By JESSICA NEU
Whether you are a Star Wars aficionado, could identify Yoda, or have ridden a ride in Star Wars land at Disney, odds are you can recognize the opening score of the franchise films. Composer John Williams’ score remains an iconic piece of music that has remained part of the cultural zeitgeist since the first Star Wars film, A New Hope (Episode IV), released in 1977. This weekend, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Jacob Joyce, brings a new dimension to director George Lucas’ The Force Awakens.
The seventh episode of the Star Wars series, The Force Awakens, takes place thirty years after Return of the Jedi and follows Rey, a scavenger, Finn, a stormtrooper who escapes to fight against the First Order; and Poe, a member of the Resistance. Rey initially stumbles across droid BB8 and, shortly after that, meets Finn. He ends up on the same planet, Jakku, as Rey, after his plane crashes, attempts to escape the First Order.
After their initial encounter, the two form a bond and attempt to get BB8 to the Resistance because he has a map that shows the location of their beloved and highly sought-after master, Luke Skywalker, who went into hiding long ago.
From the first second of the opening score, Joyce conducts a masterful symphony whose precision amplifies the already entertaining film. Each section of the symphony shines as there are profound fortissimo moments of the score and quiet moments that highlight certain symphony sections, including the horns, strings, woodwinds, and keyboard accompaniment. The crowd cheered as the symphony magnified such moments as the Millennium Falcon’s first flight, the first appearance of Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca, and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). The symphony brought the film to a new dimension without overpowering the diegetic sound accompanying the intense action as the Resistance continuously attempts to defeat the First Order.
The First Order is led by a young Kylo Ren, better known as Darth Vader (Adam Driver). His deep, intimidating voice and penchant for violence accompany the symphony’s pristine performance, intensifying Ren’s transition to the dark side as he seeks to destroy the Resistance. But every moment of violence is matched with a moment of triumphant heroism and adventure, allowing the symphony to swell and flourish in joyous escapism that only a fantastical movie can offer.
The PSO’s music makes you feel as if you are on the Millennium Falcon attempting a daring landing while traveling at the speed of light or as if you are flying with the Resistance into the First Order’s Starkiller Base, fighting your way through tight seams in an attempt to destroy their vessel.
The PSO highlights their immeasurable talent while showcasing the genius of Lucas and Williams. The symphony, the score, and the film, with all of its dynamic characters, create a trifecta of perfection. This multidimensional sensory experience challenges our perceptions of foreground and background in the best possible ways. From the first intense notes that take us to a “galaxy far, far away” to the final sweeping credits, the ‘force’ is with the PSO as they take us on an unforgettable adventure.
There is one remaining performance of The Force Awakens with the PSO on Sunday the 14th.
Future PSO Cinema Accompaniments
The next PSO Cinema Concert scheduled is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert on Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Heinz Hall. Tickets at: https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/production/94435/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix-in-concert
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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