; military bands are particularly effective in delivering the theme's martial stance. "The Imperial March" was also played by No Doubt at some of their live concerts.

Related Topics:
Soundtrack - Brass band - Military band - Martial - No Doubt

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In the movies (except for '), the march is played when Darth Vader appears, or when he is mentioned.

Related Topics:
March - Darth Vader

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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.

Related Topics:
Mr. Burns - The Simpsons - Rush Limbaugh - Mikhail Gorbachev - ''The Phil Hendrie Show''

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