BB-8

Yep, 7 LPs. My concern is that 7 is not enough to include a significant amount of bonus material. Can't quite see the point.

Yes, and the vinyl quality really hasn't been that grand in the past...

Judging by the mic layout, Milan was not properly recorded - archival quality likely just for some (obscure) internal use at La Scala as noted elsewhere. It does seem odd given that Chailly and this orchestra are in with DECCA (Universal).

It's actually quite cruel, if not sadistic, to throw something "very limited" at one of the largest fan communities in the classical/orchestral genre.

Fixed.

"This man stole the punsh line when talking about Schindler's List."

Here's the full DG news item as of 22.02.2024, 18:05: 30 years after his last visit to Japan, John Williams returned for two special concerts – one in Matsumoto and one in Tokyo – marking his debut with the world-famous Saito Kinen Orchestra, with selections from his beloved film scores, and reuniting with his longtime friend, world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa. The second of these concerts was captured live on record at Suntory Hall last year and the resulting recording, John Williams In Tokyo, is set to be released by Deutsche Grammophon on 3 May, following his acclaimed concert albums, The Berlin Concert and John Williams in Vienna, which topped charts around the globe. The first single, ‘Superman March’ is out now along with a music video of the performance. The digital album is available for pre-order from today, with details of the physical editions to follow – including a deluxe limited edition vinyl box set to include Williams’ recordings from Vienna, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo for release later in the year. It was a long-held dream of Seiji Ozawa’s to see John Williams and the Saito Kinen Orchestra perform together in Japan, so the performances – and their reunion last year – held great meaning for both artists. Months in the planning, the announcement of this live recording was originally scheduled for the week of John Williams’ birthday (8 February). However, following the news of Seiji Ozawa ‘s passing, it was decided to announce the recording today after close discussion with his family and management. Williams was invited to Japan by his good friend Ozawa to conduct the Saito Kinen Orchestra – Ozawa’s “musical family” – so the realisation of the two concerts in Matsumoto and Tokyo was a landmark moment – not only for the pair, but for music fans around the world. Ozawa said of the occasion: “This special collaboration between them in Matsumoto and Tokyo was a joy that genuinely defies expression – my longstanding dream has finally come true!” The feeling was reciprocated by John Williams: “It was a joy to return to Japan after 30 years to visit my dear friend and longtime musical colleague Seiji Ozawa and to conduct his brilliant Saito Kinen Orchestra for the very first time.” Williams was a close friend of Ozawa ever since the latter was Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and took part in the Tanglewood Music Festival in western Massachusetts. As Ozawa recounted in January of this year, “I’ve consistently encouraged John to experience the unique essence of the Saito Kinen Orchestra, confident that he would love it”. Ozawa was in Matsumoto to witness the concert and was delighted to be reunited with his friend. The concerts took place in September 2023, following Williams’ recent performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles. He conducted the Saito Kinen Orchestra at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, a music festival directed by Seiji Ozawa, and a gala concert at Suntory Hall in Tokyo celebrating the 125th anniversary of Deutsche Grammophon. Both concerts had sold out in minutes. The long-awaited collaboration consisted of an all-Williams programme, including ‘Superman March’, ‘Theme from Schindler’s List’ and ‘The Imperial March’ from Star Wars. For both concerts, John Williams shared the podium with acclaimed conductor and friend, Stéphane Denève – Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of the New World Symphony, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. After the first half of the programme (conducted by Denève), Williams appeared on the Tokyo stage and introduced his ‘Superman March’ in honour of Ozawa. He said, “If you translate ‘Superman’ from English back into Japanese, ‘Superman’ means Seiji Ozawa.” The audience was moved by his words indicating their deep friendship and the Saito Kinen Orchestra responded to their enthusiasm with a riveting performance. Captured live at the concert in Tokyo, the long-awaited release of this musical celebration of friendship is planned for 3 May, the day before so-called Star Wars Day (‘May the Fourth’). The album includes 11 pieces conducted by Williams and a bonus track, ‘Tributes! (for Seiji), conducted by Denève. The work was composed by Williams in 1999 to honour Ozawa’s 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is now being released for the first time worldwide. Later in the year, Deutsche Grammophon will continue to celebrate the art of John Williams with the release of John Williams in Concert, a deluxe and very limited 7LP vinyl box set featuring his latest DG recordings alongside exclusive fan content. The release, available to pre-order on 4 May, will include his historic Vienna, Berlin and Boston concerts as well as the newest addition, John Williams in Tokyo. Parallel to this release, a week-long John Williams celebration will take over STAGE+ featuring selected concerts, both new and from the archive. For more than half a century, John Williams has shaped the history and sound of film music, his instantly memorable themes and consummate orchestrations gracing some of the finest movies of modern times. His extensive catalogue also includes other symphonic and chamber works, as well as innovative adaptations of his own cinematic themes.

Claire

"Your hotel is is just down West Street… on the left. See you after the second half of the concert!"

I think it's more a case of milking the cow once more before starting new projects (e.g., the piano concerto). To be honest, I would prefer an Ultimate CD Box Set, including the complete Vienna II material and the archival recordings from La Scala.

Holy crap !!! "The digital album is available for pre-order from today, with details of the physical editions to follow – including a deluxe limited edition vinyl box set to include Williams’ recordings from Vienna, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo for release later in the year." "Later in the year, Deutsche Grammophon will continue to celebrate the art of John Williams with the release of John Williams in Concert, a deluxe and very limited 7LP vinyl box set featuring his latest DG recordings alongside exclusive fan content. The release, available to pre-order on 4 May, will include his historic Vienna, Berlin and Boston concerts as well as the newest addition, John Williams in Tokyo. Parallel to this release, a week-long John Williams celebration will take over STAGE+ featuring selected concerts, both new and from the archive." Source: John Williams in Tokyo - John Williams | Deutsche Grammophon Looks like we still won't be getting Vienna II.

Holy crap !!! "The digital album is available for pre-order from today, with details of the physical editions to follow – including a deluxe limited edition vinyl box set to include Williams’ recordings from Vienna, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo for release later in the year." "Later in the year, Deutsche Grammophon will continue to celebrate the art of John Williams with the release of John Williams in Concert, a deluxe and very limited 7LP vinyl box set featuring his latest DG recordings alongside exclusive fan content. The release, available to pre-order on 4 May, will include his historic Vienna, Berlin and Boston concerts as well as the newest addition, John Williams in Tokyo. Parallel to this release, a week-long John Williams celebration will take over STAGE+ featuring selected concerts, both new and from the archive." Source: John Williams in Tokyo - John Williams | Deutsche Grammophon

But why then did Mark choose the Jurassic Park theme?

Or for one of these Disney(+) products in the making? Every new Star Wars movie and TV show currently in the works | GamesRadar+

u.a. Beratungsresistenz

Or ate them himself.

Double Trouble for violin and cello.

fixed ;-)

John Williams on his way to the golf course

But it does seem odd that JW didn't conduct the cello concerto and Schindler's himself, following that Sony release and interview between Yo-Yo and JW. Perhaps Yo-Yo was afraid that JW would repeat the "all-dead" joke and he would burst out in laughter. Carnegie still has it the other way round:

No turtleneck.

...and that when one translates John Williams from Japanese back into English it means "Superman".

Blimey - he says the N-word!

Helena's Theme for cello?