The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) is a musical theme recurring in the Star Wars movies. It was composed by John Williams, and first appeared in the film The Empire Strikes Back.

One of the best known symphonic movie themes, it is a classic example of a leitmotif, a recurrent theme associated with characters or events in a drama. The Imperial March is the theme music that represents the totalitarian Galactic Empire. As Anakin Skywalker is stripped of all individuality, he, in essence, becomes one with the Empire as Darth Vader. Hence the reason the march is many times associated with him as well. The Imperial March represents all that is the Empire therefore, it is nearly equivalent to a galactic anthem.

Although played by an orchestra on the movie soundtrack, it is often played by brass bands; military bands are particularly effective in delivering the theme's martial stance. The Imperial March was also performed by heavy metal band Rage Against the Machine, Metallica together with the San Francisco Symphonic Orchestra. It was also played by No Doubt at some of their live concerts.

In the movies, the march is played when Darth Vader appears, or when he is mentioned -- note also that the Imperial March had not been written when the first film, A New Hope, was made.

A modified version of the Imperial March is sometimes used to introduce Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Usage in the Star Wars films

Original Trilogy

The Imperial March is first heard in The Empire Strikes Back when Darth Vader is re-introduced as the Imperial Fleet assembles. It is used throughout Empire and its sequel, Return of the Jedi. When Anakin Skywalker dies at the end of Jedi, the motif is heard one last time as a distant, melancholy tune on a harp.

Prequel Trilogy

The Imperial March theme appears scarcely in the prequel trilogy, but is often used to hint at Anakin Skywalker's future as Darth Vader. Its usage increases through the trilogy.

A few notes of the Imperial March were played in The Phantom Menace in a scene between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda when they discussed the future of Anakin Skywalker.

In the next film, Attack of the Clones, the Imperial March is played subtly sometimes when Anakin's dark future is hinted at, and then it is played full-blown during the final sequence when the Clone Wars begin.

See also

• Galactic Empire
• Duel of the Fates