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A Long Time Ago. In a studio far, far away…. John Williams. Born February 8, 1932 in New York City. Still kickin ’ at 80-years-old!. Jedi Master….
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A Long Time Ago In a studio far, far away…
John Williams Born February 8, 1932 in New York City Still kickin’ at 80-years-old!
Jedi Master… • One of the most influential film composers of all time. He composed the music for many classic films such as E.T., Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, and yes, Star Wars. • “[He] has composed the music and served as a music director for more than one hundred films” (johnwilliamscomposer.com)
Education • Studied composition privately with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco at UCLA • Studied piano with Madame Rosina LhZvinne at Juilliard School of Music.
Achievements Outside of Film • Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra from 1885 to 1993 • Currently holds the title of Boston Pops Laureate Conductor • Served from 1952 to 1954 in the Air Force • He conducted and arranged music for the Air Force Band during that time.
Achievements in Film Nominated for 45 Academy Awards He has won five of them (For Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., Schindler’s List, and Fiddler on the Roof (arrangements) Other great awards: Has received two Emmy Awards, seven BAFTAs, 18 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame
Composer • Compositional style: Creates a sense of wonder and majesty in his music, “His music for George Lucas’s Star Wars has been credited with bringing back the symphonic film score at a time when film composers had begun to turn more and more frequently to popular music as the basis for their scores.” (Candelaria and Kingman 289-90) • Famous for using leitmotifs in his work. • Many heroic themes • Music tends to use a lot of brass instruments.
“The Force Theme” Compositions: Star Wars “The Imperial March” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzntZLHcYy0 Listen for use of Leitmotif, powerful marching band-style rhythm, and heavy use of brass. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-LCbflIPONM#t=79s Listen for iconic awesomeness.
Rawr! Compositions: Jurassic Park “Welcome to Jurassic Park” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM_kMXoew40 Listen for the majestic overtones present in the music.
More listening examples: Indeed Closing statement: Truly, this man is a genius. Totally deserving of the praise and awards, this man revolutionized the film industry. Questions? (hopefully I have answers) Jaws Theme Superman Theme Harry Potter Theme Indiana Jones Theme (!)
References • ed. "Bio." JohnWilliamsComposer.com. Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 18 2005. Web. 5 Dec 2012. http://web.archive.org/web/20051018143945/http://www.sonyclassical.com/artists/williams_composer/adbio.html • ed. "John Williams Biography." Film Music Box. Film Music Box, 27 2007. Web. 5 Dec 2012. http://web.archive.org/web/20070927011739/http://www.filmmusicbox.com/boutique_us/page_actus_page.cfm?code_lg=lg_us&num_actus=3 • Candelaria, Lorenzo, and Daniel Kingman. American Music: A Panorama. 4th concise. Boston: SchirmerCengage Learning, 2012. 289-90. Print.