Overview

This is the main theme from the movie Raiders of The Lost Ark. This piece was orchestrated by the late Herb Spencer and is referenced in Professional Orchestration Volume 2.

Says John Williams:
"The Raiders March" was written in 1981 for Steven Spielberg's production of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

I created the march as an "adventure" theme to be associated with Indiana Jones, the colorful hero of the film, played so brilliantly by actor Harrison Ford.

The success of this wonderful movie led to two sequels: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. These films formed a trilogy which became one of the most successful action-film series in cinema history and we used the march as the central musical theme for all three episodes. This music was introduced at the beginning of the first film when Indiana Jones made his initial escape from the pursuing villains and it was subsequently used as the musical accompaniment for all of his daring exploits.

Since its composition, I've had so much joy performing this piece in its original form, that I'm delighted that this edition has been made available."

John Williams

Score Specs

Duration 5:05

32 pages

10"x14" spiral bound full orchestral study score

Instrumentation

FLUTE 1
FLUTE 2
PICCOLO (Flute 3)
OBOE 1
OBOE 2
ENGLISH HORN (Oboe 3)
Bb CLARINET 1
Bb CLARINET 2
Bb CLARINET 3 (Bass Clarinet)
BASSOON 1
BASSOON 2
CONTRA BASSOON (Bassoon 3)

F HORN 1
F HORN 2
F HORN 3
F HORN 4

Bb TRUMPET 1
Bb TRUMPET 2
Bb TRUMPET 3
Bb TRUMPET 4

TROMBONE 1
TROMBONE 2
TROMBONE 3
TROMBONE 4
TUBA

TIMPANI
PERCUSSION 1 (S.D., B.D., Piatti, Triangle)
PERCUSSION 2 (Glockenspiel, Vibraphone)

HARP

PIANO/CELESTE

VIOLIN I
VIOLIN II
VIOLA
VIOLONCELLO
CONTRABASS