Johnny Williams

[Starbeard]

Happy 90th yesterday to the man who will undoubtedly win the academic culture war and be remembered as the greatest composer of our times.

What's your single favorite Williams piece? Can't decide between a few? Maybe you have a desert island track list already tucked away.

I can't quite decide. The final, epic 15' music cue for E.T., the Superman March, Yoda's theme and the Luke & Leia theme are all pieces I habitually have my students dissect in class, because I love watching that moment where they suddenly drop their pencils and take in just how clever and brilliant his music is, after years of being told by elitist concert music snobs that he's just a pastiche-spewing hack.

The whole ROTJ score is his Star Wars magnum opus I think—it doesn't have as many new themes, but he now had the whole Star Wars thematic language to work with, and the way he weaves in and out of the material is great.

People forget just how awesome the Jaws theme is. The little shark motif overshadows the rest of it, which is all sorts of great high seas, swashbuckling intensity.

[geoffrey]

Favorite John Williams score: Star Wars (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Favorite John Williams piece: "The Throne Room and End Title" from Star Wars (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

[Deleted]

Always has been this one. 

[captainjapan]

What a difficult choice!

I'll go with Superman - main theme. Although, the Raiders march is pretty darn awesome too.


If anyone has the desire to go on a John Williams binge, I also recommend seeking out the Empire of the Sun track, Cadillac of the Skies. Very moving. Oh, and Asteroid Field from Empire Strikes Back! Oh, and Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra from Last Crusade!


edit: More gems:

battle of Midway - 1976

NBC News theme

Leaving Home - Superman -1978

the '84 Olympics

[Starbeard]

All such good ones!

His concert music is completely overshadowed by his film music, too. The horn concerto has some really cool moments; it should, he is the guy who made French horn cool, after all: youtu.be/L8FAvxLThXA

[captainjapan]

[Falconer]

Single favorite piece would have to be “Adventure on Earth” from E.T..

Second place goes to “Jedi Steps and Finale” from The Force Awakens.

Star Wars is my favorite overall score.

[Starbeard]

Good call on that TFA cue. We tend to eulogize his middle career work only, but he's kept churning out good stuff over the years. It's amazing that the guy is 90 and "thinking about maybe retiring soon."

Everyone should stop a moment and consider just how impactful the one person has been in shaping everything we know and love. Even when it's somebody else doing the score, like Poledouris writing for Conan, it still is only what it is because of his direct impact on movie music; without Williams the Conan soundtrack probably would've sounded like CHiPs.