perc2100

I should explain that I meant Spielberg 'half-jokingly flipped out' over Williams discussing something over the mic, while being happy with the music + visual. Sometimes my friend has even gotten phone pics of a shot from the screen; they know I'm a big movie nerd so they're always talking about scoring jobs they've recently worked on, but this time security was higher-than-normal in the studio.

This is true, I can confirm from a friend who played on the session. Williams did not conduct anything, but was reportedly alert, and communicative with both the musicians, the conductor, and Spielberg himself. Williams was in constant talks w/Spielberg to ensure that the flow of the music went sufficiently w/the imagery on screen. The sessions DID NOT have a film name to it, rather a generic-sounding production name/number. The musicians weren't allowed to see the screen at all (typically it's not unheard of for musicians to 'peak' behind them to catch glimpses of the scene). Williams had a mic near him that was connected to the musicians' headphones so he could communicate as necessary. Apparently the first 6 or so hour session in October was mostly slower music, while a second session (I think my friend said in mid/late November though I could be wrong) was the faster 'action sequence type' music. Funny thing: my friend showed me some digital copies of their part they played, and there were no time signatures or tempo markings! My friend was pretty freaked out going into the session not knowing if they were playing, say, 180 beats per minute or 60 bpm (it was all slow)! The only thing my friend said about the film, is at one point the orchestra played a segment & Williams motioned for Spielberg to come over to confer something. Over the earphones Williams could be heard asking Spielberg if Spielberg thought the music sufficiently synced up to the "flash in the animal's eyes," and Spielberg half-jokingly flipped out when he realized Williams said something broadcast to the orchestra My friend said Williams looked a bit frail, but seemed mentally sharp, communicative & jovial throughout the long day: THAT to me, was the best news I heard!!

Maybe more unpopular opinion: I care FAR more about a new Indy score more than I care for another Indy movie at this point I realized after this announcement Friday that I was somehow not super familiar with his CRYSTAL SKULL score. I revisited/listened to it again Friday and was (almost) surprised how solid/good it is! It's not a sexy "introduce several new amazing themes" type of score (though the 'crystal skull' motif is striking!), but the score works well for the film and there are some great moments. IMO his score is easily the highlight of the entire film (though the campus chase scene is a legit Spielberg all-timer as far as staging and the way it's shot)

Thanks a lot! Looks like a great concert, but of course that's always the case with John Williams on the podium!!

Can anyone post a setlist from this show? I was bummed I didn't get to drive up this year to see him. I went last year and it was one of my all-time favorite concerts.