Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 (Note: These scores are determined by placing them in a randomizer.)1977 was a great year for lovers of John Williams or just great music. The Academy Awards recognized this (a rarity on their part), and two of the three scores written by John Williams that year were nominated for Oscars, but to quote a popular television show, "There can be only one!" While everyone knows the score that won, I want this Thread to focus on that other score, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Feel free to say what you wish about the score, including anecdotes, opinions, or just how close you were to wetting your pants upon listening to "The Abduction of Barry". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 5 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't have time to really get into it right now, so I will post my short opinion of the score: oh my god (in a good way). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,095 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't get why people hold this score or the film in such high regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,765 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I know, a Remote Control score would have been much more textured, complex, cleverly blurred the lines between diegetic and non-diegetic scoring, and just plain cooler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 1,394 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I must admit, I have a rather hard time getting into this score, a fact that always surprises me, since I'm generally quite a fan of this style of Williams. Perhaps I just need to give it a little more time. I really do enjoy some of it, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 Close Encounters of the Third Kind took some time for me to appreciate. Though I enjoyed Tracks like (to use the Collector's Edition for convenience's sake) "Stars and Trucks" and "TV Reveals" immediately, some of the quieter music (and scary atonal music) took multiple attempts to enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 5 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I must admit, I have a rather hard time getting into this score, a fact that always surprises me, since I'm generally quite a fan of this style of Williams. Perhaps I just need to give it a little more time. I really do enjoy some of it, though.Like the film, it's the opposite of Star Wars in that it requires thought, patience and dedication to really listen to it. You can't just throw it on while doing the dishes and expect to be wowed (well, you could with a couple of tracks). But stick with it.Drax's point about diagetic music is excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego 21 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Probably the score I listened to the least from my favorite Williams period (75-84), not an easy listen but worth it. And the Finale or "Visitors, bye, end titles" is one of the greatest things Williams has done, so uplifting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 1,394 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Like the film, it's the opposite of Star Wars in that it requires thought, patience and dedication to really listen to it. You can't just throw it on while doing the dishes and expect to be wowed (well, you could with a couple of tracks). But stick with it.Stick with it I shall. I don't expect it to be immediately accessible background music. I mean, I can appreciate why so many people like it...what confuses me is why I'm taking so long to follow suit! Well, time to give it another shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo 2,442 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 It's not a leitmotif-heavy action oriented score that's as easy to dive into as Star Wars, Jaws, or Superman. It's more atmospheric and mysterious, as if it's just meant to be spooky and there until the big reveal at the end, when the spaceship shows up. There are frenetic moments throughout, and there is one absolutely inspiring and triumphant cue early on, but I don't have my album handy to remember what it is. I think it's "The Mountain." But like Goldsmith's Alien, this score requires patience to appreciate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 1,394 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 For sure. But I normally like Williams' mysterious, atmospheric music quite a bit! Oh well. I'm listening to it right now, and I'm definitely obtaining some enjoyment from it. Perhaps it'd help if I saw the movie again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,476 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I barely listen to this, but I love the theme. The ending of the credits on the CE with the chorus doing the theme may be the best part of the score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 5,520 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Probably Williams' most consequent score in (towards the end) full Strauss mode. It would be too easy to single it out as Williams best, but I can at least say that it's not possible to list Williams' best score(s) and NOT mention CE3K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeshopk 8 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 This is the kind of score that it is best to listen to alone, many times. And of course loving the film helps, which also benefits from repeated viewings.The textures and emotions are only enhanced upon each listening. When I was a teenager, this score "returned" to me in a way. When I was a very small child, I had listened to it many times, but the record was destroyed. It moved me to tears.I later purchased it as a teenager, and did not feel the same way about it, but then upon giving it more time, it has become my favorite Williams score (or one of the top 3 tied for first at least).I can not put the feelings into words. Just listen to it in seclusion and give it time is my only advice. Perhaps while stormclouds gather and with some windows open...Also, it MIGHT help to listen to the original album and then move up to the expanded chronological one once you fall in love with the core material. But then, it is all core material to me by this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,519 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Probably Williams' most consequent score in (towards the end) full Strauss mode. It would be too easy to single it out as Williams best, but I can at least say that it's not possible to list Williams' best score(s) and NOT mention CE3K.Indeed. This is a very different Williams score which is remembered for its perfect fit for the subject matter and the inventiveness and blurring the lines between diegetic music and film score (well said Drax). The music fulfills the vision of the film and is an equal partner in the story telling. The power of the whole score is only strengthened by the structure of moving from the ominous and dark and disturbing music which drives so much of the beginning of the film to more tonal wondrous music when the mystery is starting to reveal itself and finally bursting into a harmonic resolution when we find out we are not alone in the universe. This coming together of humans and aliens through music is simply a wonderful idea, the music being a common means of communication between us.This score represents to me the best kind of musical collaboration with a director and composer. It is a the same thing as in Jaws except here Spielberg took Williams on board even sooner and as an even bigger player in the overall film making process. It is one of Williams' most adventurous scores, one that pushed him to find a very unique voice for the film. You rarely get this kind of collaboration these days anymore with the homogeneous demands of the modern cinema.I bought this score (The Collector's Edition) when I was still young and a "fanfare fan" so it took many years to fully understand and appreciate this music. I enjoyed the final tracks the most as they contained the most easily digestable material but over the years and by listening ardently to different kinds of film music, my tastes maturing, this score has become a truly unique and beautiful addition to my collection. Some it is as out there as Images, when Williams experiments with human voices over and under the orchestral textures, where more atonal techniques create a sense of alienness and the inventive sounds like the old car horns and tuba depict the communications of the aliens and humans. And it is also note worthy that Williams did not resort to electronics to depict that which is alien but chose to paint these sounds mostly with a live orchestra. It brings a natural, organic, human timbre to the music which makes it even more powerful. I don't wonder the fondness with which Williams always seems to remember this film and score. This is one of the most central moments where he got to really shine as a film composer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrScratch 292 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 This is my favorite film score, period. Nothing beats it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,602 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't get why people hold this score or the film in such high regard.Yes.I barely listen to this, but I love the theme. The ending of the credits on the CE with the chorus doing the theme may be the best part of the score.Yes, same here and I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 5 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 The film is about experiencing a sense of wonder and the obsession regarding satisfying that sense, both of which are universal themes which speak to our souls, to be a bit pretentious about it. Not to mention the usual questions about what's up there, yadda yadda yadda. It's also startlingly well-made, and has a beautiful slow burn to it, which I can understand probably puts off viewers used to the frenetic pace of contemporary Hollywood. It's the type of movie that doesn't often get made any more, and we're worse off for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artyjeffrey 20 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I know it's not complete, but I cut my teeth on this score in its original release version, which I believe many of you who dislike the score would prefer much more than the collector's edition release from the late 1990s. I love how hopeful and innocent it sounds. I wonder if we would see a movie nowadays featuring music that sounded like that.Minus the funky disco track, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't get why people hold this score or the film in such high regard.Yes.If you do not mind me asking, I would like to know what you do not like about the film or score, Josh.I know it's not complete, but I cut my teeth on this score in its original release version, which I believe many of you who dislike the score would prefer much more than the collector's edition release from the late 1990s. I love how hopeful and innocent it sounds. I wonder if we would see a movie nowadays featuring music that sounded like that.Minus the funky disco track, of course.People who own the original always complain about the disco Track, but I do not have it on my CD, was there more than one printing of the original album? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Williamsfan301 11 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Close Encounters > Star Wars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego 21 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 9, 2009 Author Share Posted June 9, 2009 No one asked you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy 1,492 Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I like the disco track, and I also love Meco's version. Just very uplifting stuff.Close Encounters is a masterpiece, but it's one I have to be in the right mood for. I love the quasi-military theme for the scenes involving the government. I also like the string work in what used to be called "Nocturnal Pursuit". The Resolution and End Title, if I'm in the right state of mind, can move me to tears.I remember trying to figure out the 5 note motif on the piano as a kid.And, finally, I truly enjoy the When You Wish Upon a Star in the Special Edition end credits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 1,394 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Close Encounters > Star WarsFalse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurgaFlippinMan 7 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Close Encounters > Star WarsFalse.I agree.Disco Close Encounters > Star Wars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,095 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Star Wars > Star Wars > Star Wars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,476 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 And, finally, I truly enjoy the When You Wish Upon a Star in the Special Edition end credits.Yes. "When You Wish Upon a Star" sounds most magical when under the baton of JW. Truly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,765 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Probably Williams' most consequent score in (towards the end) full Strauss mode. It would be too easy to single it out as Williams best, but I can at least say that it's not possible to list Williams' best score(s) and NOT mention CE3K.Indeed. This is a very different Williams score which is remembered for its perfect fit for the subject matter and the inventiveness and blurring the lines between diegetic music and film score (well said Drax). The music fulfills the vision of the film and is an equal partner in the story telling. The power of the whole score is only strengthened by the structure of moving from the ominous and dark and disturbing music which drives so much of the beginning of the film to more tonal wondrous music when the mystery is starting to reveal itself and finally bursting into a harmonic resolution when we find out we are not alone in the universe. This coming together of humans and aliens through music is simply a wonderful idea, the music being a common means of communication between us.You've been reading Mervyn Cooke too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC1 3,565 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 It was one of my favorite pieces of music when I was 14 and I still think it's one of the best soundtrack albums in my JW collection. It made me interested in orchestral music in general, not just film music. The LP was as dear to me as the double Star Wars LP, even though both styles are completely different. It was probably then that I realized I was a Williams fan.Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naïve Old Fart 6,637 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I'll try not to blabber, here, as to say that this is my favourite J.W. score is a massive understatement. This score is, quite simply, the most stunning extended piece of music by any composer that I have listened to, EVER! I was fortunate enough to obtain the L.P. a few months before I saw the film, and I fell in love with it straight away (like the "Star Wars" L.P. the soundtrack was released in the U.K. well before the film, and not in the same week, as happens now). There was a "Star Wars"/"C.E.3.K." debate when the films were first released ("Star Wars" was released on Boxing Day, 1977, and "C.E.3.K." in March, 1978, but "Star Wars" went "wide" after "C.E.3.K."). People who saw "Star Wars" first, favoured that one, and vice versa. Guess which one I saw first... I could not tell you anything about the difference between diegetic, and non-diegetic scoring, and I have no understanding of how to analyse music intellectually; all I know is that the score (as did the film) hit me on a gut level (and no Woody Allen/Annie hall-type comments, please!). Anyway, this post is just for openers, as I will, I hope, be able to contribute to this thread as time goes on. I look forward to reading other people's posts on this subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 Well, since you seem so fond of the score, I have a question you might be able to answer. There is this four note (technically eight) motiv that I do not know what it represents. I recorded a piano performance of it yesterday, but I could not figure out how to transfer it unto my computer, so I suppose Track times will have to suffice. It appears most prominently in "Main Titles and Mountain Visions", which I suppose would be..."Roy and Gillian on the Road" on the Collector's Edition...yeah, in fact, that motiv opens the Track. I have been wondering about this for a while now.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 5,520 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I might add that hearing the suite live was awesome. Even awesomer would have been to hear the extended suite as recorded by Gerhardt.Well, since you seem so fond of the score, I have a question you might be able to answer. There is this four note (technically eight) motiv that I do not know what it represents. I recorded a piano performance of it yesterday, but I could not figure out how to transfer it unto my computer, so I suppose Track times will have to suffice. It appears most prominently in "Main Titles and Mountain Visions", which I suppose would be..."Roy and Gillian on the Road" on the Collector's Edition...yeah, in fact, that motiv opens the Track. I have been wondering about this for a while now....It's basically a brilliant variation on the Dies Irae. Seems to represent "being on the road" and/or the search for the mountain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artyjeffrey 20 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Yes, I heard the suite conducted by the man himself, something I will never forget.P.S.-- What always blew my mind was how that the disco track was the first track on the LP. As I look at it, the track is NOT listed on the back sleeve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,017 Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 I always wanted to hear the suite, what is included on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 152 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 On a cue by cue basis, the score is very hit and miss. I love the wondrous material, the scary stuff doesn't do much. I will say that "The Visitors/Bye/End Titles" is currently my all time favorite cue. The theme for the mountain is one of JW's best, and I love the way he incorporates "When You Wish Upon a Star." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 5,520 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 It's not a cue by cue score. It's a full musical work, not just a compilation of charming cues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy 1,492 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 That moment between "Bye/End Titles"... that extended pause between the satisfying chords when the Boy says "Goodbye" and when the orchestra swells up to the mothership lifting off.... is absolute magic.That's the spot. Right there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paleo 29 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 That score is still a gaping hole in my collection. Which versions of the soundtrack are available, and which one would you guys recommend to purchase? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 859 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 That score is still a gaping hole in my collection. Which versions of the soundtrack are available, and which one would you guys recommend to purchase?Both the Varese and the expanded album are out of print. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Williamsfan301 11 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 JW did more with 5 notes in Close Encounters than he did with the thousands in Star Wars.But, I do agree that Close Encounters is something you have to be in the mood to listen to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 859 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I've expressed my love for this score many times, in fact I recently shared some quick thoughts on it.I will say there is not a dull note on this album and had Star Wars not been released in 1977, Williams would have an Oscar for CE3K.A true 5 star score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 73 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Close Encounters has to have one of, if not the best, finales of any JW score. I'd even rank it above E.T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Coscina 3 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I listened to this all day because of this discussion. It is unreal writing. THe breadth of styles, the development of motives and themes, the use of tonal and atonal harmony, texture opposing overt melody, it's got to be one of the finest offerings in the art of film music to come out in its history. I would offer that this could be Williams' best, most complete effort for film. But he's come out with a lot of humdingers so it's a hard call to make this proclamation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandor 459 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I'm pretty sure I won't get a lot of lovin' from you guys with the next comments. Close Encounters is one of the very best scores John Williams has ever written. It's a really beautiful piece of work.But I do understand why some people have a hard time getting into it. It's because they have only heard the Collector's Edition soundtrack.Back in 1977, Williams produced HIS version of the soundtrack and - despite its inferior sound quality - is a million times better musically (this is the part that usually gets people angry around here).Anyone not "getting" this score should seek out the original album version. It's shorter, but much more satisfying and by fusing certain tracks and editing most of them the listener gets a better impression what Williams envisioned for his themes and musical ideas. It works as a symphony and is simply a great, great album. Much like E.T.'s original soundtrack album which I also prefer over any other version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC1 3,565 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Anyone not "getting" this score should seek out the original album version. It's shorter, but much more satisfying and by fusing certain tracks and editing most of them the listener gets a better impression what Williams envisioned for his themes and musical ideas. It works as a symphony and is simply a great, great album.I think that's absolutely true. The special edition is more 'cue-ish' and might be quite difficult to grasp for the newcomer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean1700 4 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 If I am not mistaken I think a lot of people are comparing the music of Star Wars to CEOF3K. To me that's like comparing apples to oranges. They are two totally opposite scores. Both scores are brilliant in their own right but what I enjoy most about Close Encounters, musically, and like most others, is the The Visitors/Bye/End Titles. It is just magical. I can't recall any other movie that relied so much on the music to carry the audience to the end of the movie with the limited dialogue there was.Because I prefer the 1980 Special Edition version of the film I have also edited the Boston Pops "Space and Time" recording of the CEOT3K suite (with the "Inside The Mothership" cue) into The Visitors/Bye/End Titles track for an alternate listening experience. And with all this talk about the music I feel compelled to track down the orginal CD and the Charles Gerhardt versions too.This score is worth 5 stars in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego 21 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 JW did more with 5 notes in Close Encounters than he did with the thousands in Star Wars.But, I do agree that Close Encounters is something you have to be in the mood to listen to.No he didn't, anyway why put Star Wars down to make a point about how awesome the 5 note signal is?? Both scores are great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant 1,093 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Surely the excellence of this score is somewhere else than the 5 note signal.Especially the original LP album , the most important album I ever had. But I also lovethe CE and all the orchestral "medleys" I've heard. This music is just in the league of its own.I was just eleven when this came out and I got the LP but I think now "couple" of years later I appreciate it even more.There are three favorite moments for me :1. When they drop out of the car and climp up to the fence to see the MOUNTAIN for the first time. Awesome2. It's called The Returnees in the CE and the music from 01.43 t the end when Barry runs to his mother: Totally awesome.3. And of course The Visitors-Bye-End Titles the music before Roy steps to the ship. No words.I cannot express´my feelings enough with foreign language for this score but I hope "the most precious" will do... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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