One of composer John Williams' most iconic pieces of music inStar Wars, “The Imperial March,” is officially a canon in-universe song and an anthem of the Galactic Empire. “The Imperial March” has been iconic ever since it first played inThe Empire Strikes Backin 1980. It has appeared in everyStar Warsmoviesince then, and it’s easily one of thebest songs inStar Wars. Williams' song is a symbol of the entire franchise and an icon of science fiction, and it now seems to be just as ubiquitous in-universe as it is in the real world.
There are plenty of diegetic songs (ones that the characters can hear as well as the audience) inStar Wars. From famous singers like Sy Snootles inReturn of the Jedito the electronic music of Coruscant featured in the prequel trilogy, the franchise is filled with music. Most of the music thatStar Warscharacters can hear, however, are performed in alien languages with strange instruments that fit the sci-fi mood and tone. John Williams' “The Imperial March,” however, is one of the few songs to make it from Earth to in-universeStar Warscanon.
Star Wars: 10 Inspiring Pieces of Jedi Theme Music
John Williams is the genius composer behind, producing some of the most iconic Jedi theme songs that are now synonymous with Star Wars.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Cast
Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the early adventures of Han Solo, showcasing his beginnings and key encounters with significant characters in the Star Wars universe. Set in a backdrop of galactic turmoil, the film delves into the origins of his famed relationships and his rise as a rebellious smuggler.
This May Be An Ancient Piece Of Sith Music
The idea of using “The Imperial March” as an in-universe sign of the Empire has some old roots in the real world, but it may have even older roots in theStar Warstimeline.The Legends gameStar Wars: The Old Republicsuggested that “The Imperial March” might have been used thousands of years before the Empire, by the ancient Sith. At one point, the Sith apprentice Ashara Zavros hums the same tune as “The Imperial March.” While this could be a simple reference to the music of theStar Warsmovies, it could also be evidence that the Sith used the same tune in-universe.
No matter where “The Imperial March” originated from, the fact remains that it is something both the characters and the audience can hear in bothStar WarsLegends and canon.
If “The Imperial March” was originally a Sith song, it would make sense that Palpatine would adopt it for the Empire. Palpatine saw himself as the ultimate culmination of the Sith, and so he would have no problem with claiming the Sith’s anthem as his own. The Empire was also the greatest force of darkness that the galaxy ever saw, so the music is extremely fitting. No matter where “The Imperial March” originated from, the fact remains that it is something both the characters and the audience can hear in bothStar WarsLegends and canon.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
