Emperor's Theme

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The Emperor's Theme is one of many leitmotifs composed by John Williams for the original Star Wars Trilogy. It was used to represent Emperor Palpatine starting in Episode VI and all through the prequel trilogy. It is most often heard in the low bass register, by either a bassoon or male voice, giving it a slow, brooding nature that suits the Emperor perfectly. It is first heard when the Emperor first arrives at the second Death Star, after a loud tribute to the Imperial March. The theme is used almost whenever the Emperor is on screen. A louder, higher pitched version plays when Darth Vader throws his lightsaber at Luke, and destroys the catwalk he was on, thus showing how Anakin renounced his son for Palpatine. It comes in full force when Luke severs Vader's sword arm and the Emperor trying to goad Luke into dealing the death blow, thereby sealing Luke's fate as his new Sith apprentice. In the prequel trilogy, the theme is used less often, and very subtly. It is heard when Darth Sidious gives instructions to the Neimoidians in charge of the Trade Federation, symbolizing how Darth Sidious is the Emperor. It is also heard in an uptempo form in the parade music at the end of The Phantom Menace with children replacing the deep vocal chorus. In Attack of the Clones, it is heard when Anakin confesses to Padme that he slaughtered a tribe of Sand People. Later, it is heard when Count Dooku (a.ka. Darth Tyranus) flies his Solar Sailer to his masters hideout. In Revenge of the Sith, it can be heard when the Emperor arrives on the volcanic world of Mustafar, to find Darth Vader burnt and lacking limbs.