bigjimwilson

Vienna, for me, was utterly magical from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. A nervous excitement in the air that I can't quite put my finger on, but certainly driven by the disbelief that it was actually happening. I also really liked the program. Although it was the Mutter arrangements (which I don't tend to prefer... other than Eastwick) I love that my first Williams concert included Cinderella Liberty and Sabrina, along with some expected favourites. The venue, the weather, the city.... all just perfect. I don't think I've ever smiled at so many strangers I was just over the moon to be there. Berlin was utterly wonderful. A fantastic few days in which my amazed self watched John conducting for the third time, having been convinced just a few years ago I would never have the opportunity at all. It was fantastic to see him in such high spirits and full of such energy. The man is a treasure. What a week. Travelling internationally again felt marvellous. I met some friends, made some new ones, and felt real joy in being part of a great film music, and Williams fan community. Vienna takes the Win for me. But that's no slight on Berlin at all. It's really an impossible question, and I feel no real need to refer to one as being "better." It's like choosing a favourite child. The more I've read of this thread though, the less I want to discuss it here any further........ beers at the Lindenbrau anyone?

I think also there might be season ticket holders who aren’t interested in John. There was a lady sat next to us on Thursday who was utterly baffled by the concept of a film music concert. But by the end she was loving it.

i also noticed this straight away. I’d assumed maybe it was because I sat at the back, above the percussion. Sounded brilliant though.

Different Jim 😊 no apology necessary. what a great evening. John on fantastic form, and the orchestra sounded great. Lots of smiles amongst them. Privileged to have been here. My barcode wouldn’t scan, on either the pdf I’d saved or the version I’d saved to my “wallet” on my iPhone. But my girlfriend’s scanned fine 🤷🏻‍♂️ But it didn’t cause a problem in terms of gaining entry. They could see I had the covid pass, and that the name matched my photo ID.

So is it just me.... or does anyone else prefer to avoid reading what the program will be? I steered clear of it for Vienna, and I truly believe the wow factor was amped up even higher because each piece was a surprise. (Apart from I knew Hook would be the opening... and that's only because I accidentally read it on this site ) For me it's just like going to see a band. It's very rare that you know what they're going to play before they begin. I love the element of surprise, and it truly puts me in the palm of the hand of the performer. But, just like when the Vienna concerts were getting closer, I think I'm going to have to either stop checking this thread, or just be super careful. Already read some things I would have preferred not to know while skimming through. I'm just curious if I'm alone in this preference? (Cue some hilarious one word "yes" answers.) I'd love to know why you're either for or against, and if you can tell me without mentioning specifics about the upcoming program that would be much appreciated

Think we need to lighten up a little, and I'm saying that from personal experience. I was horrified when I heard they were thinking about doing this, but I saw it during its initial run in Manchester, and I loved it. There were a very tiny handful of cringy moments, maybe a few headscratch "hmmmmm.... not sure" bits, but that could equally just be my general dislike of musicals. But they've done a truly wonderful job of capturing the spirit of the film and also managing to make it stand as its own thing. The cast are brilliant. The effects work with the car are simply staggering. Proper jaw drop moments. I know people who saw this having never seen the film (I know, I know.... choose my friends more carefully) and they adored it. BTTF for them will always be the musical first and foremost. The other thing to consider, is that with the core creative team behind the film also involved here, it means that Bob and Bob are keeping true to their word in keeping the rights with them and not letting anyone get close to it in terms of remake or reboot on the screen. It's all done from a place of love, and despite my huge initial reservations there are no barrels being scraped here. Also, without it, I might never have met Alan Silvestri So selfishly I'm in full support!

Not the C, but the last G of the melody repeat. Definitely a bit on the short side, and a little weaker than it should be. Like I say.... picky!

The Hollywood Sound Main Title is so so good. Apart from.... one of those things that once I heard it, I can't un-hear it, and now it bugs me..... French horn at 3:08. That poor note. Cut off in its prime Yes, I'm picky!

Not sure if I've got much preference over when.... but I'd love to be involved in a meet up. It would be lovely to put some faces to names. I regretted not getting involved in Vienna.

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That's the current minimum order for the UK, because 52% of us hate having access to expanded scores.

Thanks so much for this confirmation. I also made a little panic buy. So it looks like the "total amount" mentioned in my email receipt is, in fact, the total amount payable and includes the ticket for Johnny. This is wonderful news.

For any other UK buyers, they now have the CD for pre-order at presto classical. It's more or less the same as the Amazon price, but you're guaranteed to have it arrive in good condition with no bashed in corners

A Williams commentary track for a film would be pretty interesting. If he spoke about it a bit like a spotting session. But that would mean him watching a film again

I would love a CD re-release of this. Although I have the vinyl, and it sounds excellent. But if one day a better remaster was possible, perhaps with an expansion, it would be great to explore the score further. I think it's wonderful.

I feel you. Can't deny I would dearly love some deeper dive into his life and works. And like you, I'd be thrilled if some light was shone on his earlier years.

Sorry if I came across grumpy mate. I certainly wasn't wanting to throw any insults about. But in the same spirit, I just felt everyone was being un-necessarily dismissive of the guy. Spider-Fal shared the video, I assume because they thought we might get some enjoyment out of it. But instead it was said the video creator should "get out," and he was labelled "annoying" and "bumbling." Someone (obviously... I know... 'jokingly') said "kill him," and he was "tolerated." How gracious. I don't even know why I felt such an urge to stick up for him. I just wonder where the encouragement is, sometimes. In a community like this. And sure, the creator of the video might not even read these comments. (I hope to God he doesn't.) But if he did, wouldn't it be nicer to read "Good job... you've scratched the surface. Come discuss things with us, we'll help you peel away all the deliciously complicated layers and discover even more." ?? I think it's food for thought. But it means I've got two feet firmly in the boat for jwfan being ambassadors for Williams fandom. If none of you are on board with what I've said, fair enough. You can chalk it up to lockdown fever.

if you reeeeeeeeally want to Maybe just not for you, or for us. (There is always the distinct possibility, that not everything with the words John and Williams attached to it is aimed at we high and mighty knowledgeable folk.) But it doesn't mean we have to crap on the poor guy's efforts. As a musician myself, I enjoyed the parts where he was trying to work out the chords. Very interesting. Bordering on informative I might even say!

Thank god there isn't much snobbery here I mean.... heaven forbid a guy tries to show a bit of interest in something and wants to share it with other people. Tell you what... I bet the fans of John Williams would welcome this with smiles. It's always lovely to know that this music has touched someone, isn't it? Ah. Maybe not. Pretty happy to be in the minority here. I thought his level of excitement and admiration was lovely to watch.

I love how John's jazz days leak into everything he writes. Such phenomenal chord voicings everywhere.

I can't believe it's a year already. I remember everything about that weekend so clearly. A truly magical time that will stay with me forever.

Which recording is on the "Greatest Hits" compilation? I think I'd always assumed it was TPM, but the very opening is different

I believe I'm right in thinking the Phantom Menace recording of the Main Title became Lucasfilm's go to version for many years. Is it possible they were asked to get a complete End Title for use in any other projects?.... video games and wotnot? whilst the LSO were sat there and the mic's were on, it could have made budgetary sense. Few birds, one stone etc.

I can confirm that the Checkmate combined with Hong Kong is a great sounding release. I don't actually hear any difference at all between the FSM master and this.... but there is a terrible version out there which I think is just transferred from a record. I think some people confuse that for the FSM. I have that in a box set, and it sounds so bad compared to the Fresh Sounds and the FSM. If you've bought that, you could also get this.... then you have all the material from the FSM release without the price tag. Johnny Williams - Rhythm in Motion + So Nice (2 LP on 1 CD) Digipack - Blue Sounds (freshsoundrecords.com)

I believe there's a blu-ray only version coming in Feb. And.... there is no DVD version. So that should be easy to avoid!