Will

The biggest change I noticed to the Cello Concerto is the new soft ending, replacing the much more abrupt ending in earlier versions. I like both endings; the new one is probably the most satisfying, since it calls back to the beautifully contemplative theme introduced earlier in the final movement. It's interesting that this sort of soft ending is becoming almost a sort of cliche in Williams concert works involving a solo violinist or cellist. If my memory serves me correctly, ALL of the following pieces end in this manner: - Highwood's Ghost - Markings - Violin Concerto No. 2 - Cello Concerto (2021 Revision) - Han Solo and the Princess (Mutter version) In all of the above cases, the violin or cello reaches up to impossibly high pitches -- and sustains them for a very long time -- over a bed of calming strings and harp plucks. It's a very peaceful way to conclude, and seems to have become a Williams trademark.

Not the biggest fan of the actual theme melody (might grow on me), but the piece is great! (I felt the same way about Galaxy's Edge.)

First movement of the Cello Concerto sounds great so far!

10 minutes to go!

I second the praise above for John Lunn's Downton Abbey: A New Era. It's a very "conservative" score, hewing closely to the approach Lunn took for the TV series & first film, but beautifully crafted. A delight to listen to. Two highlight cues:

Wow, from the clip this sounds like it might be the best version of "With Malice Toward None" yet...

The more I listen to it, the more this wonderful piece reminds me of two brilliant William Walton works, Johannesburg Festival Overture and Scapino Comedy Overture.

Do we know which hall or studio this was recorded in? (more specifically than that it was in New York)

Creating a thread for this British composer because I have really loved her scores since she entered the mainstream film & TV scoring scene in 2018. The orchestrations may not be the most complex but I think she has such a knack for weaving delightful little melodies with prominent woodwinds. Her scores are so pleasant to listen to, some of the most feel-good music I have heard in recent years. In addition to her gorgeous score for The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, she has also scored the first two seasons of the marvelous TV show All Creatures Great and Small. (Admittedly, my love for her music may be partially due to my love of both Guernsey and All Creatures in general.) Her music is so evocative of the idyllic English countryside.

I can definitely hear the final movement of Ravel's Piano Concerto in some of JW's action writing, particularly "The Falcon" from TFA: Both this and "The Falcon" are splendid pieces!

Another random cool thing was hearing the xylophone player practicing Flight to Neverland before the concert began. So cool to be able to recognize little bits and pieces among the general chaos of all the different players practicing. I also was able to pick out what I'm pretty sure was the bassoon part for Sound the Bells.

The radio broadcast still says "audio not yet available": https://www.wqxr.org/story/john-williams-conducts-the-philadelphia-orchestra/

A surreal experience I will remember for the rest of my life. JW still stunningly energetic in his conducting. That's super cool that it was a JWFan member who reminded him about AOTC! That was a fun moment, and it's even better knowing it was a fellow member. Sound the Bells was a really excellent concert opener! I thought it sounded even better than on the American Journey CD.

(Presumably) unintentional Schindler's List reference.