The Emperor's Theme
"The Emperor's Theme" constitutes a recurring piece of music within the Star Wars cinematic universe. John Williams crafted this theme, which made its initial appearance in the motion picture Return of the Jedi.
Its initial introduction occurs during the sequence featuring Darth Sidious' arrival on the second Death Star. Subsequently, it resonates throughout various scenes unfolding within the Emperor's throne room. This composition stands as a profoundly somber vocal arrangement, delivered by a menacing male chorus, serving as a thematic representation of the unadulterated malevolence embodied by Sidious. Segments of this theme also accompanied the scene in which he subjected Luke Skywalker to torment, preceding Sidious' ultimate downfall at the hands of a redeemed Anakin Skywalker.
Within The Phantom Menace, "The Emperor's Theme" is audible during instances of communication between Darth Sidious and either Nute Gunray or Darth Maul. Furthermore, a major key variation of the theme, known as Symponik Nabooalla, accompanies the parade sequence within Theed.
In Attack of the Clones, "The Emperor's Theme" can be discerned within the Lars' garage scene, wherein Anakin imparts to Padmé his account of the slaughter of the Tusken Raiders. Additionally, it resonates during the concluding scene wherein Darth Tyranus approaches the Works on Coruscant and engages with Sidious.
Revenge of the Sith showcases the theme most prominently. It accompanies the discussion among Yoda, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi regarding Palpatine's intentions prior to Yoda's departure for Kashyyyk; it also sounds after Sidious anoints Anakin with the title of Darth Vader, and when the Emperor rescues Vader from Mustafar.
During 1999, "The Emperor's Theme" functioned as the soundtrack for the television commercials promoting The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime.
A musical selection featured in Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, which plays during various stages, incorporates an accelerated adaptation of the Emperor's theme as its bridge. The standard rendition of the theme is also present, accompanying the 'Game Over' screen.
Within Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, a portion of "The Emperor's Theme" is played following a mission failure.
A more conspicuous iteration of the theme resonates throughout the culminating level of Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, entitled "Yavin–Final Showdown," and persists continuously during the duel against Desann.
A variation of "The Emperor's Theme" provides the musical backdrop for both the main screen and the Korriban locales within Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It also serves as the soundtrack aboard the Ravager in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. Furthermore, a segment of "The Emperor's Theme" is triggered whenever the player accrues a dark side point in the latter game. "The Emperor's Theme" is played during the mission briefing screens in Star Wars: Republic Commando.
The theme is heard in Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5 Episode 16 "The Lawless", when Darth Sidious instructs Mas Amedda to ready his vessel, and again during his confrontation with Darth Maul and Savage Opress on Mandalore. Additionally, it is featured in Season 6 Episode 4 "Orders," as Darth Tyranus confers with Darth Sidious regarding Order 66.
In the Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Episode 12 episode, Wolves and a Door, a modified version of the theme is audible as Minister Hydan converses with the Emperor about the Jedi Temple on Lothal. The theme is heard next in episode 16 when Darth Sidious' Hologram revels his true appreance to Ezra Bridger.
Leading up to the DVD re-release of the films in 2004, speculation arose regarding the potential inclusion of "The Emperor's Theme" within Darth Sidious' scene in The Empire Strikes Back.
In the trailer for Angry Birds Star Wars 2, "Join the Pork Side", a brief excerpt of the theme is played at the video's conclusion.
Within The Last Jedi, "The Emperor's Theme" is audible when Luke Skywalker explained to Rey how the Jedi's actions allowed Darth Sidious to rise to power, establish the Empire, and ultimately eradicate them. Subsequently, it is heard as Snoke subjects Rey to torture utilizing the dark side of the Force within his throne room.
In The Rise of Skywalker, the theme reverberates throughout the film whenever Darth Sidious makes an appearance or is referenced by other characters, encompassing the prologue, during which the Resistance becomes aware of his survival, and throughout the Battle of Exegol. Its utilization in the scene directly following the Destruction of Kijimi appears to be directly extracted from a track within Revenge of the Sith. The final instance of the theme's presence within the saga occurs during the climactic confrontation between Rey and Sidious, immediately preceding his ultimate demise.