The ending song in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace references a very recognizable theme from Return of the Jedi. Since then, other musical connections have been made throughout the franchise, like in The Mandalorian season 2, Snoke’s music is subtly included, pointing to a possible origin theory for the mysterious villain. Music in movies can be very telling and open up a whole world of ideas, theories, and connections, and with such an expansive franchise like Star Wars, it’s not unreasonable to try and draw such lines.
After the climactic final battle in The Phantom Menace, a celebration is thrown in Theed to commemorate the defeat of the Trade Federation and the coming together of the Naboo people and the Gungans. The scene is full of jubilation and is very reminiscent of A New Hope’s awards scene after Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star. “Augie’s Great Municipal Band,” a song whose name was revealed in the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), is played proudly by the Gungan band of the same name as they parade through the streets of Theed. “Augie” refers to the fictional Gungan composer of the tune, Augara Jowil, who originated within the Star Wars Legends continuity but was later canonized in 2018 in Star Wars – The Official Magazine, issue 90. While the upbeat song can’t help but bring a smile to the faces of those on the steps of the Theed Palace, the song is actually derived from one of the most bone-chilling themes of the entire Star Wars franchise.
“Augie’s Great Municipal Band” in The Phantom Menace subtly references the “Emperor’s Theme” from Return of the Jedi. While music editor Ken Wannberg initially denied that the two songs were related, Star Wars Insider, issue 109 stated that “Augie’s Great Municipal Band” was intentionally written to emulate the “Emperor’s Theme,” and lead sound designer David W. Collins and author Timothy Zahn later went on to confirm that the songs were indeed linked. Though this song may appear to represent a victory for the Naboo, it really represents Palpatine, who is celebrating his first step toward taking over the galaxy.
When the haunting “Emperor’s Theme” plays, it is hard to separate it from Emperor Palpatine of the original Star Wars trilogy. “Augie’s Great Municipal Band” takes that theme and greatly alters it but maintains the general contour of the melody. It’s hard to hear at first because, of course, the two songs are stylistically very different; one is fast and in a major key, played with gusto in a higher octave by the Gungans and sung by a children’s choir; the other is slow and in a minor key, played solemnly in a lower octave and sung ominously by bass voices. Listen to the songs side-by-side, and the connection is very clearly heard between the two in a hair-raising sort of way.
Though the Naboo are able to fend off the Trade Federation and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan defeats Darth Maul, Palpatine is the true winner at the end of The Phantom Menace. Palpatine ascends to the role of Supreme Chancellor, a powerful position that he will ultimately use to create the future Galactic Empire. He also begins to forge a trusting relationship with the young Anakin Skywalker, knowing full well that he will one day use this relationship to his advantage.
At the end of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, it is Palpatine who has the last laugh, and “Augie’s Great Municipal Band” pulls this idea together. The twisted adaptation of the otherwise happy song changes the whole feeling at the end of the first Prequel Trilogy installation. It is a painful reminder that while the Clone Wars haven’t even started, the Empire is already on its way to becoming the ruthless organization seen in the original trilogy. The future Emperor Palpatine looks on at the parade in Theed, smiling knowingly as his disguised theme plays, just as he stands disguised in his new role.
Key Release Dates
Rogue Squadron
Release Date:2023-12-22
