program notes by composition > m > Midway March
In the classic World War II motion picture Midway (1976), John Williams created one of the most powerful military-style marches ever heard on the silver screen.
The Battle of Midway was a victory that some say was the turning point of the U.S. war against Japan during World War II. The jaunty nature of the march celebrates the victory but omits the high cost of the battle. Key to the victory was the breaking of the Japanese Naval encryption codes. The war had been going badly for the U.S. and the Japanese planned to deliver a devastating blow to finish off the U.S. fleet at Midway. However, due to the U.S. Signals intelligence breaking the Japanese encryption code, the U.S. was able to plan a counterattack that led to eventual victory, although with great loss of U.S. life. Chicago’s Midway Airport was named for the battle.
Williams references the code in his March with a repetitive set of staccato notes in the brass.