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.

The theme 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 in Return of the Jedi, when the Emperor first arrives at the second Death Star, after a loud tribute to the Imperial March. The theme is used throughout the film whenever the Emperor is on screen.

A louder, higher pitched version plays during the climactic lightsaber battle, when Darth Vader throws his lightsaber at Luke Skywalker and destroys the catwalk he was on, thus showing how he has renounced his son for the Emperor. This version of the theme comes in full force when Luke severs Vader's sword arm and the Emperor tries 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 in The Phantom Menace when Darth Sidious communicates with the Neimoidians in charge of the Trade Federation, indicating that Darth Sidious is the same person who will become Emperor Palpatine. It is also heard in an uptempo form in the parade music at the end of the film, with children's voices replacing the deep vocal chorus.

In Attack of the Clones, it is heard when Anakin Skywalker confesses to Padme Amidala that he slaughtered a tribe of Sand People. Later, it is heard when Count Dooku (a.ka. Darth Tyranus) flies to his master's hideout.

In Revenge of the Sith, the theme is first heard when Anakin realizes that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is a Dark Lord of the Sith. It underscores scenes between Palpatine and Anakin to symoblise Anakin's turn to the Dark Side of The Force. It can also be heard when the Emperor arrives on the volcanic world of Mustafar, to find Darth Vader severely burned and deformed after his duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi, and when the Emperor and entourage of Clone Troopers arrive on Coruscant with Anakin.