Final Thesis - John Williams - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State ...

score. Other pieces such as “Granny Wendy” use a lighter tone and more melancholy
approach to represent the nostalgia and memories of childhood. Other fun pieces
including “Smee’s Plan” which have tones of the pirate motifs show Williams' unique
ability to create more humorous pieces that can represent the bumbling foolishness
of the villains. Overall, there is a great amount of artistry present in the composition
of this score. The style is quintessentially John Williams with sweeping woodwinds
and violins, and majestic fanfares.
Hook: Scene by Scene Music Analysis
0:00:24-0:02:48 – Lighthearted and childlike solo piano music, which is
accompanying Maggie’s scene in the school play “Peter Pan” where she plays
Wendy. This is transformed to a more upbeat piano melody to accompany the
children singing a song about Peter Pan called “We Want to Be Like Peter Pan.”
0:02:49-0:05:56 – The music changes to a jazzy tune with electric bass, guitar, flute
and piano to accompany Jack playing a baseball game and Peter (father) busy at
work in “Banning at Home.” There is a shaker instrument used as rhythm and
percussion in the background to create a build-up of emotion as Jack gets ready for
his last at bat.
0:08:03-0:09:09 - There is a quiet children’s choir singing “God Rest Ye Merry
Gentlemen” as the family arrives in snowy London for Christmas when visiting
Wendy. This sets the Christmassy atmosphere of the scene, and also creates a
feeling of innocence and nostalgia.
0:10:12-0:12:13 - This is the beginning of the first notes of the main theme. This
preview is a light flute melody accompanied by horn instruments and quiet violins
and strings in “Granny Wendy.” It begins as Wendy descends the stairs and greets
Peter for the first time in years. This example of music serves as foreshadowing that
there is something important about their relationship. At about the 12 minute mark,
Jack is referring to Peter’s business techniques, and the music turns to minor chords
as Wendy recognizes that Peter has become a pirate.
0:12:14-0:13:16 - Light violins continue, with deeper cello notes, sporadic flute and
horn melodies in a dark minor key. As Peter enters the nursery there is another
23