There is perhaps no actor so associated with Star Wars as Anthony Daniels. The man who gave his voice and physical presence to C-3PO, human-cyborg relations, has appeared not only in Episodes I-IX but also in video games and TV shows. He played Tak in Solo: A Star Wars Story and was seen giving the Jedi a curious look at a bar in Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones. What you might not know is that he was the Emcee (or is that Emcee-Threepio?) of Star Wars: In Concert from its beginnings in 2009 through 2015. In 2024, he returned to host Star Wars: A Musical Journey.
In Star Wars Insider #230, Daniels takes readers through the experience as well as shares his favorite John Williams tracks.
What is experiencing Star Wars: In Concert like?
The cover of Issue 230 features Threepio and the caption "Fanfare for the Common Droid: Celebrating the music of John Williams in concert with Anthony Daniels." This centerpiece of the issue is riveting and well worth the read.
In "A Musical Journey," Mark Newbold details the impact of Daniels' performances on the franchise and mentions that he once conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in character. Consequently, he was the perfect choice to present the Star Wars: In Concert series." Daniels compares Williams to the greats of musical history, saying, "It's on the same scaffolding as Beethoven and Bach."
I had the opportunity to take part in this experience and wholeheartedly agree with the opinion that Daniels was the ideal host. It was exhilarating to be on the front row when the first notes were played and hear so many of the movies' scores played with montages from the films played on a large screen behind the orchestra. Daniels was affable and invited the audience into the emotional resonance of the music with his commentary in ways that didn't make us feel that he was an android sharing his encyclopedic knowledge.
What are Anthony Daniels' favorite Star Wars tunes?
While the rest of the article is part history and part love letter to the experience created by John Williams' contributions, Daniels let us know what his favorite themes were and the results will make you go back and listen to the soundtracks.
The list includes familiar favorites like "Duel of the Fates and "Rey's Theme," but my favorite inclusion is "Jabba's Baroque Recital." Williams proves his comparison to Bach with a refined piece of music that feels very out of place for a palace where rebellious dancers are fed to the rancor.
Star Wars Insider #230 will be on sale on February 25. You'll have to check it out then to read the full details of this fascinating story. You can set up your print or digital subscription here or find it wherever magazines are sold.