Ray Barnsbury 8 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 It vaguely seems like we've done this before, but I couldn't find a thread or poll about it from the last several years, so here we go. Which of Williams' original songs from the Home Alone scores is your favorite? The warm, sentimental "Somewhere in My Memory," the reverent, mysterious "Star of Bethlehem," the melancholy "Christmas Star," or the jubilant "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas"? I think all are wonderful, both in song and orchestral form. My favorite used to be "Somewhere in My Memory," but over the past couple years I've begun to develop a greater appreciation for "Star of Bethlehem"; it has a very distinct sound, and is woven masterfully through both scores, while functioning just as well as a straightforward carol (this thread has a nice discussion of it). I also think "Christmas Star" is pretty unique, using interesting chords and harmonies that I don't seem to hear often. So, what are everyone's favorites? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Coscina 3 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 It vaguely seems like we've done this before, but I couldn't find a thread or poll about it from the last several years, so here we go. Which of Williams' original songs from the Home Alone scores is your favorite? The warm, sentimental "Somewhere in My Memory," the reverent, mysterious "Star of Bethlehem," the melancholy "Christmas Star," or the jubilant "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas"? I think all are wonderful, both in song and orchestral form. My favorite used to be "Somewhere in My Memory," but over the past couple years I've begun to develop a greater appreciation for "Star of Bethlehem"; it has a very distinct sound, and is woven masterfully through both scores, while functioning just as well as a straightforward carol (this thread has a nice discussion of it). I also think "Christmas Star" is pretty unique, using interesting chords and harmonies that I don't seem to hear often. So, what are everyone's favorites?Yeah that is my fave of Williams. He's using harmonic extensions like major 9ths which sounds full and beautiful. Christmas Star is far nicer than his other xmas fare IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 The first option warms my heart the most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Brausam 214 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 I enjoy Christmas Star and Star of Bethlehem the most, but my vote went to Bethlehem. The melody and chord structure gives it such a transcendent quality, it really is a great piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,795 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 i like all four of them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Is it just me, or was Jerry Goldsmith also freaking awesome at Christmas music? I'm thinking Gremlins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 They're all great but the main theme takes the edge for me. My favorite rendition of any of those themes is the, naturally, unreleased cue when Kevin says goodnight from the first movie ("Somewhere in my Memory"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry B 50 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 It vaguely seems like we've done this before, but I couldn't find a thread or poll about it from the last several years, so here we go. Which of Williams' original songs from the Home Alone scores is your favorite? The warm, sentimental "Somewhere in My Memory," the reverent, mysterious "Star of Bethlehem," the melancholy "Christmas Star," or the jubilant "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas"? I think all are wonderful, both in song and orchestral form. My favorite used to be "Somewhere in My Memory," but over the past couple years I've begun to develop a greater appreciation for "Star of Bethlehem"; it has a very distinct sound, and is woven masterfully through both scores, while functioning just as well as a straightforward carol (this thread has a nice discussion of it). I also think "Christmas Star" is pretty unique, using interesting chords and harmonies that I don't seem to hear often. So, what are everyone's favorites?Yeah that is my fave of Williams. He's using harmonic extensions like major 9ths which sounds full and beautiful. Christmas Star is far nicer than his other xmas fare IMO.Suave, jazzy color tones for New York City. Very appropriate, though it's not my favorite carol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,208 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Star of Bethlehem, by far. Somewhere... is lovely, too. And I love the orchestral snippets of Merry Christmas throughout the score, but the song itself sounds rather hysteric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I used to like Somewhere in my Memory, but I voted Christmas Star. It's so beautiful, especially the chorus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUMENKOHL 1,068 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Silens Nox, Mychael Danna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I voted for Somewhere In My Memory. I love Williams' version of Carol Of The Bells probably more than any of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarbas 1 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 All the carols are great! Its very difficult to choice one of them, but for me is "Somewhere in my Memory".I'd the pleasure to sing it with a chorus two or three times and one duet with my mother. I wrote myself a version in Portuguese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrScratch 294 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Merry Christmas, Merry ChristmasEven though some of the lyrics are cheesy its a very fun piece of music. I like Somewhere in my Memory a lot too. I never cared for either of the "Stars" songs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hlao-roo 389 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Not that it would be in contention, but don't forget that Williams wrote a Christmas song for the first Potter film.I also think "Christmas Star" is pretty unique, using interesting chords and harmonies that I don't seem to hear often.You can hear its precursor four years earlier in The Accidental Tourist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I love Williams' version of Carol Of The Bells probably more than any of these. But I love all the Home Alone songs mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,715 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Star of Betlehem is my favourite of the four carols. Both the orchestral and the choral versions. The later re-arrangement for the adult choir which is on the Home Alone 2 album is even more powerful than the children's choir version. There Williams wrote a stronger orchestral backing for the choir closer to his purely orchestral version from the first film which really makes the music soar majestically. One particular detail I love is the surprising dissonance of the crescendo which then gently glides into the silence ending the piece with a hopeful note. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Star of Betlehem is my favourite of the four carols. Both the orchestral and the choral versions. The later re-arrangement for the adult choir which is on the Home Alone 2 album is even more powerful than the children's choir version.I disagree. I don't like the adult choir used in HA2 as much as the children's choir, I'm glad JW didn't use it for "Christmas Star." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,615 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Which of Williams' original songs from the Home Alone scores is your favorite? The warm, sentimental "Somewhere in My Memory," the reverent, mysterious "Star of Bethlehem," the melancholy "Christmas Star," or the jubilant "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas"?Yeah, that's what so great about these four Christmas songs. They all express a different mood or emotion.My favorite is Star of Bethlehem, followed by Somewhere in My Memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,018 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Star of Bethlehem. Hands down. Having said that I prefer Boston Pops rendition to Home Alone 2 a little bit too overblown performance. It's a Christmas carroll, not a Call of the Chamions, for God's sake.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas is my favorite.Funny you mentioned these because I just went to a concert last night that featured all 4 of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romão 2,274 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Star of Betlehem is my favourite of the four carols. Both the orchestral and the choral versions. The later re-arrangement for the adult choir which is on the Home Alone 2 album is even more powerful than the children's choir version. There Williams wrote a stronger orchestral backing for the choir closer to his purely orchestral version from the first film which really makes the music soar majestically. One particular detail I love is the surprising dissonance of the crescendo which then gently glides into the silence ending the piece with a hopeful note.Great post, Mikko, my sentiments exactly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,208 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I voted for Somewhere In My Memory. I love Williams' version of Carol Of The Bells probably more than any of these.Where what how?Star of Betlehem is my favourite of the four carols. Both the orchestral and the choral versions. The later re-arrangement for the adult choir which is on the Home Alone 2 album is even more powerful than the children's choir version. There Williams wrote a stronger orchestral backing for the choir closer to his purely orchestral version from the first film which really makes the music soar majestically. One particular detail I love is the surprising dissonance of the crescendo which then gently glides into the silence ending the piece with a hopeful note.Ack! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Brausam 214 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Perhaps he means the variations on Carol of the Bells in "Setting the Trap".Or maybe he actually meant Williams' version of the Nutcracker Trepak? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 75 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 "Star of Bethlehem". I'd go as far as to say that it's the best song Williams has ever written (or helped to write).But they're all good, especially "Merry Christmas". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,208 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Setting the Trap is purely instrumental, so I thought perhaps there's a Williams adaptation of the actual song I'm not aware of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Setting the Trap is purely instrumental, so I thought perhaps there's a Williams adaptation of the actual song I'm not aware of.On the Home Alone OST we get JW's arranged version of "Carol of the Bells". Actually, come to think about it, I don't know if he arranged it or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 75 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I don't think that was his arrangement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hlao-roo 389 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Savatage's take on "Carol of the Bells" ("Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24"), with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" interpolated, has become a radio staple during the holiday season despite its being completely instrumental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,615 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Setting the Trap is purely instrumental, so I thought perhaps there's a Williams adaptation of the actual song I'm not aware of.On the Home Alone OST we get JW's arranged version of "Carol of the Bells". Actually, come to think about it, I don't know if he arranged it or not.I think he arranged O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells as well as his own songs.Or maybe John Neufeld did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldsmithfan 6 Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 They play the end credits piece from Home Alone at my job. Only at Christmas time though. It started today and then was interrupted by some stupid advertisement. I was pissed. During no other time of year can I hear anything score-related at work. They must now be punished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,208 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 Setting the Trap is purely instrumental, so I thought perhaps there's a Williams adaptation of the actual song I'm not aware of.On the Home Alone OST we get JW's arranged version of "Carol of the Bells". Actually, come to think about it, I don't know if he arranged it or not.I think he arranged O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells as well as his own songs.Or maybe John Neufeld did.It doesn't say so in the CD inlay, and the credits look like "stock recordings". I don't recall if the version of Carol of the Bells we performed was identical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckM 1 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 "Star of Bethlehem," definately! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Barnsbury 8 Posted December 7, 2008 Author Share Posted December 7, 2008 Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas is my favorite.Funny you mentioned these because I just went to a concert last night that featured all 4 of them.It was the Austin Wind Symphony again, wasn't it? I swear, every concert of theirs I hear about makes me more and more sick about the fact that I live thousands of miles away and will probably never get the chance to see or play with them! But still, glad to hear you Texans are enjoying them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hlao-roo 389 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas is my favorite.Funny you mentioned these because I just went to a concert last night that featured all 4 of them.It was the Austin Wind Symphony again, wasn't it? I swear, every concert of theirs I hear about makes me more and more sick about the fact that I live thousands of miles away and will probably never get the chance to see or play with them! But still, glad to hear you Texans are enjoying them Oh, yes, how we Texans pity you, Mr. I Have Met John Williams 10 Million Times In Part Because He Has Actually Visited My State Before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Barnsbury 8 Posted December 7, 2008 Author Share Posted December 7, 2008 But I've never seen him perform the Christmas songs.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hlao-roo 389 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 But I've never seen him perform the Christmas songs....Boo hoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QMM 4 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 Star of Betlehem is my favourite of the four carols. Both the orchestral and the choral versions. The later re-arrangement for the adult choir which is on the Home Alone 2 album is even more powerful than the children's choir version. There Williams wrote a stronger orchestral backing for the choir closer to his purely orchestral version from the first film which really makes the music soar majestically. One particular detail I love is the surprising dissonance of the crescendo which then gently glides into the silence ending the piece with a hopeful note.Agreed, the climax is one of his best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightscape94 965 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 I like all of his carols very much, all four listed are completely different from one another, and their diversity lends to their listenability as well, since there isn't any repetition or redundancy. That being said, Star of Bethlehem is my favorite, followed very closely by Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas which is one of the catchiest pieces of music I've ever heard. I get this thing stuck in my head at the most inopportune times, and it's awesome. Star of Bethlehem is amazing and powerful, basically knocking you on your unworthy ass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas is my favorite.Funny you mentioned these because I just went to a concert last night that featured all 4 of them.It was the Austin Wind Symphony again, wasn't it? I swear, every concert of theirs I hear about makes me more and more sick about the fact that I live thousands of miles away and will probably never get the chance to see or play with them! But still, glad to hear you Texans are enjoying them Yes it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Crichton 4 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 Glad you enjoyed it. I couldn't make it, unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odnurega1 0 Posted December 7, 2008 Share Posted December 7, 2008 I voted "Star of Bethlehem". This is quite simply an awesome piece of music. It has so much power. I saw Home Alone on the big screen yesterday, and it was great hearing this music on the screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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