John Williams & the Vienna Philharmonic: January 18/19 2020

[handz 39]

8 minutes ago, apples said:

One thing about the venue - Was it just me, or was it like an oven in there, jeez!  Where's the ventilation?!

It was hot. But for me better than if there was some crazy air conditioning🙏

[publicist 4,640]

9 minutes ago, alawill75 said:

Really? Not more? Anne-Sophie Mutter usually is around 70k per concert, depending on venue/festival/etc., of course.

 

I heard that from an austrian close to Musikverein management. I don't think Mutter charged them that, though. It's not the Wembley stadium so they couldn't recoup 200k by two gigs with a hall small like that.

 

Though i will say one thing that seems to me more important than all the (expected) adulation of JW's music: it's where your stuff is performed that matters. I had Williams at the Barbican (and Desplat), many others (among them JNH, Morricone and Zimmer) played in awful commercial venues that simply sounded like shit. They were amplified by stadion speakers and the orchestra and percussion was often mixed abominably. It's a testament to these classical locations (that are a dying breed) that this concert sounded as good as it did.

[Matthias 267]

25 minutes ago, carlborg said:

Both CD and DVD release confirmed!

Hell yes! 😍😍😍

For the recordings of the New Year's and Summer Night's concerts, it usually takes a month from concert to release. Probably will be a bit longer here, since this seems to have been put together on relative short notice, but I can't wait! 

 

Edit:

Also, on the climate of the Musikverein: Never really had a problem there, maybe the nervous energy of the audience heated things up a bit? My parents told me that the hall used to have quite sticky air before renovations, it's not too bad now. 😉

[Pawel P. 727]

I'm sure it will also be a blu-ray, which is a standard medium for Deutsche Grammophon concert releases. They recorded it with nine UHD cameras.

[Martinland 316]

24 minutes ago, handz said:

It was hot. But for me better than if there was some crazy air conditioning🙏

The latter is so true, thank god/Williams they built w/o A/C 150 years ago. Strangely enough sitting 6th row centre felt quite nice on Saturday, we even had a faint breeze (!) going at times; and I am quite easily getting too hot... ...hm. Where were you seated?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,262]

I was baking during the concert.

Of course i was wearing a suit, and thermo underwear.

 

It was snowing!

[Jurassic Shark 11,123]

Cookies?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,262]

My own organs.

[Tydirium 1,091]

1 hour ago, carlborg said:

Both CD and DVD release confirmed!

 

YES!!!

[Jurassic Shark 11,123]

I'm glad I didn't waste money on attending the concert then!

[Joni Wiljami 1,203]

One funny detail from the Sunday concert. After all these encores, Johnny made his usual go-to-sleep-gesture!!  This concert started 11 a.m.😜😜😜

[Jurassic Shark 11,123]

I guess the after-party of the first concert took its toll!

[crlbrg 376]

33 minutes ago, hornist said:

One funny detail from the Sunday concert. After all these encores, Johnny made his usual go-to-sleep-gesture!!  This concert started 11 a.m.😜😜😜

ASM constantly helping JW up and down the podium was also a lovely little detail!

[Jurassic Shark 11,123]

That's probably the real reason she was there.

[crlbrg 376]

2 minutes ago, Jurassic Shark said:

I guess that's the real reason she was there.

Glorified handrail 

[Biodome 714]

44 minutes ago, hornist said:

One funny detail from the Sunday concert. After all these encores, Johnny made his usual go-to-sleep-gesture!!  This concert started 11 a.m.😜😜😜

He did that on Saturday, too. And he didn't come out to stage after that one.

[handz 39]

42 minutes ago, hornist said:

One funny detail from the Sunday concert. After all these encores, Johnny made his usual go-to-sleep-gesture!!  This concert started 11 a.m.😜😜😜

But I was actually tired (could not fall asleep the night before ) 😩

[Biodome 714]

Does anyone know if Anne-Sophie Mutter used one of her Stradivariuses during the concerts?

[handz 39]

6 minutes ago, carlborg said:

Glorified handrail 

Haha.  Well, the Cinderella liberty was actually beautiful - have the full recording 😎 The problem with violin is - it is not so load and when I was sitting on the balcony it was definitely not as good as from the first row. For these more intimate pieces, being closer to the podium is very beneficial 🙏

[Marian Schedenig 7,520]

14 hours ago, wickerman said:

He´s flown back to the States literally 2 hours after the concert.

 

Reportedly they he recorded a few backup snippets with the Philharmoniker after the concert. No way he could have left so quickly.

 

 

[Romão 2,244]

Just now, Marian Schedenig said:

 

Reportedly they he recorded a few backup snippets with the Philharmoniker after the concert. No way he could have left so quickly.

 

 

He did indeed. We watched some of it on the hall TV screens

[Marian Schedenig 7,520]

1 hour ago, handz said:

Haha.  Well, the Cinderella liberty was actually beautiful - have the full recording 😎 The problem with violin is - it is not so load and when I was sitting on the balcony it was definitely not as good as from the first row. For these more intimate pieces, being closer to the podium is very beneficial 🙏

 

She wasn't quite as prominent/loud on the balcony as she was on my Saturday parterre suite, but still perfectly audible whenever she had the lead voice, and only not quite as clear (but still a recognisable colour in the orchestra) when she played accompaniment - more proof of Williams's talent as an orchestrator.

 

I heard Strauss' Vier letzte Lieder with Fleming from a similar seat a few years back. Thielemann conducted. I could barely hear hear at all.

2 hours ago, hornist said:

One funny detail from the Sunday concert. After all these encores, Johnny made his usual go-to-sleep-gesture!!  This concert started 11 a.m.😜😜😜

 

And I was happy he did - because he skipped it when I came to Tanglewood last summer!

4 hours ago, apples said:

One thing about the venue - Was it just me, or was it like an oven in there, jeez!  Where's the ventilation?!

 

I believe the higher seats are much hotter. The balcony on Sunday was quite sweaty, but parterre on Saturday was perfectly fine.

[Henry Sítrónu 485]

back in Berlin. Four closing thoughts:

 

1. despite the historical scale of the event I can‘t let go of the thought that I feel like it was a missed opportunity to perform more unknown pieces like War Horse (which, besides CE3K, was my personal highlight). It’s obviously not my part to tell JW which of his music to perform, but the set list does not reflect his whole oeuvre at all. Then again, that’s also a more general concern I’m addressing here: The JW signature editions are great concert music but I wished there would be more actual score material as performed and recorded for the film. The last 20 minutes of TESB would make a marvelous concert experience IMHO. 

 

2. I witnessed one of the most hilarious scenes on Sunday after the concert at the stage entrance where about 50 people were waiting for JW and ASM. One of the usher came out for a smoke, standing in front of the door, just 1 meter apart from the waiting crowd, lighting his cigarette, standing there and looking like Daniel Craig‘s Bond, not giving a damn at all. Hard to describe, but I’ve had a blast.

 

3. As great as the concert experience was, I have to say that watching 1917 in a cinema yesterday night had an even more emotional impact on me...

 

4. I‘d prefer photos and/or real names instead of avatars in this forum. 😇

[Marian Schedenig 7,520]

7 hours ago, GlastoEls said:

He’s not on a conference call with the Royal Albert Hall and LSO is he by any chance Jay?! 😂

 

And why not schedule another Philharmoniker gig while he's at it!

1 minute ago, lemoncurd said:

4. I‘d prefer photos and/or real names instead of avatars in this forum. 😇

 

Hey, I got recognised by several people (not just you) based on my avatar!  

8 hours ago, Martinland said:

What the?!? The two of us were in the 6th row as well

 

Nah, you were in row number 6, which was the 9th in total (including Cercle I, II, III) - two rows behind me in row #4.

[JohnnyD 1,177]

I really hope this concert gets released on Blu-Ray and DVD. Heck, I would've loved to simply hear it. From what I read and some of the videos taken, the concert was phenomenal, and the Maestro is looking great. Hard to believe he is 87!

[Joni Wiljami 1,203]

7 minutes ago, lemoncurd said:

back in Berlin. Four closing thoughts:

 

1. despite the historical scale of the event I can‘t let go of the thought that I feel like it was a missed opportunity to perform more unknown pieces like War Horse (which, besides CE3K, was my personal highlight). It’s obviously not my part to tell JW which of his music to perform, but the set list does not reflect his whole oeuvre at all. Then again, that’s also a more general concern I’m addressing here: The JW signature editions are great concert music but I wished there would be more actual score material as performed and recorded for the film. The last 20 minutes of TESB would make a marvelous concert experience IMHO. 

 

2. I witnessed one of the most hilarious scenes on Sunday after the concert at the stage entrance where about 50 people were waiting for JW and ASM. One of the usher came out for a smoke, standing in front of the door, just 1 meter apart from the waiting crowd, lighting his cigarette, standing there and looking like Daniel Craig‘s Bond, not giving a damn at all. Hard to describe, but I’ve had a blast.

 

3. As great as the concert experience was, I have to say that watching 1917 in a cinema yesterday night had an even more emotional impact on me...

 

4. I‘d prefer photos and/or real names instead of avatars in this forum. 😇

 

Really, I mean really? Basically everything you wrote!? 

 

Ok I would personally loved more rare selection of music but this was an amazing concert!! 

[Fabulin 3,469]

.

[Marian Schedenig 7,520]

One more factoid observation: The Philharmoniker used the standard "American" orchestra setup (violins on the left, violas/celli/double basses on the right, brass in the rear) instead of their usual setup (violins divided left/right, double basses line up in the rear). First time I've seen them do that I think. Anyone who spoke to the players know why they did that? To fit the 8 horns on the stage? Or because Williams prefers that setup?

[Pawel P. 727]

Personally, I think these were probably the most important concerts in the history of film music. I really mean it. Why the most important? Because John Williams was conducting the Vienna Philharmonic playing his music in Musikverein. And it was filmed.

[Henry Sítrónu 485]

8 minutes ago, hornist said:

 

Really, I mean really? Basically everything you wrote!? 

 

Ok I would personally loved more rare selection of music but this was an amazing concert!! 

I didn’t say it wasn’t amazing.  Hook, CE3K, E.T., JP, War Horse - incredible!  

[handz 39]

18 minutes ago, lemoncurd said:

back in Berlin. Four closing thoughts:

 

1. despite the historical scale of the event I can‘t let go of the thought that I feel like it was a missed opportunity to perform more unknown pieces like War Horse (which, besides CE3K, was my personal highlight). It’s obviously not my part to tell JW which of his music to perform, but the set list does not reflect his whole oeuvre at all. Then again, that’s also a more general concern I’m addressing here: The JW signature editions are great concert music but I wished there would be more actual score material as performed and recorded for the film. The last 20 minutes of TESB would make a marvelous concert experience IMHO. 

 

2. I witnessed one of the most hilarious scenes on Sunday after the concert at the stage entrance where about 50 people were waiting for JW and ASM. One of the usher came out for a smoke, standing in front of the door, just 1 meter apart from the waiting crowd, lighting his cigarette, standing there and looking like Daniel Craig‘s Bond, not giving a damn at all. Hard to describe, but I’ve had a blast.

 

3. As great as the concert experience was, I have to say that watching 1917 in a cinema yesterday night had an even more emotional impact on me...

 

4. I‘d prefer photos and/or real names instead of avatars in this forum. 😇

you must be fun at parties...

 

JW has so many awesome pieces that it is not possible to please everyone during one concert. With the encores - it was nearly perfect

[Joni Wiljami 1,203]

15 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

One more factoid observation: The Philharmoniker used the standard "American" orchestra setup (violins on the left, violas/celli/double basses on the right, brass in the rear) instead of their usual setup (violins divided left/right, double basses line up in the rear). First time I've seen them do that I think. Anyone who spoke to the players know why they did that? To fit the 8 horns on the stage? Or because Williams prefers that setup?

 

 

 

Very good  question Marian! Damn I didn't ask that when I talked with the horn players, it was more brass talk! 🤔

 

edit: this is such an interesting fact that I am going to ask the solo horn why it was like it was. 

[Henry Sítrónu 485]

4 minutes ago, handz said:

you must be fun at parties...

 

sure I am.

[Will 2,175]

I agree with the wish that JW would program more actual film cues rather than only the concert suites. But that'll never happen, alas

[Joni Wiljami 1,203]

This must be language/cultural thing, always I talk with the germans publicist/blumenkohl/mkkyver it always will end up badly, dont know why. 

[Fabulin 3,469]

.

[handz 39]

14 minutes ago, Will said:

I agree with the wish that JW would program more actual film cues rather than only the concert suites. But that'll never happen, alas

You mean concert versions of themes? I would actually love to hear concert suites / medley based on material from the movies.  Or just give me  the ESB end credits, Ben's Death and Tie Fighter Attack and Final Battle from a New Hope and I will be happy. 

[Matthias 267]

1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said:

One more factoid observation: The Philharmoniker used the standard "American" orchestra setup (violins on the left, violas/celli/double basses on the right, brass in the rear) instead of their usual setup (violins divided left/right, double basses line up in the rear). First time I've seen them do that I think. Anyone who spoke to the players know why they did that? To fit the 8 horns on the stage? Or because Williams prefers that setup?

I‘m almost certain that the Philharmoniker always accommodate the conductor‘s wishes. The split violins and basses at the back may be the default setup, but I‘ve seen them lined up in every way imaginable. For instance, when Bernstein was conducting them back in the day, they lined up fully American with even the celli on the far right. Carlos Kleiber‘s recording of Beethoven‘s 5th from the 70s features 1st violins - 2nd violins - celli - violas. A few years later, he used split violins for his recording of the 7th. 
Nowadays, the American lineup has gone out of fashion a little bit, but you can still see violas on the far right quite often. I think it‘s likely that Williams asked for it, though maybe they had to move the basses to the right due to space constraints.

 

What I‘ve always wondered is why in the opera they sometimes (always?) line up 2nd violins – 1st violins – rest . Do you know? Is it so the concertmaster can be seen by everyone?

[Marian Schedenig 7,520]

3 minutes ago, Matthias said:

What I‘ve always wondered is why in the opera they sometimes (always?) line up 2nd violins – 1st violins – rest . Do you know? Is it so the concertmaster can be seen by everyone?

 

No idea. Usually the orchestra pit is so cramped that I don't think I've ever paid attention to the arrangement of violins and violas. I do know they generally have the double basses at the rear and the brass split on the far left & right at the Staatsoper.

[Matthias 267]

17 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

 

No idea. Usually the orchestra pit is so cramped that I don't think I've ever paid attention to the arrangement of violins and violas. I do know they generally have the double basses at the rear and the brass split on the far left & right at the Staatsoper.

Looking at some footage, I think I was wrong. It's still 1st violins on the left, but the concertmaster doesn't sit where he/she would in a symphony setting, but further back - where you would expect the principal 2nd violins in an American setup. Hence my confusion, it's still a little weird. But enough of this off-topic stuff. 😉

[Will 2,175]

2 hours ago, handz said:

You mean concert versions of themes? I would actually love to hear concert suites / medley based on material from the movies.  Or just give me  the ESB end credits, Ben's Death and Tie Fighter Attack and Final Battle from a New Hope and I will be happy. 

 

Well yeah the problem is his concert arrangements are usually just arrangements of the main themes - SW main theme, Imperial March, Raider's March, etc. We don't get stuff like "The Asteroid Field," "Indy's Very First Adventure," etc. (at least not very often). 

[Tydirium 1,091]

"Adventures on Earth" is probably the notable exception that gets performed very often, right?

 

 

 

[Amer 1,978]

2 hours ago, Will said:

 

Well yeah the problem is his concert arrangements are usually just arrangements of the main themes - SW main theme, Imperial March, Raider's March, etc. We don't get stuff like "The Asteroid Field," "Indy's Very First Adventure," etc. (at least not very often). 

Both the concert performances are my favourite specialy 'Indys Very first Adventure'. If only this was recorded on cd!  I was actually disappointed that this ws not on the recent Williams Spielberg III album. 

[Will 2,175]

35 minutes ago, Tydirium said:

"Adventures on Earth" is probably the notable exception that gets performed very often, right?

 

 

 

 

Yep, that's one of the ones I was thinking of (it is shortened a bit compared to the film sequence, but still retains a lot)

[Tydirium 1,091]

Also "Out to Sea / Shark Cage Fugue", of course.

[publicist 4,640]

5 hours ago, hornist said:

This must be language/cultural thing, always I talk with the germans publicist/blumenkohl/mkkyver it always will end up badly, dont know why. 

 

Don't sell yourself short, you annoy many more nationalities on a constant basis.

[Henry Sítrónu 485]

5 hours ago, hornist said:

This must be language/cultural thing, always I talk with the germans publicist/blumenkohl/mkkyver it always will end up badly, dont know why. 

 

it’s not bad to agree to disagree. but also pls bear in mind I‘m not a native speaker. And naturally, sometimes I don’t find the 100% correct/fitting word. happens.

[Joni Wiljami 1,203]

14 minutes ago, publicist said:

 

Don't sell yourself short, you annoy many more nationalities on a constant basis.

 

 

 

You always win, Sir!  That is just brilliant. 

[heidl 345]

7 hours ago, lemoncurd said:

As great as the concert experience was, I have to say that watching 1917 in a cinema yesterday night had an even more emotional impact on me...

 

We were watching 1917 on Saturday at the Burg Kino right after the concert, and I have to admit, with it being a war film and all, it was quite a relaxation compared to that emotional thrill ride at the Musikverein.

[David Story 57]

tchaikovsky

13 hours ago, Sandor said:

I predicted this 10 year ago...

 

 

Insightful essay that will also be true in 10 more years!
Herrmann will be remembered by the Psycho torch. And because new composers are influenced by him. Sometimes artists can pass the torch

Williams is extraordinary precisely because he is also popular in concert with all levels of ensembles. From student groups to community orchestras to major philharmonics.
His practice of writing film cues that resemble concert music had a completely unintended side effect of making him the most performed living composer. The other composers about as gifted as John either don't write for hit films or don't do a lot of concertizing. So his career is unique for both the number of torch themes and the number of performances.

Over time the concert performances will continue thanks to the appeal of characters like Superman, Harry Potter, Yoda, etc. And the quality of the music.
Kids dig live to picture

It's like if The Beatles had teamed up with Marvel, or Tchaikovsky with Shakespeare.