The Most Underrated John Williams Score # 7

[Sandor 459]

I've compiled a list of the 10 most underrated scores by Williams.

The term "underrated" is in my opinion mostly subjected to personal taste. There are no "official" or factual ways to determine whether a score is "underrated" or "rightfully appreciated".

In that sense, a singular score can be viewed as 'underrated' by one group, and 'overrated' by others (Saving Private Ryan comes to mind).

When labelling a score "underrated" one uses various, different criteria to come to that determination.

I've used the following:

The underrated scores in my list have had little to no recognition during Award ceremonies (the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, etc.) In fact, some of these scores have not even been nominated.

Also, the underrated scores in my list are seldomly discussed by (film) music fanatics, and are not part of the body of scores that the general public associates with 'the great John Williams scores'.

So, that's it. Here we go.

THE MOST UNDERRATED JOHN WILLIAMS SCORE # 7 - SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET

While Memoirs Of A Geisha may be remembered as the most succesful collaboration between John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma (earning Golden Globe and Grammy Awards along the way), to me their first work on a film score is the stronger and more satisfying effort.

Seven Years In Tibet is a highly complex and beautiful soundtrack. Despite the fact that little of the written music was used in the finalized film (even giving the impression that many selections were exclusivly written for the album release), what is in the film works.

Director Jean Jacques Annaud writes perhaps the strongest words of praise ever presented in liner notes (even exceding Spielberg's for E.T.), indirectly stating that he would like "to be" John Williams. When listening to the music one could understand why

For me, this soundtrack is worth its price solely based on the opening (and closing) suite. The 7 minute track is among the most underrated efforts ever written by John Williams, and had the film been more commercially and critically succesful, this theme would be a standard in concert performance. The first track is stronger than anything on Memoirs Of A Geisha and presents a selection of gorgeous melodies. It's epic, grand and arranged with a slight classical touch which is a winner throughout.

A lot of the soundtrack is based on the material presented in the suite, and the only criticism one could give is that there is little variation in the arrangments (this is where Memoirs Of A Geisha outclasses Seven Years In Tibet). If one doesn't pay good attention it may seem that you're listening to the same track over and over again.

Some tracks do stand out: the haunting Leaving Ingrid, the playful Palace Invitation or the beautiful Regaining A Son. Williams would later write a concert piece based on the latter.

All in all, this soundtrack is impressive. Not a knock-out from start to finish (due to its earlier mentioned lack of variation in the arrangment), but it may be a surprisingly strong soundtrack to anyone who hasn't heard it.

[Miguel Andrade 964]

I know of someone who will love this one

[QMM 4]

Nice work with this one

[Ollie 859]

Good pick Roald, I was listening to this score last night.

[Henry B 49]

Yeah, it's a good score, but it's not better than Memoirs.

[indy4 152]

This is the first one I don't have.

[Joe Brausam 203]

This is one of my favorites, much of the score is very moving and has a sweeping feel to it. And I agree, the opening/closing piece is wonderful!

[Neimoidian 13]

It's on my Top 10 favourite JW scores. Exceptional theme and haunting underscore.

[John Crichton 4]

The concert I went to the suite from this was played and I enjoyed it, but I just can't get into the score. A Williams dust collector for me.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

Great score, definitely underrated.

[Hitch 55]

I know of someone who will love this one

Me or The Dalai Lama?