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

1:39:27-1:45:15 - Quiet but high pitched strings create a tense atmosphere as
Hatsumomo threatens Sayuri’s most precious belonging (the Chairman’s
handkerchief). Deep resounding drums and continued string screeching increases
the tension as the okiya catches fire in the midst of their struggle. Hatsumomo is
pushed over the edge of jealousy as she adds fuel and more fire to the blaze. A lone
wailing cry is heard overtop of the deep resounding drums. And a sad melody
accompanies Hatsumomo’s exit of the okiya. The main theme heard throughout this
scene is “The Fire Scene…and the Coming of War.” The same drum beats continue
along with a similar sad melody as soldiers pour into the city and Sayuri and
Mameha are forced to flee to the countryside.
1:45:40-1:46:05 - A mournful and minor reprise of “The Chairman’s Waltz” can be
heard as the Chairman sends Sayuri into the countryside to work for a kimono
maker for safety from the war.
1:51:19-1:52:08 - A quiet melody accompanies Sayuri’s return to what is left of the
okiya, as she tries to convince Mameha to help her become a geisha once again.
1:55:24-1:57:00 - As Sayuri starts becoming a geisha again, “The Chairman’s Waltz”
plays in the background, perhaps referencing Sayuri’s enduring dream to be with
the Chairman and help his cause.
1:57:25-1:58:15 - An upbeat 40s tune “Three Little Sisters” begins playing as
Pumpkin makes her spunky entrance to the airstrip as the group prepares to leave
to a resort. The lyrics are fitting as the three geisha “sisters” have joined together
once again for a common cause.
2:03:00-2:07:37 - Nobu offers to be Sayuri’s danna which is punctuated by
“Destiny’s Path” which is a fast paced fluid tune. It sounds hurried and impatient as
Sayuri tries to develop a plan to avoid becoming tied to Nobu, when she really wants
the Chairman. It ends abruptly when Pumpkin brings the Chairman to “interrupt”
Sayuri with the Colonel, when she really wanted Nobu to see and become upset.
Sayuri believes her future has been changed forever.
2:07:45-2:10:23 - A similar version of “Sayuri’s Theme” plays as she looks out over
the Japanese mountainside seemingly without hope. It quietly changes into the
mournful tune of “A Dream Discarded.”
2:11:18-2:12:19 - A delicate flute melody plays as Sayuri ventures to the teahouse
to meet who she thinks is Nobu offering once again to be her danna. Her face is full
of melancholy as she feels she has lost hope and given up on her dreams.
2:13:30-2:16:56 - The Chairman is the one who shows up to meet Sayuri, and
explains that he has been helping her achieve her dreams all along, including asking
Mameha to take Sayuri on as a maiko (geisha in training). A quiet violin version of
“Sayuri’s Theme” plays in the background as they realize their feelings for one
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