Muad'Dib

Vienna Philharmonic Ball 2024
Press announcement
On January 18, 2024 at 10:00 p.m., the 81st Ball of the Vienna Philharmonic will take place in the halls of the Vienna Musikverein.
Traditionally, the ball is ceremoniously opened by the Vienna Philharmonic in the Great Hall of the Vienna Musikverein. The opening in 2024 will be musically conducted by Philippe Jordan, who will thus make his "ball debut".
The programme of the opening of the ball includes 2 works by Johann Strauss Jr.: the waltz Roses from the South, op. 388, and the Polka Fast Under Thunder and Lightning, op. 324. 100 years ago, the ball of the Vienna Philharmonic took place for the first time. Richard Strauss composed the Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare for the occasion, which can still be heard today at the opening. John Williams also dedicated a ball fanfare to the orchestra last year. His Fanfare for the Vienna Philharmonic Ball will also be heard again.
 
Source:
Press Downloads - Vienna Philharmonic (wienerphilharmoniker.at)
 
Tickets:
81st Vienna Philharmonic Ball - Vienna Philharmonic (wienerphilharmoniker.at)

Well, I always occasionally hear about Fury Road naysayers who hate it for that exact reason, but they're so small that I wonder if they're even worth mentioning in the equation.
 
Disney really loves wanting to pull shortcuts in order to get praised for being socially conscious, never bothering to consider what the hell one does to actually do that. It's a consistent failing of their remakes, since there's stuff thrown in that's supposed to placate audiences, yet because they refuse to budge from the template of the original story (or in other cases, like Mulan, really spit in the face of them), they do absolutely nothing with it. The ideas are easy to hate if the stories have no place for them.
 
The only reason I might seem particularly defensive is because this often feels like legitimately the only example people past a certain age have of a big company trying to inject their properties with sociopolitical ideas, which I find incredibly unfair. I know full well that there is a place for them that can feel natural, as I've seen media elsewhere that have proven resonant to the audiences that Disney desperately try to court. I absolutely reject the premise that this is a fatal failing of these projects in particular because there are too many other moving, more prevalent parts for that to be true.

Happy new year!
 
To open with good news, 
John Powell has won his first Emmy for Still

https://deadline.com/2024/01/2023-creative-arts-emmys-winners-list-1235696511/
 
http://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/01/07/john-powell-wins-emmy-award-for-still-a-michael-j-fox-movie-score/
 
Beating JNH’s Light & Magic and Hans Zimmer Company’s Prehistoric Planet
 
Edit:
A photo of his win

https://www.reflector.com/news/national/the-television-academys-75th-creative-arts-emmy-awards---night-2---show/image_63377aa5-b1ed-5ebe-95a0-5e056011299b.html

Powell won Emmy for this!

https://deadline.com/2024/01/2023-creative-arts-emmys-winners-list-1235696511/
 
http://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/01/07/john-powell-wins-emmy-award-for-still-a-michael-j-fox-movie-score/
 
Beating JNH’s Light & Magic and Hans Zimmer Company’s Prehistoric Planet
 
A photo of his win

https://www.reflector.com/news/national/the-television-academys-75th-creative-arts-emmy-awards---night-2---show/image_63377aa5-b1ed-5ebe-95a0-5e056011299b.html

 
—-
^^
Anyway, check the breakdown above to understand why this score is such a hidden gem (albeit maybe a small minimalistic gem)
 

I always thought that Clint Bajakian's work on Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb (video game) totally captured the "feel" of Williams' Indy scores, particularly with regards to the brass writing:
 
 
 
 

I would love a concerto for orchestra.  Back in the late 90s, it was reported that he was working on one, which then turned out to be for seiji, which I love, but it is not a concerto for orchestra.
 
For you timpani fans, listen to the second movement of his viola concerto.  
 
Is this video still the best we have?
 

Coming soon!
5 Cat Studios & Omni Music Publishing proudly present the final score book of the “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy: The Hidden World!
Pre-orders start on January 23. The full score book is available on February 23 🎶
Produced by Batu Sener & Tim Rodier
#johnpowell #scorebook #httyd @httydragon @batusener
 

 
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1r0tP-OxoO/

"Indiana Jones Disenchantment is the feel-good thread of the holiday season!" -  @RogerEbert.com
 
"If you visit only one JWFan thread this winter, make it the Indiana Jones Disenchantment Thread"  - @JTW 
 
"Steer clear of this sh*t show. You'll find more intelligent banter in the Toilet Visit thread"  - @Jurassic Shark

 
Read it…   If wasting your life away griping about being disenchanted by a failed film in a nihilistic thread on a dead forum is your cup of tea.
Avoid it...  If you’d rather spend what precious time you have left in this world singing the praises of the worst movie from a tired franchise in the so-called appreciation thread.
- @Filmtracks

Makes me happy that nearly any mention of the film (even from normal people who probably don’t listen to film scores otherwise) praises Powell.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1AMGq6v032/

Brief update in The Times interview today when they asked him what’s next: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/john-williams-maestro-of-the-melodic-spark-0w6mbp5fm
 
“Most imminently there's a piano concerto to be written for Emanuel Ax ("I finished the first movement yesterday")”

2022: "Indiana Jones is my last film score, I'm retiring from film scoring"
 
2023: Lucasfilm announces the Daisy Ridley film
 
Also 2023: "When I said I was retiring, I didn't mean I was retiring"
 
Coincidence? 🤔

Not sure if it is new, or if it's here somewhere else I didn't see, but...
 
https://deadline.com/2023/12/composer-john-williams-not-retiring-aged-91-open-mind-1235683976/

“Complete morons” who are actually protecting the livelihoods of American musicians, and making sure the next generation of musicians have an industry to look forward to in the future. 

Never wanted to be an ant so bad in my life back in 2008 🤤🤤😩😩

I'd happily take a solid B+ or even a C over Crystal Skull, as an ending to the series. I do think they should have quit at Last Crusade* which was a perfect ending...only then we wouldn't have two superb additional Williams scores.
 
*on the other hand if Lucas hadn't nixed the Frank Darabont script which would have brought back Sean Connery, maybe that could have been great?
 
For me, the opening act of Dial of Destiny was a solid B+, and then the far-too-long middle section was a C (not counting the excellent but hardly used Antonio Banderas, whose bit wasn't nearly long enough and seemed to have some obvious unfortunate cuts in it).
 
And then the surprising third act for me was an A! I agree with pretty much all of this:
 
 
Maybe that 80% is a little too high but the proportions being more towards that would have been far better. The script needed another pass and the film needed another edit to really gel into something great. But yeah I wish the opening WWII sequence had been more like 10-15 minutes (maybe with fewer Indy shots to de-age, it would have stood out less?), the current middle section of the film had been something like half an hour to 45 minutes tops, and then I wish we'd had over an hour of awesome Indy in Syracuse. Actually have some plot there? Have him be torn about staying or returning for, I dunno, a few days at least? Build up audience suspense, let him have a conversation or two about it maybe? Clearly show how happy and in his element he is being in the past he's spent his lifetime studying. But let him come to his own conclusion about returning home.
 
Helena punching his lights out and him being unconscious for days(???) and waking up in his apartment later was really lazy and shitty screenwriting, and I gather it was rushed. It was the only time in the movie I kinda understood all the hate for Phoebe Waller-Bridge's character, because by taking away his agency/decision making, she made the character of Indiana Jones appear so very weak, at the end of his own franchise! Such a bad idea and the only (very) sour note in the otherwise-charming coda of the film.
 
Yavar

The part I liked the most was the whole Syracuse bit. For starters, I laughed my ass off when Indy discovers Voller's calculations were off. Secondly, Indy travelling back in time feels right and fresh for the series.
 
I do feel, as many have pointed out, that Indy should have taken the decision to return home on his own, instead of getting knocked out.
 
Also, I feel the movie should have been 80% about Indy in past Syracuse trying to return home. 
 

Just listened to this for the first time…
 
It’s absolutely amazing, and a contender for best score of the year. The quality of the music (orchestration, harmony, melodic invention, memorable themes, distinctive compositional voice, etc) all prove Powell to be one of the most accomplished composers working in film today.
 
No joke, I think this is one of his greatest scores (animated or live action). Is it blasphemy to say that it’s a step up from Solo (one of my favourites of his in recent times)? I had such a blast listening to this music. I was never a Powell super-fan, but this score has me excited to go back and re-evaluate his earlier animated works. I eagerly await his next projects.

https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/12/21/perseverance-records-announces-new-recordings-of-unreleased-james-horner-scores/
 
"Perseverance Records Announces New Recorrdings Of Unreleased James Horner Score"

My Hornermobile plays the danger motif every time I make a turn.

The Fabel Thief

^^
Thank you so much!
I am also having fun creating this
 
 
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Anyway,
Themes Breakdown (Part 2)
 

2. 
Mallard's Family theme, B section (maybe)
Some might say that these A & B section are its own different theme;
the reason why I classified as A & B part of one single theme because it mostly the case the 'B part' always played right after the A part. But let's see, let Powell confirm this.
 
The B section theme represents more on the 'joyful', 'happiness', 'togetherness' side of the Mallard family. This theme is perhaps the most played in the movie. It makes me think that this maybe in fact 'the main theme' of this movie.
 
First time we can hear this theme is during the opening track Bedtime Story at this particular moment (which is right after the A section like I've shown you before) until 0:21
 
 
It appears again, in second track What Else is Out There , the opening intro track. Like I've told before, this theme played during happiness/joyful montage of the intro sequence.
Hear it in this particular moment until 0:58
 
then appears again still in the same track at this moment until 1:32
^^
Really love both of these statements. That horn part, glorious!
 
 
Appears again in the next track, Join Our Migration
This is played during just basic conversation between the two kids of the Mallard family, hence this is the 'mundane' statement,
hear it below until 1:30:
 
 
Fast forward, this is the 'rejoice' statement of the theme, heard in Let's Fly track, hear it below:
^^
Just beautiful 😍
Of course, we all knew this track is played during first time the Mallards family break free and fly to their migration.
 
 
Now this is one of my favourite statement of this theme.
In the track Night Time, Day Time at this particular moment until 2:30
^^
Freaking love it! Pure classic Powell, with its up and down flute/string writing and that 'da dum' timpani.
Fun fact:
this track is played during one of the most beautiful scene in the movie, when all the Mallards having fun flying through the cloud. Honestly, it's a unique choice Powell did this scene with this kind of style, instead of grand epic style. But nevertheless, this current style works beautifully!
 
 
Fast forward,
now this is probably the 'main statement' of this theme,  heard in the track Migration Continues
hear it below:
^^
Also loving this!
It has a certain meditative quality in it.
 
 
Next, just like the A section theme, this B section theme also has its 'tragic' statement,
in the track Helicopter Attack at this particular moment until 1:22
^^
This statement is so powerful. This music plays when some members of the family are forced taken away,
Interestingly, it culminates with Elfman's Batman-ish fanfare 😄
 
 
Lastly, this one is also one of my favourite statement of this theme, in track Jamaica,
hear it at this particular moment until 0:53
^^
Pure pure beauty!😍😍😍
FYI, I am sure you'll get goosebump when you hear this in theatre (I for one also look forward to hearing this in theatre),
because the scene when this music played is quite heartwarming.
 
 
 
-----
Continue again later! 😄
 

Okay, so here it goes. It's going to be a long post, so I will make it into parts.
 
Here is the summary of 'my appreciation post' to Migration:
Themes Breakdown

1. Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, A section (maybe)
2. Mallard's Family theme, B section (maybe) 
3. The Migration main theme
4. The Villain/Chef motif 
5. The ‘danger’ motif (maybe)
6. Delroy the parrot motif
7. Chump the pigeon motif
 
and some miscellaneous:
> 'Reminiscence Therapy'
Compilation of bits; nod to Powell's old works
> 'Powell and His Flute'
Acknowledgement to woodwind writing in this score
> 'Powell Doesn't Need to go That Hard'
Acknowledgement of how Powell went unnecessarily extra miles for a cartoon about duck
 
------
 
Themes Breakdown (Part 1)
I will also give the context, the scene where the particular music is being played (without giving too much spoiler), so you can relate and connect more
 
1.
Mack’s theme/Mallard's Family theme, A section (maybe)
This one is quite hard to decide whether it's theme for Mack of for the whole family, as this particular theme is more often played in a scene where the whole family gathers. But Powell can confirm this later.
This theme represents more on the 'strange/negative' aspect of the family/Mack, whether it's stubborn-ness, cowardice, Karen-ness. etc
 
This theme is first heard on the very first track Bedtime Story ,hear from the beginning right until 0:08, (before the flute comes in,that's the B section theme); this theme is that 6-notes tune
 
 
 
The main statement of this theme (along with the B section) is played on the second track What Else is Out There? hear it below from the beginning; in particular the 'hum hum'part (until before 0:52, that's when the B section comes in)
^^
This track is played during the opening intro, in its full glory without much interruption from sfx.
The intro is like a montage; the 'hum hum hum' part is played during a montage when the family is during at its antics.
Where the horn-laden B section is played when the family is during at its happiest
 
 
Another statement is played during the track Open Your Eyes , played when Mack is being stubborn in regards of the need of Migration. Hear it below from the beginning until 0:32
 
 
The more 'Crazy' statement is on the track Uncle Dan, hear it in this particular moment until 1:02
 
 
One interesting application of this theme is on the track Let's Fly
This is played during the family starts flying for Migration, hear this moment until 0:45:
^^
You can hear the theme is faintly played on the background,
as if this 'cowardice aspect' is started to get left behind, to transform into more optimistic tune!
Clever!
 
Like I mentioned,
this particular theme will evolve into the general 'hero' tune for the whole group.
(actually, the transformation of this theme into a hero theme already foreshadowed way back in the first track, hear it below until 1:17)
 
 
We can already hear its transformation into a more joyful tune in the track Follow Me, But Not Too Close, hear it in this particular moment below, the choir part:
^^
You can clearly hear is has become an antithesis of the tune we heard on What Else is Out There track,
as this played when the family flies exploring the New York, as if finally starting to embrace and open themselves up.
Good job Powell!
 
 
Of course, the family will face into some tragedy in the climax;
this particular moment in the track Helicopter Attack is when this theme during its tragic statement, hear it below until 1:09 :
^^
it's played when some members of the family is being forced taken away
 
 
And finally, when the family finally reaches its final destination, this 'triumphant' statement is played in the track Jamaica, hear it in this particular moment until 1:04:
 
 
And last but not least, 
the theme in its full-fledge Hero statement, in the track Jamaica, hear it in this particular moment until 1:50:
^^
Love this moment; the orchestration reminds me of Classic Hollywood score
 
 
 
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I will continue later, it's quite exhausting creating this 😅😅.
Next, part 2

Another performance with Martha Argerich, Misha Maisky and Anne-Sophie Mutter