In an era when many classical musicians despair for their art’s future, the heroic brass opening of ‘Star Wars’ is one of the most instantly recognized melodies in the world. When figures ranging from former US vice president Dick Cheney to university sports teams have wanted to toy with their images for ruthlessness, they have made entrances to Darth Vader’s theme — and crowds needed no explanation. With more than three-quarters of Americans having seen a ‘Star Wars’ film, covers and parodies of the music — including one recent one by a singing toddler — have generated millions of views on YouTube. The force behind the music is 83-year-old John Williams, who has written the music for all of the films in the blockbuster science-fiction series including the hotly anticipated seventh movie, ‘Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,’ which
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