Tom

I met the artist of this at a con and bought a very large print that haunts my living room. Once I saw Heartbeeps, I knew I had no choice. Dog included for scale
 
 

 
Here’s his website https://beardedartist.net

While not completely on-topic for Film Night, I hope this is close enough. The BSO issued a press release today regarding Tanglewood on Parade: https://www.bso.org/press/bso-dedicates-2024-tanglewood-on-parade-to-seiji-ozawa
 
"The eclectic program, reflecting Ozawa’s far-reaching musical impact, begins with John Williams conducting For Seiji!, which he composed in 1999 in honor of Ozawa’s 25th anniversary as Music Director of the BSO."
 
 
 

There are none that I would wish such based on their musical qualities.  But, yeah, you feel bad for him for scores for disappointing movies.  The Post feels rushed, preachy, contrived, and hallow to the hilt.  Amistad, The Book Thief--any "serious" movie that fails in a basic way.  

Fanfare for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball
 

I had to scroll back to remember what I had even said in the first place.  Fortunately, I have a lot of free time.  
 
It is a fine film--solid 3 stars.  Maybe 3.5, if I have been drinking.  So, 3.5 it is.  

Damn, it looks like I am going to have to score Schindler's List after all.  

Bumping the thread to showcase the new recording.  I find the two performances comparable, but the recording quality of this one is obviously much higher. 
 
 

Bumping the thread to showcase the new recording.  I find the two performances comparable, but the recording quality of this one is obviously much higher. 
 
 

I know, but he is dead.  

Did The Book Thief steal number 10?  

Top 10 and Top 5 threads going on simultaneously.  I reached out to Williams and asked which approach he preferred.  Here is his response:
 

My goodness was I a snippy bastard.  Perhaps COVID changed me for the better.  

My goodness was I a snippy bastard.  Perhaps COVID changed me for the better.  

My goodness was I a snippy bastard.  Perhaps COVID changed me for the better.  

My goodness was I a snippy bastard.  Perhaps COVID changed me for the better.  

My goodness was I a snippy bastard.  Perhaps COVID changed me for the better.  

The White Man Group.  

I like that interpretation better.  Perhaps I am too defensive when it comes to comments about Williams. 

"By combining these two concert pieces, this album puts the symphonic work of Bernstein and Williams at the center, two composers who weren’t afraid of crossing the boundaries between film music and “serious” classical genres at a time when these worlds were generally kept far apart. Especially in Williams’ concerto, there are still hints of his work as a film composer; the slow movement brings to mind a scene of emotional gravity."
 
I do not think that the final sentence is meant as a criticism, but I find it odd.  All of the most famous violin concertos have emotional gravity, usually most pronounced in the middle movement.  Why on earth would this be a reason that Williams concerto is less "serious" at this point?  

From what we know, he began writing in the fall and was done with the first movement by the end of the year.  Outside of a couple of conducting gigs, it seems like he has not been working on anything else.  We are nearing the end of April.  I would have to think that it is almost done.  
 
I am getting the sense that it will not be premiered this year but next.  Ax spends a good deal of time in Tanglewood in the summer.  I wonder if Williams doesn't want to tinker with it with him later in the summer and then lock it for a premiere afterwards.  Given that most symphonies have their schedules set by summer, I could see this most realistically as a Tanglewood 25 premiere.  

Let's face it: it would be much cheaper than buying anything from Disney Music Emporium   

Let's face it: it would be much cheaper than buying anything from Disney Music Emporium   

If every single one of the 6,504 JWFan members donate between $23 and $46 each we may be able to book Williams!
 
The hardest part will be contacting those among the 6,504 who haven't logged into their accounts in years. Then there's the fakes, the duplicate profiles (Steef have dozens of them)... Yeah, this will be tough.

For that cost, we are going to have to book someone better than Williams.   

For that cost, we are going to have to book someone better than Williams.