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Herbert Spencer interview (Cue Sheet, Vol.7 No.3, July 1990)


TownerFan

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What a refreshing interview. Spencer seems like he was a very sincere, if not brusque, man. It is clear that Williams knew some of the early films he scored were terrible (story-wise, not score-wise), but you have to start somewhere. Spencer's take on Empire of the Sun is classic, even though I do like the picture.

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Wow, cool interview! You don't read many interviews like that. Interesting to hear a collaborator of Williams talk about his process in as much detail as that

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Such a wonderful interview. Mr Spencer is a treasure trove of knowledge and stories and I really enjoyed reading his honest and candid opinions (even though I do disagree with him on Empire of the Sun). Insights into Williams, the man and the music and all the other people Spencer had worked with were fascinating.

It is nice to read Mr. Spencer talking about Williams in such warm tones. I remember how genial their relationship seemed to be as shown in the brief section of the music documentary of Empire Strikes Back and this interview further cements that image. Undoubtedly the success of Williams' 1970's and 1980's score has something to do with it but it is cool to read that Spencer attributes the best time of his working life to be the years of collaboration with Williams. :)

I think Spencer's observations on Williams' early career reflect a very natural progression of a young hungry composer gaining experience and name by scoring some less than stellar films for the chance to get his teeth into something more substantial and succesful. Still Williams has been enviably lucky in his choice of assignments and collaborative relationships he has cultivated throughout his career.

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Did anyone manage to copy this before the link went dead?  I was the one that found it originally and posted it on FSM and wished I would have had the foresight to save it.   

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