40 Years Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away, An Iconic Film Score Was Born
Star Wars was released 40 years ago today — and it wasn't just the light sabers that changed pop culture. John Williams' epic music, played by the London Symphony Orchestra, became a touchstone.
How is this for a first day on the job: Maurice Murphy, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO)'s late principal trumpet player, spent his very first day with the orchestra recording Star Wars' iconic opening theme, with its incredible brass fanfare — and Murphy leading the trumpets.
"It was an amazing moment, that blast of brass that opens the film. It was the first sound I heard from Maurice, really," the film's composer, John Williams, told the London Symphony Orchestra in a 2007 celebrating Murphy, who was then retiring from the orchestra.
