Ep 8. John Williams at Tanglewood

John Williams is one of the most accomplished and celebrated composers in Hollywood history. He has composed the iconic scores for films like Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and many others. In this episode of Great Performances, viewers are treated to a performance of Williams' music conducted by the composer himself at the Tanglewood summer music festival in Massachusetts.

Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and it has been a vital center of classical music in the United States since its founding in 1936. In this episode, Williams joins the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus to perform some of his most famous compositions. The performance includes pieces from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, and other films.

The concert begins with the "Olympic Fanfare and Theme," which Williams composed for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The piece is a triumphant fanfare, full of brass and percussion, that sets the stage for a night of exciting and dramatic music.

Next, the orchestra launches into "The Cowboys Overture," from the 1972 film, The Cowboys. This piece is a more traditional Western-style composition, with soaring strings and the distinctive sound of a solo trumpet. It's a thrilling and adventurous piece that captures the spirit of the American West.

From there, the concert moves into Williams' most famous compositions, starting with the theme from Jaws. This piece, with its ominous low notes and pulsing rhythm, is one of the most recognizable themes in film history. The Boston Pops Orchestra and Williams do it justice, building up the tension and excitement until the famous "duh-duh" notes send shivers down the audience's spines.

Next up is the theme from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This is one of Williams' most emotional and heartfelt compositions, and it's clear that he has a special affection for it. The strings and woodwinds combine to create a soaring melody that captures the joy and wonder of the film. Williams even takes a moment to acknowledge the young audience members in attendance, many of whom may have seen the film for the first time in the past year.

The concert then moves into the Star Wars portion of the evening, with multiple selections from the film series. The orchestra plays "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" to thunderous applause, and Williams himself conducts the iconic "Main Title" theme. The music from the Star Wars films is some of the most beloved in cinematic history, and it's clear that the audience is eager to hear as much of it as possible.

The concert concludes with an encore of the "Main Theme" from Star Wars, as well as a short medley of Williams' music from other films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It's a satisfying and exhilarating end to a night of incredible music.

Throughout the performance, viewers are treated to shots of the beautiful Tanglewood campus, with its sprawling lawns and impressive concert halls. The setting is idyllic, and it's clear that Williams and the performers are enjoying themselves immensely.

Overall, John Williams at Tanglewood is a must-watch for fans of film music and classical music alike. The legendary composer is in rare form, and the Boston Pops Orchestra is more than capable of bringing his music to life. Whether you're a longtime fan of Williams' work or simply appreciate great music, this episode of Great Performances is sure to be a treat.