John Williams' theme from Star Wars is one of the most recognizable pieces of movie music, a heroic fanfare that sets the stage for an exciting space adventure. But how does that atmosphere translate when you play the Star Wars theme on, say, a ukelele? What follows are ten different covers of the Star Wars theme, whose unusual arrangements give an entirely different flavor to the famous piece.
A Cappella (Swingle Singers)
The Swingle Singers are known for their a cappella vocal arrangements of classical instrumental music, including a rendition of Bach's Well-Tempered Klavier in swing rhythm. Their cover of the Star Wars theme uses high soprano voices for the brass fanfare, giving the piece a light and airy quality.
Shamisen (Kevin Kmetz)
The shamisen is a Japanese three-stringed instrument dating back to the 16th century. Shamisen players usually use a plectrum called a bachi, striking the strings to create a percussive sound. In this cover, professional shamisen player Kevin Kmetz gives the Star Wars theme a distinctly Eastern feel.
Banjo (ldvries)
The modern banjo evolved from gourd instruments made by African slaves, and is commonly used in bluegrass music. In this video, YouTube user ldvries gives the Star Wars theme a bluegrass flair. He sets the second half of the theme in a minor key, a clever substitute for the original's change in instrumental color.
Jazz (Kristian Sensini)
Although the flute was rarely used in early jazz music, it gained some prominence beginning in the 1950s. This extended rendition of the Star Wars theme, with jazz flautist Kristian Sensini, begins with a slightly syncopated version of the theme before branching off into some wonderful jazz solos.
Baroque Gavotte (Richard Grayson)
Composer and pianist Richard Grayson is best known for his skill of improvising popular tunes in various classical styles. His rendition of the Star Wars theme is improvised in the manner of a Baroque gavotte, which began as a French folk dance; he starts off with the entire theme before using bits and pieces of it to build new melodies and harmonies.
Ukelele (Sheepstar15)
The ukelele is a native Hawai'ian instrument, so it's no surprise that YouTube user Sheepstar15's ukelele cover of the Star Wars theme makes you feel like you're at a luau. While the tabs are based on the Dodge Brothers' skiffle rendition, this ukelele duet is a much more cheerful-sounding little tune.
Disco (Meco)
Finally, a version of the Star Wars theme you can dance to! This Star Wars disco cover is the work of musician and record producer Meco from his album Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk, which adds a disco flair to several pieces from the Star Wars soundtrack, and was a #1 hit in October of 1977.
Reggae (Rico Rodriguez)
"Ska Wars" is another early cover of the Star Wars theme, this time from reggae trombonist Rico Rodriguez. This rendition combines a slow reggae beat with brass variations on the Star Wars theme and Star Wars sound effects to produce a very laid-back version of the Star Wars theme.
Bagpipes (Unknown)
The bagpipes are an ancient instrument played by forcing air from the bag through a chanter -- the melody pipe -- and several drones. This cover of the Star Wars theme, performed outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, combines a rock-like drum beat with a flourishy, folk-like rendition of the theme on the bagpipes.
Lyrics (Carrie Fisher)
The Star Wars Holiday Special was just an all-around bad idea, and the Life Day hymn sung to the Star Wars theme by an off-key Carrie Fisher is no exception. On the other hand, it's worth mentioning that she isn't singing the theme, but a new countermelody that works to add a holiday feel to the music. With a better singer and better lyrics, it could be an excellent cover.