Scarpia

I've got it like the first option. The full opening, then the concert suites, and then the rest of the programme.
 
But your reservations about this order are interesting also. I think it depends on the score. I would never put a full-blown rendition of ET's flying theme in the beggining of the disc. I would totally respect the film order instead, as the music is following closely a narrative structure. For The Force Awakens, I like it this other way.

One can never get enough of John Williams conducting scoring sessions.

One can never get enough of John Williams conducting scoring sessions.

The KUSC John Williams can be heard here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t1b5q7227p5h7k8/JwOscarPreview-KUSC.mp3?dl=0

 
And I made a funny mistake, I didn't know the ensemble is that big. So we'll need two more trumpets and a trombone. But good for them, it will be a nice gig, hah!
The sold out performance will be after couple of weeks. Nice extra is that the encore will  also be by Williams. Beautiful piece arranged for brass band with flugelhorn solo. I will remember it (for) always...

"John, who played Finn in the space opera blockbuster, said he is hoping multi award-winner John Williams wins for his Star Wars score."

 
Look man, pain leads to fear.  Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.  Suffering leads to pain and something dark side something.  OK I'll upload it tomorrow.

 
Very insightful observations as usual, Marcus.
 
I am inclined to believe JW isn't purposefully hiding too many easter eggs inside the construction of Rey's theme. He probably knows more than us about the character's future development, but I doubt he is cramming too many hidden meanings about Rey's lineage and so forth. What is interesting to me, from a purely musical point of view, is how beautifully interrelated the piece is to several other Star Wars themes - to use Williams' own words - in terms of modality, harmony and intervalic relationships. Williams is acting very much like Wagner, Verdi or other great opera composers, linking the thematic material though a consistent musical language and hence giving it a strong narrative substance. As you eloquently put, Williams uses doom-laden figures to paint an uncertain future for the heroine, which is in neat contrast to the bright and optimistic Luke's theme.

I ordered concert arrangements right after the Main Title and Attack of the Jakku Village (Parts 1 and 2). It serves a double purpose for me, as they don't get in the way of the score, and at the same time provide all the musical basis that will be developed or used througout the programme. A prequel Williams' OST approach, really, but it works fine for me.

Jay is probably like thank God JWfan2224 found the quick question thread.

Just finished it.
I had no problem with the ending whatsoever.
 
Very good film, and very moving at times.
It is tragic to see what people thought back then about things that are common sense now, like the equality of people of all colors.
It reminded me of the debates and endless quarelling and strict attitude nowadays about the equality of people of different sexual orientation (just very recently our Greek government legalised the same-sex union). Well, here's to another 100 years when this thing will be considered common sense eventually.

 
I wish this was always true in every venue, as one would expect to hear the orchestra, otherwise would pay for a common cinema ticket. My father went to Gladiator here in Santiago, and the dialogue and sound effects mix was so loud, he could barely hear the orchestra at times. Outrageous!
 
This happens because Chilean producers always try to do things on the cheap side, and usually hire poorly trained and inexperienced people to handle the sound. If any Williams score live to picture comes to Santiago, I'll pray for someone competent enough in charge.

Did you guys see the John Williams photo that Doug Adams just put up on Twitter? JW and his family in Scotland, ca. 1970.
 

I recorded it so if they don't post it next week, I'll upload it somewhere.  Nothing new, but each and every interview with The Maestro is a gem.  It would have been nice if they asked about future potential Star Wars involvement but we all the know the answer could only be "I'll try".
 
Oh, there is also this brief overview with Jon Burlingame:
http://www.kusc.org/blog/artsalive/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10671862
 
Burlingame loves Star Wars TFA and thinks it could win.

The interview won't be available until next week, probably.

Just call them up and place your ordere before it arrives to their warehouse.
 
Without notice of the discount, I called them to see when they should be getting it in and they informed me towards the end of February. They went on to say that if I pre-order it now, it will be discounted 15% and it indeed was. 
 
However, I ended up canceling my order because they charged me for the discounted score which did not include shipping because they "could not determine the cost of shipping without the product physically being there" - wtf? So knowing Lucks and the cost of their shipping, (as well as the time it takes for a package to get from Wisconsin to Northern California) I chose to go with sheetmusicplus since I can pay for 1 to 2 week budget shipping and receive it in a matter of 2 or 3 days since I live close to their warehouse. I am, however, going to purchase the cello part from Luck's once it is available as I think they are the only sheet music retailer that sells individual SE parts.

 
Just when you think you've seen everything, the youtube comment section never disappoints in giving us a new surpirse.

Agreed, I'd rather see McGregor star in his own Obi-Wan movie that takes place between the PT and OT than I would him have anything to do with the ST.

 
Just when you think you've seen everything, the youtube comment section never disappoints in giving us a new surpirse.

I'm so happy and proud about this. Simone is a dear friend of mine and a huge, huge Williams fan. He's also an amazing world-class pianist (he won the prestigious Van Cliburn contest several years ago) who can bring out the soul of a piece of music with great sensitivity. He devoted a lot of his time studying and understanding Williams' music and worked out some brilliant piano transcriptions. Just wait until you'll hear them!
 
I can't wait for all of you (and myself too) to hear his album.

And may the force with you at least until Episode XII...

Happy 84th Birthday to the Maestro of Maestros John Williams!
 
You are ever an inspiration and your music a fount of joy!
 
May you enrich our lives with wonderful music for many years to come!

My biggest hope too!

Soundtrack-wise, I'm hoping for an Episode VIII score from John Williams. 

 
Busy neglecting things like Heartwood, apparently.