TFA Trailer Music: Fan Reaction

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The first teaser trailer for The Force Awakens has been taking the Star Wars fandom by storm for a couple of weeks now, but one aspect that's not getting too much coverage is the music. In an effort to give John Williams the credit he deserves, fans have wrote in and told us what they thought of the trailer's music, what they expect from the final score, and what track they would want to see return in The Force Awakens.

Cody Quarrell, @azcodylee

I was very happy with the music for The Force Awakens Trailer. I like the intensity and the tie in to the original score. I expect to hear a blending of new music and reprises of OT staples such as Imperial March and obviously the Main Title. I expect a mixture of dark foreboding "dark side" music, with the familiar upbeat heroic overtures we have come to expect from Star Wars. Music to me is as important to the overall perception of the film as cinematography or special effects. It, more than anything else binds the vast Star Wars universe together.

I would love to hear a reprise of "Tales of a Jedi" as that is my favorite OT track.

The music from the trailer was perfect. There was enough there of old Star Wars mixed in with the new that Mr. Williams record recently that you knew you were back in a galaxy far far away. And when the main title blasted on screen with the Falcon, you can't help but burst into tears, stand and and yell, YES YES YES it's back its back!

What do I expect? I expect the master, Mr. John Williams, to bring the character themes from the OT and mix them with all new themes for the new characters and events of TFA. That way we can sit back and say, "Yeah there's Luke's theme with new character theme and it sounds like it should always be that way. Like this is what we were missing from the OT but not even knowing we were till now."

What song from I-VI? That's a loaded question. I'd love to here The Force, Luke, The Imperial March, the Imperial theme from A New Hope. But I want all the new music as well. I spent most of my High school years listening to the OT music and Ep I. I would love to, and can't wait to add all the beautiful and amazing music that Mr. Williams will be making for Star Wars The Force Awakens!

The music of The Force Awakens teaser trailer was exactly what it needed to be… energetic. It's the perfect marriage of music and motion conveying an awakening not just of the dark side and the light, but of a story long dormant in the hearts and minds of billions (yes, with a "b") worldwide.

It's not a lot to listen to yet, but it also seems to have awakened John Williams, who hasn't composed music with this level of energy in some time. If he's putting in this level of effort for a few seconds of teaser trailer, I expect The Force Awakens' score to be a tour de Force of stirring music that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds us to what I think is going to be an amazing film experience.

And if that means we're getting all new music, well that's fine with me. Just leave my Star Wars theme (which also benefits from an infusion of energy in the teaser) at the beginning with a scroll I haven't seen in almost 10 years. I don't think I'll be disappointed.

The music in the new trailer was amazing. Felt old and new at the same time. Now I don't think this song will actually be in the movie. In the movie I think they will have all new music. Or old music with a new twist just like with the Rebels music. But one song I do see making a comeback would have to be Binary Sunset. If that song is in the movie, I will stand up and start clapping. And crying all at the same time. Mostly because that song has so much meaning to everyone. And as a musician I've always wanted to play that song in a concert. And that is all. Thanks for taking this in!!

The music in TFA's teaser trailer was very nostalgia-invoking. It seemed to have old elements from the previous movies and its own new twists. All in all, it felt very "Star Wars". As for what I expect, I'm hoping that it will be a largely new score, but with some of the iconic Original/Prequel trilogy tunes. If I could have any song appear in the new movie...I would absolutely love to hear Hologram/Binary Sunset. That track, by far, was the most emotion-invoking track for me.

I loved the way the trailer's music built suspense, with short pulses of low horns. It was very similar to the music John Williams wrote for the standoff at Jabba's sailbarge in ROTJ, right before Luke gets his lightsaber from R2-D2. The loud intro fanfare horns that came up when we finally see the Millennium Falcon skimming the dunes were just perfect. I got goosebumps!

There was so much music in the original trilogy that I'd love to see (hear) in a new context, but the one moment that is the most exhilarating for me is the very fast set of triplet strings that occur during the buildup in the Rebel Fanfare music (usually included only in the end title credit music for the films.) I *really* hope they'll use that *during* the new films, perhaps during a chase or a battle.

I also have always liked the Duel of the Fates (with chorus), and would love to hear that theme with Luke on the screen. John Williams seemed to be inspired by very old choral music for the newer films, (and Dies Irae in the older ones). While the newer films are a bit flawed, Duel of the Fates perfectly supported the idea of evil growing where it could not be seen.

As I have seen happen so satisfactorily with several other movie sagas, I expect and hope for old familiar themes to be used again, but also some new themes to be introduced for new places and characters. I think it's important for some of the music from not only the original trilogy, but also the prequels, to help tie in The Force Awakens to the entire Star Wars story that is already laid out. I have no doubt we will hear the Star Wars main title theme again, as we hear it in the TFA trailer. That said, there are several pieces from Star Wars that I really love, but I'm still trying to figure out how they would work in a new movie. In TFA, I the song I want to hear the most is the theme for "A New Hope". (I'm sure many other fans are hoping this too.) It's one of the most iconic pieces of the Star Wars soundtrack, and hearing that in the new movie will help us feel the connection between the Star Wars stories we already know and the new stories we will see. I am very excited to see that John Williams is returning to score episode VII, and I know he won't let us down; old themes referenced or not!

The music in the Force Awakens trailer sounds very familiar, like the music during the Sarlacc pit scene in Return of the Jedi. I love it, especially the use of the main theme when the Millennium Falcon appears.

In the final score for The Force Awakens, I expect to hear at least one new iconic theme in addition to reprises of old iconic themes, possibly remixes, as well.

If I could choose one piece to appear from the previous movies, I would want it to be Duel of the Fates. Mostly because I have a feeling all the ones from the OT will be there in some capacity, and JJ Abrams seems to want to really pay homage to the OT, and distance the new movies from the prequels, but I love Duel of the Fates, so I hope it gets a place in the new movies.

The music was great! What do I expect for the new score, well... half and half, the classic themes we love, maybe rearranged and of course new themes that we won't be able to live without.

In general, I enjoyed the music that was featured in the teaser, even though the lack of the "Binary Sunset" theme wasn't something that I liked. For the final score, I expect themes that will always be remembered, and that people will hum, just like "The Imperial March"...songs that will be carried on through time, and will become classics. I do want to hear "Binary Sunset" in the new movie, but with a different twist, since I don't believe that the formula of repeating constant pieces that have been heard before always work. (For example, "The Hobbit"). A mix would be great, between classic themes and new ones, just like the mix between classic talent and new talent within the actors and actresses that will appear in the movie.

I think the music in the trailer fit well- a teaser, just like the trailer. Didn't give much away but just enough to make you know Star Wars is coming back. I think the final score will be the usual John Williams material....new cues for the new cast, reprises of the core leitmotifs from the previous movies. Probably most will be OT ties I would think. The one piece from the OT I need in the movie is the Force/Skywalker theme...can you imagine a Star Wars theme without it?? I also expect Leia's theme, Han and Leia, maybe Luke and Leia's....would expect a fair amount of new material though!

I was skeptical when I heard the rumors that John Williams had composed and recorded new music exclusively for an upcoming "teaser trailer". I felt that there was enough material to draw from his work on the six existing Star Wars films. I was pleasantly surprised to recognize brand new Williams musical score upon first viewing "The Force Awakens" teaser trailer. The first minute of this "88 SECONDS" of music is pulsing and tense... in fact, it's downright sinister. The soft whine of the upper strings which gradually build are a perfect accompaniment for the camera fade, which brings us into the trailer's opening shot of the desolate landscape of Tatooine. With the sudden entrance of John Boyega's panic stricken face from the bottom of the screen, Williams drops a short burst of low brass and percussion. This musical sequence reminded me a bit of the "Sail Barge Assault" cue from "Return of the Jedi". The anticipation we feel in that scene is bolstered by the low brass chords played in sequence, before "The Force" theme finally kicks into high gear and Luke springs into action.

Back to the TFA trailer, the strings continue to race frantically which creates a sense of urgency and forward momentum, as visually we're treated to a series of images which all evoke the feeling of danger... even the shot of the cute "ball droid" is given more of a serious tone thanks to the weight of Williams' score here. I find it rather interesting that the low brass chords which continue through the first half of this trailer, line up perfectly with the editing of the visuals. Each time the screen cuts hard to black, we hear another blast of brass and percussion. This is all the evidence we need to confirm our suspicions that YES, John Williams DID in fact compose this short piece strictly for use on this "teaser trailer". That's amazing, isn't it?

My favorite musical moment from the trailer comes at the 0:40 mark, after we watch Daisy Ridley's character race off in her speeder. The screen cuts to black and we hear a more dramatic low brass swell that leads directly into the shot of Oscar Isaac within the cockpit of his X-Wing fighter. It's this very subtle crescendo of the low brass which really kicks my adrenaline into overdrive. It's no coincidence that it's the halfway point of the trailer. Williams is almost through with this direction of frantic strings...

Suddenly, Williams puts the brakes on. Our screen cuts to black and we're left with only a few low notes from brass and timpani...

The next image is completely different from the previous shot of the X-Wing's soaring over a lake. That shot was well lit, very striking.

Suddenly, we're in a dark forest, following a dark figure. Does the music suddenly reflect this dark tone? Absolutely. That trombone swell we hear as the mysterious figure lumbers through the snow is just plain nasty. It evokes a sense of evil. It's so simple, yet so effective. The high trill of the upper woodwinds as the crossguards on the saber ignite is a nice touch, and one that is so classic John Williams. The maestro has masterfully brought us racing through these powerful visual sequences with a very quick moving cue, then he thrust us into a brooding, vacant musical place that's just dreadful...

It's all a buildup to the sudden and triumphant return to the classic "Main Title" theme. Coupled with that absolutely gorgeous shot of the Millennium Falcon soaring through the sky, THIS is the payoff. The choice to pair the familiar visual of the Falcon with the familiar sound of the main theme would SEEM an obvious choice... and it is. BUT that doesn't change the fact that it is GENIUS. 82 years old and he's still got it. Yes, that absolutely IS a new recording of the "Main Title" theme. Maybe unnecessary, but awesome nonetheless.

I expect Williams' final score to be all at once fresh with new themes, all the while remaining all too familiar to fans of his work in the Star Wars saga. That's the entire reason that you bring him back! So much of the "feeling" of Star Wars is defined by that unmistakable John Williams sound.

There will absolutely be recalls of musical cues from the original trilogy. Do I think we'll hear some cues borrowed from the prequels as well? Yes, but possibly to a lesser extent.

If I could wish for one theme that Williams' composed for the prequels to make a return in the new film, it would have to be "Duel of the Fates". I feel it's a theme which is general enough that it could apply to any conflict or battle. Besides, everyone loves it. It's just so good!

The music heard in the trailer was ominous and mysterious...just as the intended tone of the footage. It's urgent and we are drawn into the scenarios that we are getting mere glimpses of. It's almost reminiscent of the original teaser for "Star Wars" in 1976, but done with modern sensibilities.

I don't expect the new score to be a direct reflection of what we've heard thus far. Definitely new themes as we observe the new cast come into their own. I'm expecting new arrangements of classic themes (such as the Force theme and whatnot) to be used and molded into new themes for new situations. While I'd personally like to hear new combinations of PT, OT and entirely new tracks of music as the scenes appropriately call for, I'm definitely excited to hear what the new moments will sound like.

If a classic song were to make a reprisal for The Force Awakens, I'd like to hear a quick riff on Duel of the Fates, particularly if the scene it's used in will prove important in shaping the fate of our characters and the galaxy at large. I wouldn't want an entire comeback, but just a hint of it before diving into something new.

I was really excited to hear the few notes of John Williams' new music for the TFA trailer. He was the guy who inspired me to become a film composer when I was five years old.

I enjoyed hearing the mysterious orchestra sounds that he is famous for. The violins playing a minor third interval above the staff and the cello playing a tritone below are great characteristics of his. And when Boyega pops into frame, Williams' percussive low brass really jolts you. The brass percussive hits continue throughout the first half of the trailer and there are some agitated strings playing. It sounds like a mix between the ROTJ scene where Luke is nodding at R2 about to be pushed into the Sarlaac pit and the speeder chase through Corusant in Attack of the Clones.

When the Falcon bursts out of nowhere with the triumphant main theme blaring in the background my heart soared and I shouted the first time I saw the trailer.

Overall, I was thrilled by the way John Williams made the orchestra speak in this trailer and I cannot wait to hear his final score.

I hope in this film that Williams will go back to Ep. IV sounds of colossal orchestral themes and the space opera. While I appreciated the heavy chromaticism, percussion, and choral use in the prequels, it wouldn't quite fit what I hope to be a classic Star Wars feel. I hope we hear some of the incredible compositional prowess that was The Battle of Yavin from IV. I also hope we hear the "Force Theme" used frequently through the score. I don't think he will use the Imperial March given that that was more Vader's theme. I hope that the end credits will have the same ending (or similar) as The Empire Strikes Back. That is my favorite end title of all six films.

If I could have any piece from I-VI appear in VII, it would be the Binary Sunset theme.

The music in the trailer seems to be stuff from the sarlacc pit in ROTJ and then the Theme,… which I think worked well. I really hope John Williams is doing the music.

I would love to hear mostly new arrangements in “The Force Awakens.” I’m sure a few of the underlying melodies from the original trilogy will be in there in some form or another, but I think it would be great if the majority of music was something new and unique to Star Wars.

It’s hard to pick just one particular piece of previous music to be in the new film. The Star Wars theme will of course HAVE to be part of it. The Imperial March would be nice, however I feel like that one’s really reserved for Darth Vader himself. I think the song I’d love to hear would be the “Tie Fighter Attack” music from Episode 4. This is during the sequence when they escape the Death Star in the Millennium Falcon and have to fight off the 4 T.I.E. fighters.

It’s one of my favourite pieces ever in the Star Wars films. When I had the album as a kid in the 70’s, I’d play that part over and over.

Overall I really enjoyed the music in the teaser trailer. I thought it was very intense and a bit jumpy. Really felt fast paced and along with the visuals delivered an exciting piece of what looks to be great. On the score for TFA, I leave it to the master himself John Williams. He has never let me down. I would like to hear new pieces pared with the classics, perfectly placed as he always does. I would like to hear the Emperor's theme in TFA.. that is the best dark piece that says SITH to me.. I know Palpy is gone but I love that music.

The first bit of music that I really noticed in The Force Awakens' trailer is when John Boyega popped into the foreground and you get that really great staccato beat heard during the sail barge scene from Return of the Jedi. Hearing that beat instantly shot me to the Star Wars universe and I was completely onboard for the remainder of the trailer.

To be honest I really over looked the sort of looming, mysterious music that runs through out the trailer. After going back and really listening to the music heard accompanying the short clips it seemed right at home in the Star Wars Galaxy. This dubious music also reminded me somewhat of the Jurassic Park soundtrack.

Lastly I'd be remised if I didn't mention the Star Wars theme that's played against that great shot of the Millennium Falcon. Originally I watched the trailer on my tv with the volume turned down so not to wake my wife. But upon watching it with headphones on I have to say hearing that song being played with the Falcon zipping through the sky made me more than tear up.

As for what I hope to hear in The Force Awakens film I believe this trailer only helps prove that the franchise is in good hands. Personally I hope to hear music similar to the "Rite of Spring" inspired stuff heard during the Tusken Raider attack from A New Hope, as well as music that borrows from the asteroid chase scene from Empire Strikes Back. All in all, I believe that there will be a good mix of old and new, and I really can't wait to hear the next chapter in the John Williams' Star Wars score.

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