Favorite short musical moments in Williams scores?

[Holko 10,396]

I hated it when I watched it, script sucks, story had no depth and moral themes (unlike JP which at least suggests them until it starts ignoring them for just some action movieness) setpieces are mostly directed well but the stuff that ties them together is autopilot with giant holes (how the hell did everyone on board get eaten when the T-Rex is still locked away below deck etc.), main characters are all evil or braindead or both (carrying the bloody jacket to invite the rexes along but then hanging it in her own tent and being surprised, leaving the hunters who saved their lives on the island with no ammo).

[Brando 2,181]

52 minutes ago, Holko said:

I hated it when I watched it, script sucks, story had no depth and moral themes (unlike JP which at least suggests them until it starts ignoring them for just some action movieness) setpieces are mostly directed well but the stuff that ties them together is autopilot with giant holes (how the hell did everyone on board get eaten when the T-Rex is still locked away below deck etc.), main characters are all evil or braindead or both (carrying the bloody jacket to invite the rexes along but then hanging it in her own tent and being surprised, leaving the hunters who saved their lives on the island with no ammo).

I actually just found out about how the Rex ate the crew of the ship. There’s storyboards of a hole in the side of the wheelhouse(which would be behind the camera as we see the hand on the wheel), which is how that happens. The Rex was in a fury because of what he was shot with, which they state in the film. So one guy gets injured and makes his way over to the controls to close the cargo hold as another brave man leads the Rex back into the hold and sacrifices himself, then the other guy dies holding the button(you can even see part of the pool of blood as the police officer grabs the control from his hand).

[Brando 2,181]

Opening the sequel prequel to one of cinemas greatest hits with a musical number was one of Spielberg's best ideas. Anything Goes is wonderful and such a fun opening and a great centerpiece for the main titles of the film. I especially love the section as John Williams name pops up, its fast and exciting. And then of course we're treated to the equally delighting Anything Playoff  at 2:46 as the musical number comes to a close 

 

[Brando 2,181]

Been a minute since I posted something here, and I've wanted to post about this one for a while. When I was little, before I knew anything about soundtracks or anything like that, this little moment here was always something I looked forward to when I would watch Temple of Doom. This shot occupies 11 seconds of this 1 hour and 58 minute movie and this is one of the best moments in the score. This shot is one of the reasons why the Spielberg/Williams relationship is so important and amazing, because Spielberg has a good habit of stepping back and letting Williams tell the story in specific moments in his movies. This is the big introduction of Short Round's Theme, and the horns are so absolutely beautiful. There's no dialogue, no sound effects, just the orchestra giving us one of the most joyous and childlike themes ever written.

[Bellosh 3,941]

16 hours ago, Brando said:

Been a minute since I posted something here, and I've wanted to post about this one for a while. When I was little, before I knew anything about soundtracks or anything like that, this little moment here was always something I looked forward to when I would watch Temple of Doom. This shot occupies 11 seconds of this 1 hour and 58 minute movie and this is one of the best moments in the score. This shot is one of the reasons why the Spielberg/Williams relationship is so important and amazing, because Spielberg has a good habit of stepping back and letting Williams tell the story in specific moments in his movies. This is the big introduction of Short Round's Theme, and the horns are so absolutely beautiful. There's no dialogue, no sound effects, just the orchestra giving us one of the most joyous and childlike themes ever written.

 

 

Yes!  This moment is spectacular.  Short Round's theme used in this triumphant way is also brilliant foreshadowing that he's going to be the hero who ultimately saves Indy in the temple. Not sure if that was intentional by JW, but heck, if the dancing girls pulling ribbons out of their chests is a foreshadowing moment, then this can be too!

[Martinland 361]

5 hours ago, Bellosh said:

if the dancing girls pulling ribbons out of their chests is a foreshadowing moment

Haha, this is great - I always have been fond of that grandiose title sequence, but never thought of that...

[Loert 2,740]

19 hours ago, Brando said:

Been a minute since I posted something here, and I've wanted to post about this one for a while. When I was little, before I knew anything about soundtracks or anything like that, this little moment here was always something I looked forward to when I would watch Temple of Doom. This shot occupies 11 seconds of this 1 hour and 58 minute movie and this is one of the best moments in the score. This shot is one of the reasons why the Spielberg/Williams relationship is so important and amazing, because Spielberg has a good habit of stepping back and letting Williams tell the story in specific moments in his movies. This is the big introduction of Short Round's Theme, and the horns are so absolutely beautiful. There's no dialogue, no sound effects, just the orchestra giving us one of the most joyous and childlike themes ever written.

 

One of the best score moments from JW's best score (in my humble opinion)

[Edmilson 9,122]

Where can I find this moment on the album?

[Loert 2,740]

32 minutes ago, Edmilson said:

Where can I find this moment on the album?

 

 

[Andy 5,215]

10 hours ago, Bellosh said:

the dancing girls pulling ribbons out of their chests is a foreshadowing moment

 

And I’ve seen this movie how many times????
 

[Jay 39,755]

I didn't pick up on that until a few years ago myself

[Brando 2,181]

"Hello boy."

"Hello Wendy lady. Give us a sqwudge."

I absolutely love this moment here. The very end of Hook. Captain Hook has been defeated, Peter is a changed man, having found the child inside, reuniting with his family, returning Tootles lost marbles to him, and finally it comes to the moment where he acknowledges Wendy. It was a great idea for the sound team to turn up the music here for this moment. This orchestral swell brings feelings of warmth and love to the audience because the family has been reunited and its just oh so so good.

 

[Not Mr. Big 4,741]

0:47- 1:21 is one of my most repeated JW moments ever.  Really great "hell music" (especially when the chorus comes in).  

[ConorPower 151]

@Not Mr. Big Love that moment too! But the choir entry always vaguely reminded me of "the Swim to Otoh Gunga" from TPM. I think the chord might be the same?

"The Gungans Converge" would nearly be as haunting though 

[Brando 2,181]

Was listening to Jaws and Jaws 2 at work today and the ending of Munching the Helicopter is so brutal. The music is tense and gives you a glimpse of hope for Marge, until the BWAM comes in and the shark surfaces and eats her. So good 🤌

 

[Andy 5,215]

On 17/10/2022 at 6:36 PM, Brando said:

"Hello boy."

"Hello Wendy lady. Give us a sqwudge."

I absolutely love this moment here. The very end of Hook. Captain Hook has been defeated, Peter is a changed man, having found the child inside, reuniting with his family, returning Tootles lost marbles to him, and finally it comes to the moment where he acknowledges Wendy. It was a great idea for the sound team to turn up the music here for this moment. This orchestral swell brings feelings of warmth and love to the audience because the family has been reunited and its just oh so so good.

 

 

It took me a loooong time to disassociate the lovely melody at 2:10 with Fah Who Foraze from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  I'm good with it now.

[Brando 2,181]

I really love the fanfare as Indy is chanting and the bag catches on fire and the Stones begin to fall into the river. Musically satisfying.

 

[Jay 39,755]

Fanfare? That's the slave children's theme

[BB-8 4,047]

Love those trumpet salvos with the bass-drum-cymbal beat during the first prominent appearance of Kylo's theme:

 

[Brando 2,181]

6 hours ago, Jay said:

Fanfare? That's the slave children's theme

I know it’s the Slave Children’s theme, would that not be considered a fanfare?

[Manakin Skywalker 5,364]

Personally I'd consider it more of a march than anything.

[Bellosh 3,941]

46 minutes ago, Brando said:

I know it’s the Slave Children’s theme, would that not be considered a fanfare?

 

dont worry about jays pedantic ways. at 6:25 in that it def has a fanfare vibe to it.

[Loert 2,740]

17 hours ago, Brando said:

I really love the fanfare as Indy is chanting and the bag catches on fire and the Stones begin to fall into the river. Musically satisfying.

 

 

My favourite part is the woodwinds hitting that minor 2nd at 6:27, decorated by the bell tree...

[Brando 2,181]

Quote

noun

1. a short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, typically to introduce something or someone important.

   "a specially composed fanfare announced the arrival of the Duchess"

It’s definitely the Slave Children’s theme, but I would think it’s a fanfare of that.

[Disco Stu 15,502]

The first transport.... is away!  The first transport.... is away!

 

3:32 - end

 

[Jay 39,755]

Boy do I dream of one day Mike being able to make TESB sound as good as he made Superman sound

[BB-8 4,047]

 

[bollemanneke 3,622]

Geisha, Mutter arrangement. 2:03-05. My goodness. No words.

[Naïve Old Fart 10,525]

Good score; boring film.

 

[bollemanneke 3,622]

I need to re-watch it to jog my memory.

[BB-8 4,047]

On 28/11/2022 at 3:16 PM, BB-8 said:

Love those trumpet salvos with the bass-drum-cymbal beat during the first prominent appearance of Kylo's theme:

 

 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

On 15/01/2023 at 9:49 AM, Disco Stu said:

The first transport.... is away!  The first transport.... is away!

Every time I watch this, I do the exaggerated arm-raising gesture everyone does in this shot. It's so uniformly affectatious from everyone in that shot, I laugh every time. Speaking of Star Wars, Zam the Assassin and the Chase Through Coruscant, at 7:30 when the speeder crashes and the strings kick in. It's a thing Williams does where if a scene needs a little boost of energy, a second wind of sorts, he uses the strings very rhythmically for a few moments to build tension. He does it at a similar spot in Empire as the Battle of Hoth is winding down, and Vader enters the base. That one goes on for a while, and is always a highlight for me.

[Pat_S 72]

I know there's been quite a bit of Temple of Doom stuff in here, but I really love this little bit from 'The Walls Come Down': (0:22): 

The descending cluster chords are glorious, and playing in contrary motion to the ascending bass line, it mirrors really well the walls compressing in on the characters. And of course, the piccolos that are marked 'highest pitches ad lib. like a bunch of bees' in the score. It might seem over the top, but that doesn't bother me   This whole cue is just great. 

[Edmilson 9,122]

I love this reflexive passage on The Sacred Jedi Texts (1:48 - 2:15). It reminds me of some warm parts in Attack of the Clones. 

 

And I know TLJ is criticized a lot for the overuse of the Force theme, but the Binary Sunset performance that follows is so consistent to what came before. Overall, a great cue.

 

 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

I love the part at the end of this track, which I believe is from "A New Beginning." Starting at 5:40, the counterpoint "flutters" in the cellos. It's such a beautiful embellishment, which absolutely doesn't need to be there, no one will hear it in the movie. He put it there because he thought the music would be better with it, because it amused him to do so. A little gift for people who bothered to buy the soundtrack.

 

 

[Jay 39,755]

Yea that part is great

[Drew 594]

Another one from Minority Report. I love this little snippet for some reason. He brings out this slightly comedic emotion out of the trumpets just by having them double-tongue or whatever. His 2002 scores have so many great little moments. Something must've been in the water in 2002.

 

 

[Edmilson 9,122]

This moment in Across the Stars (2:01 to 2:26) always caught my attention. I have a theory that the overly dramatic strings is a subtle nod to Bernard Herrmann's Scene D'Amour and his Vertigo score, as well as to other romantic melodramas of the 50s. It may be Williams' way of suggesting to the audience that the infatuation that Anakin feels for Padme is not exactly healthy and may be as obssessive as the one James Stewart had for Kim Novak's character. 

 

 

 

But even if this is not a reference to Herrmann, I still think there is a certain instability in the strings, kinda like suggesting Anakin's own problems that would later lead to the creation of Darth Vader.

 

What do you guys think?

[Brando 2,181]

From my favorite JW cue ever: 0:43-0:45, its a short moment that I look forward to listening to every time. Also, at 0:37, the drum beat that syncs with the Lost Boy jumping off the ladder is timed perfectly.

 

 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

On 14/04/2023 at 9:23 AM, Drew said:

Another one from Minority Report. I love this little snippet for some reason. He brings out this slightly comedic emotion out of the trumpets just by having them double-tongue or whatever. His 2002 scores have so many great little moments. Something must've been in the water in 2002.

 

 

Pretty sure that cue starts with the violas, also, which is always cool. That's some John Adams Chamber Symphony stuff, for sure

[Bellosh 3,941]

 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

The whole first minute of this cue. I don't know how you make music sound "sick," as in tainted, or poisoned, but he does it here. You just know something wrong is going to happen in this scene. Then the reprise of Shmi's theme and that solo horn call when she dies, then the slow build up to to the attack on the Tuskens, then the nervous clarinets and harp, then the reprise of Vader's theme, then the death choir at the end. This whole cue is full of great little moments

 

 

[Naïve Old Fart 10,525]

On 14/04/2023 at 2:23 PM, Drew said:

Another one from Minority Report. I love this little snippet for some reason. He brings out this slightly comedic emotion out of the trumpets just by having them double-tongue or whatever. His 2002 scores have so many great little moments. Something must've been in the water in 2002.

 

 

 

The whole thing from the start of "Everybody Runs!", to the end of "Anderton's Great Escape", is my favourite part of the score.

[GerateWohl 5,159]

On 14/04/2023 at 3:23 PM, Drew said:

Another one from Minority Report. I love this little snippet for some reason. He brings out this slightly comedic emotion out of the trumpets just by having them double-tongue or whatever. His 2002 scores have so many great little moments. Something must've been in the water in 2002.

 

 

 

I adore this cue and especially the use or rather the absence of percussion. Such power and dynamics. Which modern composer would have been able to resist here to use drums in such an action piece. But it is so full of energy. There I believe, there is no film music composer who can and ever could do this like Williams.

 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

The bit at 1:15 in the Light Show. It has such a weirdly comforting quality to it. The whole movie just stops to dazzle us with light and motion. Even the characters in the movie are just watching the show; it’s almost communal. Some of the best tone painting he ever wrote.

 

 

[Davis 3,135]

On 16/1/2023 at 12:05 AM, Jay said:

Boy do I dream of one day Mike being able to make TESB sound as good as he made Superman sound

And ROTJ. 

[Schilkeman 1,331]

My theory for why this cue is scored the way it is, is so it stands out in our memories when this room comes up again in RotS. It's like an elegy for the children who have't died yet. 

 

 

[Davis 3,135]

This scene has one of the most brilliant cues ever composed. Awe and wonder with full force.

 

[Edmilson 9,122]

The score for The Last Crusade is packed full with amazing moments that could (and should!) be shared here, but among my favorites there is this wonderful little cue. I just love the fanfare on woodwinds at the end of it!

 

 

[bored 453]

Favorite moment will always be 0:04 to 0:44