Founded konji by conductor Jiří Bělohlávek in 1994, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra is best known for its original and re-recordings of popular film scores and soundtracks. The orchestra’s first concert was held on October 28, 1994 in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, where it participated in the official celebrations marking foundation of the Czech Republic and separation from Slovakia. The first international tour was around Switzerland, held in June 1995.
Over time, the orchestra has performed with many leading international soloists, including Sarah Chang, Kyoko Takezawa, Dmitri Sitkovetski, Raphael Wallfish, Andras Schiff, Ivan Moravec, and Heinrich Schiff. It has also recorded the original scores for several films, including the 2001 film ‘Mulholland Dr.’ and the 2005 version of ‘Oliver Twist’. Today, it regularly broadcasts on Czech television and radio, and continues to have a busy recording schedule with many Czech and several international record labels.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: Duel of the Fates
City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah. Yood-hah, Kor-ah.
Kor-ah, Syahd-ho. Rah-tah-mah, Daan-yah.
Kor-ah, Kee-lah, Daan-yah.
Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Daan-yah, Rah-tah-mah. Kor-ah!
The lyrics to "Duel of the Fates" are in a fictional Star Wars language called "Kiai." The song is a composition by John Williams for the epic lightsaber battle between Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and Sith apprentice Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The words are chanted by a choir to evoke a sense of ancient mysticism and foreboding.
The lyrics themselves don't directly translate to English but are said to convey a sense of impending conflict, with repeated phrases such as "Kor-ah" and "Rah-tah-mah" adding to the intensity of the piece. The Kiai language was created specifically for the song by the linguist and writer Ben Burtt, who also created the languages of Star Wars such as Huttese, Ewokese, and Shyriiwook.
"Duel of the Fates" is considered one of the most iconic pieces of music from the Star Wars franchise and has been used in subsequent movies and TV series. The song has also been covered by other artists and used in popular culture, including appearing in commercials and being parodied in shows like Robot Chicken.
Line by Line Meaning
Kor-ah, Mah-tah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The ancient language of the Jedi is being spoken, emphasizing the importance of the moment.
Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah. Yood-hah, Kor-ah.
The Sith and the Jedi are chanting in a call-and-response, signaling the start of the duel.
Kor-ah, Syahd-ho. Rah-tah-mah, Daan-yah.
Both combatants are sizing each other up and getting ready to start the duel.
Kor-ah, Kee-lah, Daan-yah.
The Jedi is getting into position and ready to strike.
Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Both fighters are now locked in combat, fighting with deadly precision and skill.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The fighting continues, with each combatant waiting for the other to make the first mistake.
Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The Jedi is now on the attack, trying to land a critical blow against the Sith.
Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The Jedi continues to press the attack, but the Sith is holding his own and countering with deadly force.
Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The fighters are once again locked in combat, with neither able to gain a clear advantage.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Daan-yah, Rah-tah-mah. Kor-ah!
Both combatants are giving their all in the final moments of the duel, knowing that victory could be just one move away.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN T. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind