Vintage Williams audio interview from 1985 (NY Public Radio)

[TownerFan 4,983]

I don't know if someone already pointed out, but this is pretty neat:

 

https://www.wnyc.org/story/john-williams/

 

Quote

 

• Williams says the best way to compose for film is to see the film in its unedited form so that you can sense its rhythm, atmosphere, and dynamics. A composer's chiel function, he says is a rhythm and tempo - one then "we start talking about texture and keys and the kinds of melody and harmony." The composer also says that that film music is a "slight of hand trick."
• Williams talks about his early career and that he enjoys doing music for all genres of film. He talks about his soundtrack for the film Jaws.
• Musical selection from the soundtrack of Jaws.
• Williams discusses the absence of the symphonic style for a while and his use of it in his Star Wars trilogy.
• Musical selection from the soundtrack to Star Wars.
• Williams talks about being a conductor for The Boston Pops orchestra and the wearing of both conductor and composer hats. He also reflects on the freedom of writing concert music not tied to a script like his flute concerto.
• Musical selection from John Williams Flute Concerto with Peter Lloyd soloist and Leonard Slatkin conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. He relates some advice to young composers.

 

 

[pete 907]

Thanks! Just one observation. I think he said "edited" and not "unedited". 

Quote

Williams says the best way to compose for film is to see the film in its unedited form 

 

[Thor 7,495]

I think this was posted in the 'interview' thread that we have; although I don't know how to find it. In any case, it's a nice interview, but nothing terribly new for us hardcore researchers.

[Miguel Andrade 1,263]

This interview (or perhaps just part of it) was included on the old Sugarland Express CD-R bootleg from some 20 years ago.

It's great to have it now on its entirety and in great sound.

Thank you @TownerFan

[Thor 7,495]

11 hours ago, Miguel Andrade said:

This interview (or perhaps just part of it) was included on the old Sugarland Express CD-R bootleg from some 20 years ago.

It's great to have it now on its entirety and in great sound.

Thank you @TownerFan

 

Ah, perhaps THAT'S where I'd heard it before. Thanks for the reminder (I've since "upgraded" my SUGARLAND bootleg to one with slightly better sound, and threw that old one with the interview in the trash bin).