John Williams returns to Vienna! March 12/13 2022

[Tydirium 1,166]

2 minutes ago, Matthias said:

The first JW sighting! More rehearsal footage:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca5CsMugqQW/?utm_medium=copy_link

 

 

There will be encores, let the speculations begin! 😁

 

 

He looks great!

[BB-8 3,461]

1 minute ago, Matthias said:

The first JW sighting! More rehearsal footage:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca5CsMugqQW/?utm_medium=copy_link

 

 

There will be encores, let the speculations begin! 😁

 

Still hard to believe this is happening. Also given the circumstances. 

 

Thanks for posting!

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

So it seems Marion and Leia really are the standard orchestral versions. Nice first encore though - even if I'd prefer Rey's Theme, which I *still* haven't heard live.

[Alex 2,833]

Blown away by how well he moves for man who statistically should be dead

[Tydirium 1,166]

7 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

So it seems Marion and Leia really are the standard orchestral versions. Nice first encore though - even if I'd prefer Rey's Theme, which I *still* haven't heard live.

 

Ugh... I wish this program had a bit more variety; I feel like the chances of a release by DG are less likely given the duplication of so much repertoire.

[Jay 37,287]

Surely even though Mutter's name isn't listed next to Marion's Theme in the program, they'll do her version at the actual concert, right?

[BB-8 3,461]

1 minute ago, Jay said:

Surely they are just using the old version of Marion's Theme at rehearsal, and the real concert will be the Mutter-ized version?

[Matthias 267]

Short observations: The Imperial March clip is obviously from a different space, the Glass Hall at the Musikverein, indicating that there have already been 2 rehearsals today. 

The concertmaster is veteran Volkhard Steude. Last time, a rookie concertmaster had to lead the orchestra, he's not with the VPO anymore. 

[bollemanneke 3,337]

7 minutes ago, Tydirium said:

 

Ugh... I wish this program had a bit more variety; I feel like the chances of a release by DG are less likely given the duplication of so much repertoire.

Don't worry about that, the Berlin album sold like crazy, I don't think they're gonna be fussed about repeating themselves.

[Tydirium 1,166]

I hope you're right. Of course I would welcome any new JW recording; heck, even if he literally repeated the entire exact program from Berlin, with Vienna, I'd buy it. As it is, I'm curious to hear Vienna's take on pieces like Harry's Wondrous World.

[BB-8 3,461]

1 minute ago, Tydirium said:

I hope you're right. Of course I would welcome any new JW recording; heck, even if he literally repeated the entire exact program from Berlin, with Vienna, I'd buy it. As it is, I'm curious to hear Vienna's take on pieces like Harry's Wondrous World.

I agree. The whole fun of orchestral music lies in comparing recordings of the same piece with different orchestras/interpretations in an infinit search for perfection.

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

Observation: If they do end up recording and releasing this after all, it would probably be the premiere release of the updated Across the Stars arrangement, I assume?

[Jay 37,287]

Indeed

[bollemanneke 3,337]

Wait, what? What update?

[Jay 37,287]

The one mentioned here and here.

[Tom 4,639]

I don't think this is going to be released as an album (maybe a stream link or something). DG is the label for the violin concerto already.  It seems odd that they would plan two releases of the same piece within the same general timeframe.  

[Remco 685]

Does this man age at all? Can’t be there this time unfortunately but hoping there’ll be a recording.

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

2 minutes ago, Tom said:

I don't think this is going to be released as an album (maybe a stream link or something). DG is the label for the violin concerto already.  It seems odd that they would plan two releases of the same piece within the same general timeframe.  

 

It would be unusual, I expect. But on the other hand, it would sell. It seems it would be a "controversial" decision from either point of view: "We can't release this, we're already releasing another recording of it! - But…" vs "We have to release this, it might be our next #1 album! - But…"

[Pawel P. 738]

Even if Marion's Theme is in the version we know from the two previous concerts - and I don't think so - there's still a lot of stuff here that wasn't in Vienna in 2020 and Berlin in 2021. The whole first part, Fawkes, Resistance and possibly some of the encores - Theme from Schindler's List, Rey, or maybe The Long Goodbye?

 

I really regret that I will not be here this time, after Vienna and Berlin, but I'm very lucky for those of you who have the ticket. Hopefully the DG has changed its mind and there will be a video, or at least an audio recording.

 

If they don't want to duplicate albums, they can wait for the premiere until 2023 after all!

[BB-8 3,461]

They could do a single CD without the violin concerto, and it would still sell. Would make a nice supplement to the existing DG packages.

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

4 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

They could do a single CD without the violin concerto, and it would still sell. Would make a nice supplement to the existing DG packages.

 

And then there will be a special limited deluxe edition consisting of both albums, and after that an ultimate edition with the Vienna recording of the concerto as a Blu-ray only bonus track. And then there'll be the version that has the Boston recording of the concerto with Williams' speeches from Vienna.

[Remco 685]

It’s very very unlikely at a classical concert for the soloist, esp when it is for a big piece like this concerto, to come out at the second half for just another piece. This will be the regular Marion’s Theme. 

[Jay 37,287]

Just now, Remco said:

It’s very very unlikely at a classical concert for the soloist, esp when it is for a big piece like this concerto, to come out at the second half for just another piece

 

Unlikely, but not impossible, yes?

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

1 minute ago, Jay said:

Unlikely, but not impossible, yes?

 

Not impossible, but neither is ASM coming out again during the second half and being joined by Yo-Yo Ma for a kazoo trio with Williams.  I agree that it does seem rather unlikely. I'll be happy to hear Leia with a Wiener solo horn, but I could do without Marion yet again (having heard it practically twice at each of the previous concerts).

[Marauder 15]

Hello everyone

I'm a JW fan whose new to this site. I'm going to attend the 1st Vienna concert and am here already. It's my first JW concert so I am super excited ! Just wondered, does anyone know if there'll be a possibility/ opportunity for a signing by John? The concert by itself is a dream coming true of course.. yet I brought with me something I'd love him to sign, but am not sure how to make that dream a reality (if at all). If anyone has a good idea, or can share some thoughts on the matter, I'd really appreciate it ☺️

[Jay 37,287]

No chance of a signing, unfortunately

[JTGL 166]

Nope no chance 

[michael_grig 464]

When was the last time he signed an autograph for us nerds?

[BB-8 3,461]

4 minutes ago, Michael G. said:

When was the last time he signed an autograph for us nerds?

I observed some lucky signings after a Boston Pops concert in 2009. I didn't manage. There were body guards escorting JW to the car, as usual.

 

Remember that guy in Berlin who stalked JW at the stage door?

[JTGL 166]

2 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

I observed some lucky signings after a Boston Pops concert in 2009. I didn't manage. There were body guards escorting JW to the car, as usual.

 

Remember that guy in Berlin who stalked JW at the stage door?

Or the guy who ran to the stage for a autograph. A guard escorted him out. 

[Tom 4,639]

1 hour ago, JTGL said:

Or the guy who ran to the stage for a autograph. A guard escorted him out. 

Poor J.J. 

[JohnnyD 1,220]

7 hours ago, Matthias said:

The first JW sighting! More rehearsal footage:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca5CsMugqQW/?utm_medium=copy_link

 

 

There will be encores, let the speculations begin! 😁

This is so awesome!!! I just wish that this concert was going to be streamed!

[Jay 37,287]

5 hours ago, Michael G. said:

When was the last time he signed an autograph for us nerds?

 

Maybe this one

[Holko 9,499]

I... uhhh...

 

 

...just paid for 2 standing tickets for Saturday that they offered me even though I was on the Sunday waiting list because only Sunday showed a waiting list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I HAVE TICKETS

I WILL SEE AND HEAR JW

I WILL BE IN THE SAME ROOM AS HIM
AFTER A LIFETIME OF DISTANT MYTHICAL UNTOUCHABILITY EXCEPT for that week 2 years ago when he was here just like this

 

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

[bollemanneke 3,337]

Congratulations!

[Biodome 714]

16 hours ago, Jurassic Shark said:

That's a slow imperial march...

 

They need more players

[Lord Montague 42]

14 hours ago, Jay said:

 

Unlikely, but not impossible, yes?

Probably going to happen. She came out in the first Vienna concerts after the second half for encores, even though she didn't play in the regular part of the second half program then.

[bollemanneke 3,337]

I'm all for that if it means no Marion and Raiders back to back.

[BB-8 3,461]

I'm beginning to feel that these concerts weren't designed to satisfy the hard-core fan 100% but rather to provide a well-balanced survey of The Music of John Williams for attendees who may have missed out last time - fair enough.

If I were seeing JW for the first time in my life live, I would probably even accept Nimbus 2000 instead of Fawkes.

So I am gradually lowering my TROS and Rey Theme expectations....

 

Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly, i.e. that nobody onstage tests positive and that nobody backstage forgets to press the record button !!!

[apples 61]

So tickets are 100% sold out?

[BB-8 3,461]

16 hours ago, Marian Schedenig said:

 

And then there will be a special limited deluxe edition consisting of both albums, and after that an ultimate edition with the Vienna recording of the concerto as a Blu-ray only bonus track. And then there'll be the version that has the Boston recording of the concerto with Williams' speeches from Vienna.

And then there'll be the Japanese HQ "Deluxe Edition" and the exclusive "Signature Edition" limited to 504 units and released on May 4th.

 

Better stop giving DG silly ideas...

 

 

[Marian Schedenig 8,173]

3 hours ago, Lord Montague said:

17 hours ago, Jay said:

 

Unlikely, but not impossible, yes?

Probably going to happen. She came out in the first Vienna concerts after the second half for encores, even though she didn't play in the regular part of the second half program then.

 

I rather expect her to do at least one encore after the second part, but at this point I would be surprised if she appears during the "official" part of that half.

[Matthias 267]

Another rehearsal pic:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7NFSEAxdk/?utm_medium=copy_link

 

JW looking slightly befuddled at, let's guess, the oboes? 

The hornist also writes that this is a "personal highlight" for him. The previous post was also from a hornist - they seem to be really loving JW. 😁

[Matthias 267]

One of the best harpists in the world chimes in:

https://instagram.com/stories/anneleenlenaerts/2790927127103513244

 

Looks like they moved her to the front - best seat in the house. 😉 Maybe for the violin concerto? The harp plays a prominent role in that one. No ASM in sight, though. 

[BB-8 3,461]

12 minutes ago, Matthias said:

One of the best harpists in the world chimes in:

https://instagram.com/stories/anneleenlenaerts/2790927127103513244

 

Looks like they moved her to the front - best seat in the house. 😉 Maybe for the violin concerto? The harp plays a prominent role in that one. No ASM in sight, though. 

 

From the Extra-Terrestrial?

 

 

[PetePan 163]

Lucky me...

The Dutch Noord Nederlands Orkest last minute added 3 (!) John Williams 90th birthday anniversary concerts, performing yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

Tomorrow I'll go to the concert in Drachten, which is 20 km from my hometown and then Saturday morning on the plane to Vienna. 

 

Dutchies who want to go: 

https://nno.nu/concert/filmmuziek-john-williams-90-jaar2

 

[Matthias 267]

8 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

 

From the Extra-Terrestrial?

 

 

I think they wouldn't rearrange seating for an encore. Would be lovely, though. 

[rough cut 1,714]

I see an endless discussion about whether the first Vienna concert was as good as the second Vienna concert - or vice versa.

 

What a hellish debate.

[BB-8 3,461]

9 minutes ago, Matthias said:

I think they wouldn't rearrange seating for an encore. Would be lovely, though. 

 

Looks more like the opening arpeggio of the Flying Theme from E.T.?

 

I can see "...ESTRIAL" in brackets and the last letter of "THEME".

 

 

9 minutes ago, rough cut said:

I see an endless discussion about whether the first Vienna concert was as good as the second Vienna concert - or vice versa.

 

What a hellish debate.

 

Only if we get a RECORDING of the second Vienna concert.

[Matthias 267]

5 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

 

Looks more like the opening arpeggio of the Flying Theme from E.T.?

 

I can see "...ESTRIAL" in brackets and the last letter of "THEME".

Oh, you are totally right!