It is one of the greatest scores in cinema: for more than 40 years, when we listen to it resonate, we all dream of going on an adventure.

An unmistakable fedora hat, a coat worn from numerous trips, a whip, Harrison Ford’s face and… seven musical notes.

In the early 1980s, thanks to two filmmakers who are undoubtedly among the best storytellers in the history of cinema, the big screen’s most legendary adventurer was born. But to the pen of George Lucas and the camera of Steven Spielberg we must add the baton of John Williams.

• It is one of the most famous music in cinema: for 34 years, it has been in thousands of homes at Christmas time.

One of John Williams’ most legendary soundtracks

An outstanding composer who is one of the important musical legends of Hollywood, John Williams actively participated in the creation of the myth of Indiana Jones. Even every note of the virtuosic soundtrack he wrote for Raiders of the Lost Ark Exuding talent and inspiration, the immortal little tune that is the main theme of the film and the character is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant discoveries of his entire career.

Also known for having signed the masterful themes of Star Wars, as well as Jaws, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park and the Harry Potter saga, John Williams can also boast of being able to define the word “adventure” in music. . The main challenge, which also formed the basis of his work on the saga of Indiana Jones:

An immediately identifiable theme

“My first job on Raiders of the Lost Ark was to create a recognizable theme for the Indiana Jones character.”he said matter of factly At the microphone of Empire magazine in 2021.

“Every time Harrison Ford jumps on a horse or does something heroic, I wanted to connect with that theme. I remember playing Steven. Two possibilities on the piano. He loved them and simply said, “Why don’t you use them both?” So these two tunes became the main theme and interlude of what we now call the Raiders’ March.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing for weeks.”

Even if this tune seems incomparable and almost obvious to us today, it took a lot of research and work from John Williams:

“The interesting thing is that it’s a very simple little tune, but I spent more time on these pieces of musical grammar than anything else.”John Williams continues.

“The sequence of notes has to sound just enough to seem inevitable, like it’s always been with us. It was something I did for weeks, changing notes here and there to find the right shape musically. Those simple little things. They’re often the hardest to catch.”

What is your favorite John Williams soundtrack?

(Re)discover all the hidden details in Raiders of the Lost Ark…