In spirit only

I wished I lived somewhere where they had these type of concerts.

Guess it was about time, after 130,000 miles.

Artists:

Los Angeles Philharmonic
John Williams, conductor
James Earl Jones, narrator

Program:

Williams, arr.: Hooray For Hollywood
Williams: Tribute to the Film Composer
Williams: Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, from "Catch Me If You Can"
Williams: Suite from "Harry Potter"
Williams: Grand Suite from "Star Wars"

Movie-music-master John Williams brings his own special brand of magic to the Bowl when he conducts the Philharmonic in his own masterpieces and works he loves. The program will include something for everyone, as Williams - a five-time Academy Award-winner - selects some of his favorites from among his many popular works.

Jz

1st HALF...

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD. A medley of MANY movie themes (not just Williams).

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. 3 pieces from the film. The opening title sequence, a slower piece involving Frank A. and his parents, then a piece of his many escapades running around.

HARRY POTTER. 4 pieces from the film. Hedwigs theme, the Phoenix theme, Quidich music, then Harry's Adventures.

2nd HALF....

ALL STAR WARS. James Earl Jones was on hand to do narration. Basically between each piece of music, he gave a brief rundown of the events which transpired throughout the films, I, II, IV, V, & VI. It was AWESOME. Music consisted of Main Title (of course), Duel Of The Fates, Across The Stars, Tattoine, Imperial March, Astroid Field, Yoda's Theme, Ewok Theme, and Throne Room End Titles.

3 encores consisting of Now Avenger, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and Superman.

I think that pretty much covered it. There may be a couple tunes I forgot about in the mix.

Williams opened with his own arrangement of the song "Hooray For Hollywood" (which quoted "There's no Buisness Like Show Buisness" among others) and then moved into the movie-theme medley he did for the Oscars. It was something to see it, even without the film clips. Lots of laughter and applause as people recognized themes.

The CATCH ME featured the Main Titles, a new arrangement of the father's theme, and finally a new arrangement of "The Float" with significant new material for sax, vibes, and bass.

Some will recall that Williams has announced a plan to adapt themes from HARRY POTTER a la "Peter And The Wolf" featuring small groups of instruments asa teaching tool for kids. One movement, for woodwinds, called "Nimbus 2000" was presented along with familiar material from the films. "Nimbus" is essentially the middle section from "Hedwig's Theme." There are supposedly other published movements featuring strings, horns, etc.

All the STAR WARS music came off well, including the "Duel Of The Fates" sans chorus, though the Throne Room and Desert Planet of Tatooine were slightly shortened. Williams' encore arrangement of NOW VOYAGER was taken from the "Cinema Serenade 2" album.

It's been great over the last ten years to hear Williams tweaking and modifying his film scores for concert performance. Sadly, now that he's no longer with the Boston Pops, we can't be sure when or if these new arrangements will be recorded. That makes these shows especially exciting to see.

okay well, that and a heavy dose of JW....

That HAD to be incredible to hear Jones speaking during the music.

quote:

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Originally posted by UCFKevin:
Holy lord.

That HAD to be incredible to hear Jones speaking during the music.

How did Superman sound?

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