Happy Star Wars Day!

What says Star Wars more than John Williams’ iconic score? His music for the Star Wars movies won many composition and film music awards.

An attentive listener might detect some influences in the score from classical music pieces.

Antonín Dvořák (September 8, 1841 – May 1, 1904) was a Czech composer. He is most famous for the symphony that’s popularly-titled “New World Symphony”.

Can you hear a similarity in the following two pieces?

Duel of the Fates – John Williams

Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, aka “The New World Symphony” Movement III: Molto vivace

While certainly not the same, there appears to be an homage to Dvořák echoing in “Duel of the Fates”.

If you’re interested in reading more, there’s a full comparison over at The Music of Star Wars.

May the fourth, and the force, be with you!