Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

This study examined the musical works of the film composer, John Williams, in the Disney movie franchise ‘Star Wars’. It aimed to highlight the musical techniques used by John Williams to convey character development. The musical techniques investigated were compositionally focused; looking into how Williams used melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices. This project focused on how Williams used these techniques to create familiarity and complexity in the world of Star Wars, via the characters. The main type of research conducted will be secondary research. Known and recognisable characters, such as Darth Vader and Rey Skywalker, were explored as case studies to help confirm the context of each musical technique. Qualitative data was used as the main methodology when looking into the case studies. Transcriptions of musical scores were provided, where necessary, to stand for a musical technique. The approach involved exploring the music behind the characters and with references to the Star Wars movies themselves for musical context.

Course: Music Technology - BSc (Hons) - U3958PYC

Date Deposited: 2025-01-09

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14611.html