Episode 108 - The Last Jedi
The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey - A podcast by Jeff Commings
Rian Johnson took over for J.J. Abrams as director of the second film in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, titled "The Last Jedi." Johnson changed the tone and direction of the sequel dramatically, and composer John Williams went along for the ride with a couple of new themes for two new characters whose music only appears in this film, for different reasons. Host Jeff Commings is joined again by Paulius Eidukas for an examination of the use of pre-existing music -- including Leia's theme in the controversial "Leia in Space" scene -- and how certain compositional techniques made Williams' Oscar-nominated score feel bold and a little daring.