Joel longie music | composition, orchestration, music theory

Joel longie music
composition, orchestration, music theory

theory

The chord progressions that define John Williams’ cinematic legacy

Discover the chord progressions that have become synonymous with some of the biggest blockbusters in film history, and the legacy of John Williams.

Beyond the basics

John Williams is a highly acclaimed film composer known for his intricate and emotive music that has become synonymous with some of the biggest blockbuster hits. One of the hallmarks of his compositions is his use of complex and interesting chord progressions. Let’s dive into some of the more intricate chord progressions used by John Williams in his film scores.

I -♭III -♭VI -♭VII

This chord progression is characterized by its use of borrowed chords from the parallel minor key, and it’s often used to create a sense of melancholy or yearning. The progression is constructed using the tonic (I) chord, the flat third (♭III) chord, the flat sixth (♭VI) chord, and the flat seventh (♭VII) chord. John Williams uses this progression in the score for “Schindler’s List,” where it contributes to the overall poignant and introspective tone of the piece.

ii – V – I – VI

This jazz-inspired chord progression is often used in film scores to evoke a sense of sophistication and elegance. It’s constructed using the supertonic (ii) chord, the dominant (V) chord, the tonic (I) chord, and the submediant (VI) chord. John Williams uses this progression in “Catch Me If You Can,” where it provides a musical backdrop for the film’s suave and cunning protagonist.

i -♭III -♭VI -♭VII

This minor key progression is similar to the I-♭III-♭VI-♭VII progression but with the tonic chord being minor instead of major. The progression uses the tonic minor (i) chord, the flat third (♭III) chord, the flat sixth (♭VI) chord, and the flat seventh (♭VII) chord. John Williams employs this progression in “Jurassic Park” to evoke a sense of foreboding and danger, which complements the theme of the film perfectly.

IV -♭VII – III

This progression is an example of a borrowed chord progression and is often used to evoke a sense of triumph or victory. It’s constructed using the subdominant (IV) chord, the flat seventh (♭VII) chord, and the mediant (III) chord. This progression is used in “Star Wars,” where it contributes to the grandiose and epic nature of the film.

I -♭III -IV -♭VII

This progression is another example of a borrowed chord progression and is often used to create a sense of introspection or reflection. It’s constructed using the tonic (I) chord, the flat third (♭III) chord, the subdominant (IV) chord, and the flat seventh (♭VII) chord. Williams uses this progression in “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” where it contributes to the wistful and sentimental tone of the score.

John Williams is a master of chord progressions and employs a wide variety of complex and interesting progressions in his film scores. Whether it’s the borrowed chords of the I-♭III-♭VI-♭VII progression in “Schindler’s List” or the jazzy ii-V-I-VI progression in “Catch Me If You Can,” his use of intricate chord progressions is an integral part of what makes his music so powerful and emotive.

Have an amazing day!

Joel Longie

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Joel Longie is a hybrid orchestral composer inspired by nature and exploring the boundaries of technology and modern classical music.

Topics

theory
chord progression, film music, John Williams

Published

April 13, 2023

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