May The Fourth Be With You: Celebrating The Music Of John Williams

WABE

May 4th, 2020

Composer and conductor John Williams leads the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in 2010. Williams has composed many film scores, including music for the much-beloved “Star Wars.”

John Raoux / Associated Press file

May the Fourth is known as national “Star Wars” Day. (The date inspires a pun on the film franchise’s catchphrase, “May the Force be with you.”)

The iconic sci-fi movie series in the galaxy far, far away — which spanned four decades and multiple generations — is known just as much for its score as it is for its story and visuals.

John Williams was the man behind the music of the popular franchise. Williams has won countless awards for his work and is much beloved by both fans and critics alike.

“Star Wars” would not be “Star Wars” without his iconic score.

WABE’s film music commentator, Dr. Scott Stewart, joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk about Williams’ music and legacy and what inspired him to write such timeless classics.

“When John Williams is writing, he’s always mindful of the European classical tradition, but he’s also able to give a contemporary spin to a lot of that music.”