It's hard to imagine that The Empire Strikes Back is almost 40 years old. The film was released back on May 21, 1980, and has since been credited for having one of the most jaw-dropping plot twists in cinematic history. While we still have a few months before we could celebrate the movie's anniversary, Lucasfilm is paying tribute to John Williams, who began working on the score for the Star Wars sequel 40 years ago.
The official Lucasfilm Instagram account has shared a throwback photo of Williams along with the London Symphony Orchestra. Check it out below.
"40 years ago this month, John Williams began scoring sessions with the London Symphony Orchestra for The Empire Strikes Back. What's your favorite theme from Empire?" the caption read along with the hashtags #Lucasfilm and #tbt.
There is little doubt that the soundtrack of Empire Strikes Back is one of Williams' best works so it's difficult to choose just one favorite theme. Most people might choose the Imperial March (or Darth Vader's Theme) because it is instantly recognizable. Personally, I still get goosebumps whenever I hear the theme that plays when Yoda uses the Force to get the X-Wing out of the swamp.
The Empire Strikes Back is considered one of the best Star Wars films of all time because it also featured the first epic fight between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. As if the fight scene was not enough, Vader also dropped a major bombshell in the scene. He revealed that he was Luke's father, something that nobody expected back in 1980.
Thank you, John Williams, for providing us with the music that will forever be a part of our childhood.
Related: Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back Gets Adorable New Picture Book
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