John Williams returns to Vienna! March 12/13 2022

[bollemanneke 3,338]

I'm sitll baffled there's not oging to be a Blu-Ray. It would sell and it's a nice continuation of the first one.

[eitam 364]

The highlights of the concert for me were the pieces I had not previously heard performed by JW:

• The Long Goodbye. I own the CD but have practically never listened to it, so this was a discovery, and I was immediately won over. 
• Fawkes. Beautiful and uplifting, really moving. 
• March of the Resistance. I was certainly biaised by being 10 meters from the orchestra, but I thought it sounded better tant ever ! Makes me wish Williams played more "action" cues and didn't mostly limit himself to concert versions of his themes. 

[Jay 37,319]

Long Goodbye, not Last

[eitam 364]

Whoops, thanks

[crumbs 14,304]

2 hours ago, PetePan said:

Unfortunately it wasn't played

 

I'm clutching at straws here but if Prayer for Peace was an optional encore, it was likely rehearsed. So maybe the rehearsal was recorded for a future CD release... fingers crossed. 

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

I'm constantly reminding myself not to forget how privileged I am to live 10 minutes from the Musikverein and able to afford going to both concerts. Yesterday's was fine, but in the action pieces I thought the brass was holding back, and there were spots where they seemed to be extra careful. Today they went all in and played brilliantly, with extra strong brass. Now Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra ("sans motorcycle") and March of the Resistance were true highlights, Leia's horn solo was almost perfect, and Throne Room was super tight. It's always hard to compare these things, but the Scherzo might be a notch above the Berlin performance.

Yesterday Williams apparently couldn't remember Connery's full name (in Berlin he couldn't remember his name at all), though I didn't fully understand what he said instead. Today he remembered, eventually: "Seth… Sean Connery". He didn't mention the "bad guys" today, but revived the Luke/Leia/love theme/brother/sister anecdote. He also claimed that Harry once rode on the phoenix.

 

When introducing the Indy pieces, he mentioned that after the concert, he will be going back to LA and work on the fifth score. "You don't know my age, but if Harrison Ford at 78 can do this, I can at least try."

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JonathanAsh 80]

I agree with @Marian Schedenig, the VPO really gave it their all today. Though I really didn’t feel they seemed particularly inhibited yesterday. 

 

I’m blown away by how amazing these concerts were. The Vienna Philharmonic played the music with so much excitement and joy… I am thrilled to know there will be a CD/LP release.

 

What’s more than that, being in the same room as Williams, watching him conduct, and to think that the music I listened to as a child on those tiny CD player speakers was being played right in front of me, with the man to thank for it on the podium… magical. I’m so happy and grateful.

 

[PetePan 163]

11 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

I'm constantly reminding myself not to forget how privileged I am to live 10 minutes from the Musikverein and able to afford going to both concerts. Yesterday's was fine, but in the action pieces I thought the brass was holding back, and there were spots where they seemed to be extra careful. Today they went all in and played brilliantly, with extra strong brass. Now Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra ("sans motorcycle") and March of the Resistance were true highlights, Leia's horn solo was almost perfect, and Throne Room was super tight. It's always hard to compare these things, but the Scherzo might be a notch above the Berlin performance.

Yesterday Williams apparently couldn't remember Connery's full name (in Berlin he couldn't remember his name at all), though I didn't fully understand what he said instead. Today he remembered, eventually: "Seth… Sean Connery". He didn't mention the "bad guys" today, but revived the Luke/Leia/love theme/brother/sister anecdote. He also claimed that Harry once rode on the phoenix.

 

When introducing the Indy pieces, he mentioned that after the concert, he will be going back to LA and work on the fifth score. "You don't know my age, but if Harrison Ford at 78 can do this, I can at least try."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The horns and trumpets were superb today. Also special shoutout to the timpani player. He had a nice and difficult solo in the violin concerto. 

 

Although I was sitting on row 7, I had troubling sight. Maybe it was because the constant wet eyes, when I realized how lucky we are to be able to go to this concert in freedom. A true highlight in my musical life. 

 

Even more grateful and at the same time very confronting, when I came back at Vienna trainstation and saw a group of Ukrainian refugees that just arrived.

Lucky badtards we are. Next week I'm going to sign up as volunteer and help refugees in my local town. 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

[eitam 364]

21 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

He also claimed that Harry once rode on the phoenix.

 

LOL his introductions are getting more and more extravagant ! 

 

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

One more observation: Today's audience was more enthusiastic, right from the get-go. Yesterday, there were some standing ovations (more towards the end), but today was about 2020 level, with standing ovations as soon as Williams appeared and after almost every piece, and lots of cheering at the end.

[PetePan 163]

4 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

One more observation: Today's audience was more enthusiastic, right from the get-go. Yesterday, there were some standing ovations (more towards the end), but today was about 2020 level, with standing ovations as soon as Williams appeared and after almost every piece, and lots of cheering at the end.

Mainly thanks two 2 people just in front of me that stood up immediately after each piece. I just saw them at the airport again...😁 

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

Just now, PetePan said:

Mainly thanks two 2 people just in front of me that stood up immediately after each piece. I just saw them at the airport again...😁 

 

Somewhere in the middle of the foremost block, about row 7-ish? I was in the left block on about their level and mostly took my cue from them.  

[JonathanAsh 80]

2 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

One more observation: Today's audience was more enthusiastic, right from the get-go. Yesterday, there were some standing ovations (more towards the end), but today was about 2020 level, with standing ovations as soon as Williams appeared and after almost every piece, and lots of cheering at the end.

It’s super interesting just how differently that is perceived depending on where you sit. I sat Parterre yesterday and in one of the Balkon-Logen today, and my impression was rather the inverse. The few people around you really play a large role in how you perceive ‘the audience’ as a whole, I think.

 

Also though, they didn't insist on Williams returning to the stage anymore after the final encore, as the audience on Saturday did. 

[PetePan 163]

1 minute ago, Marian Schedenig said:

 

Somewhere in the middle of the foremost block, about row 7-ish? I was in the left block on about their level and mostly took my cue from them.  

Must have been row 5, cause I was on row 7...😊

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

8 minutes ago, PetePan said:

Must have been row 5, cause I was on row 7...😊

 

Probably I was on row 7 as well (rightmost seat of the left block), so they must have been slightly in front of me.

[PetePan 163]

Just now, Marian Schedenig said:

 

Probably I was on row 7 as well (rightmost seat of the left block), so they must have been slightly in front of me.

I we keep on talking we were neigbbours...

[Matthias 267]

Did you guys also make sure that the orchestra got its entry applause? I started that both times on Saturday, which was a little odd. 😄

Finally got some use out of my hitherto pointless knowledge of Viennese concert protocol! 

[bigjimwilson 253]

I'm so happy for everyone who was able to attend, and I'm overjoyed at seeing John look so happy and dare I say sprightly! Something so wonderfully familiar about seeing him in that hall. I dearly wish I could have been there, but fingers crossed there'll be another European opportunity before too long. 

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

19 minutes ago, Matthias said:

Did you guys also make sure that the orchestra got its entry applause? I started that both times on Saturday, which was a little odd. 😄

 

Of course, always do. Bad luck for those who were on the podium already when I came in (i.e. at least most of the winds, like yesterday).

[Lord Montague 42]

5 hours ago, bollemanneke said:

What's in the image? Is a Blu-Ray still possible?

That's a tape recorder. Nobody would bother with a tape recorder unless it was some kind of boutique analogue recording. Blu-ray seems very unlikely then.

[Luke Skywalker 1,793]

5 hours ago, Biodome said:

 

Do you think the post-it page markers colors are intentional? 

[mahler3 478]

1 hour ago, eitam said:

 

LOL his introductions are getting more and more extravagant ! 

 

He’s thinking Fawkes is Buckbeak! :-)

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

3 minutes ago, mahler3 said:

He’s thinking Fawkes is Buckbeak! :-)

 

He also added to yesterday's comment that he can't remember which of the SW films Across the Stars comes from: (something like) "I can't for the life of me remember which one. I think it may have been Anakin's theme. But it's from one of them, trust me." He's not entirely wrong, but I fear he has forgotten all about Anakin's Theme.

 

And for some real controversy: He called the first film ("1977 I believe") A New Hope… twice!

[bollemanneke 3,338]

Well, to be fair, Harry did fly with Fawkes in HP2.

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

Brief review of yesterday's concert in the newspaper Der Standard (in German):

https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000134062173/musikverein-gute-stimmung-bei-john-williams-und-den-sternenkriegen

[JohnnyD 1,221]

1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said:

I'm constantly reminding myself not to forget how privileged I am to live 10 minutes from the Musikverein and able to afford going to both concerts. Yesterday's was fine, but in the action pieces I thought the brass was holding back, and there were spots where they seemed to be extra careful. Today they went all in and played brilliantly, with extra strong brass. Now Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra ("sans motorcycle") and March of the Resistance were true highlights, Leia's horn solo was almost perfect, and Throne Room was super tight. It's always hard to compare these things, but the Scherzo might be a notch above the Berlin performance.

When introducing the Indy pieces, he mentioned that after the concert, he will be going back to LA and work on the fifth score. "You don't know my age, but if Harrison Ford at 78 can do this, I can at least try."

 

 

 

 

The CD for this concert NEEDS to come out by the end of year as part of celebrating the Maestro’s 90th year.

 

The more he mentions Indy V, the MORE excited I get, and June 30, 2023 CANNOT come sooner.

[WilliamsStarShip2282 308]

Yeah I was going to say Harry did in a way fly on Fawkes on the way out of the COS. I think we get a bit carried away with his age, but I think if you asked him 10 or 20 years ago to explain in detail the plot of any of those movies he wouldn't remember. Let's keep in mind too, during his prime in writing the Star Wars movies and others, he was either chief conductor (or laureate but conducting regularly) of the Boston Pops, including all the damn Christmas shows, film, plus on occasion doing other concerts or shows or concerti or even other recordings (Pops but not limited to the cinema serenade albums and that one of Gershwin music with Joshua Bell).

Not to mention the volume of music he's written. And of course, he is not the die hard Star Wars fan that most of us are. Yes, sometimes he seems slow in interviews, but seriously I would be stuck for an answer after being asked about writing the music for Star Wars for probably the literal 200th time.

I am like everyone else absolutely terrified about the day we all shall not speak of to come. But he is mentally and physically in literally unbelievable shape. Especially for a guy who sits and writes as career (his good buddy Andre Previn did not fair nearly as well at his age and most unfortunately didn't make it to 90).

I have noticed with a lot of people that if somebody has a strong purpose to live and they take care of themselves they last a long time. And we can't deny that the twilight years are here. But we still have a good while left with him I think, and I'm sure he'll surprise us all with a billion more pieces in the coming ten years.

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

That's just one hundred million pieces per year.  

[Matthias 267]

55 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

Of course, always do. Bad luck for those who were on the podium already when I came in (i.e. at least most of the winds, like yesterday).

Thank God you were there because it can be pretty confusing. 😅 There was a point on Saturday where almost the entire orchestra was seated and practicing. Then the string players left and entered again a few minutes later, which seems pretty weird if you don't know that this is the time you're supposed to clap before a VPO concert. And of course it works completely differently in other countries. Wien ist anders...

 

I choose to see the positive in that typically snobbish Standard review (why is Stefan Ender so obsessed with gods anyway?) - seems like he enjoyed the violin concerto. 

[bollemanneke 3,338]

Why 'damn Christmas'? His Christmas BPO albums are lovely!

[Thor 7,478]

These concert updates (comments, photos, videos) have been great, but I'm curious about the social aspect of it all. I've noticed a few sober get-togethers, but any rambunctious partying? Anyone drunkenly searching for karaoke bars at 2 o'clock at night, for example (which, I can attest to, is impossible in Vienna)?

[PetePan 163]

3 minutes ago, Thor said:

These concert updates (comments, photos, videos) have been great, but I'm curious about the social aspect of it all. I've noticed a few sober get-togethers, but any rambunctious partying? Anyone drunkenly searching for karaoke bars at 2 o'clock at night, for example?

What happened in Vienna stays in Vienna...

[mahler3 478]

14 minutes ago, Thor said:

These concert updates (comments, photos, videos) have been great, but I'm curious about the social aspect of it all. I've noticed a few sober get-togethers, but any rambunctious partying? Anyone drunkenly searching for karaoke bars at 2 o'clock at night, for example?

Ha! That was fun. Although thankfully nobody was that drunk that they criticised a certain author about their well respected book! 😳

 

Anyway, very civilised as all were cautious about the virus rate here at the moment.

[GlastoEls 558]

Finishing the weekend now in the hotel bar.  This European tour has been a dream. 

 

Please, Milan in the autumn?

 

 

[mahler3 478]

Good photo! I also spy Miguel and Nemesis.

[BuzzLightyear 143]

 

I was lucky enough to attend todays concert. Just the setting of the golden hall and the beautiful weather in Vienna were almost perfect. I had a nice seat on the balcony next to the stage and could watch him coming out of the door. Just the moment when he entered the stage was absolutely exciting.

 

The Violin Concerto was a great experience. There were several little moments that delighted me. My favorite part were these building, 'Close Encounter-like' harmonies, where the brass evolved into a very broad sound. Anne-Sophie Mutter was also fantastic and I was surprised at how loud her violin sounded. Not as loud as the brass section, though, because they were incredibly loud where I was sitting. During the big fanfares today, it literally blew you away.

 

One of my highlights was the 'Flying Theme' from E.T. - I've heard it a thousand times, but today it somehow grabbed me from the very start. A dreamlike performance by the VPO! 

 

But the rest of the program was delightful as well. I really loved the 'Scherzo for Motorcycle' performance. It was so powerful! And of course the 'Throne Room and Finale' which is always a real highlight.

'Duel' from Tintin created a real pirate flair, with those old wooden floorboards of the stage and the 'dirty' sound of Anne-Sophie Mutter's fiddleplaying. Her runs sounded almost like sword blades.

 

John Williams looked very happy and excited today. He made a fresh impression and seemed full of energy, similar to the Berlin concerts.
His speeches were also very enthusiastic, as if he was chatting with a good old friend.

 

Also cool to see was Mutter leaning against a pillar at the edge of the stage during the 'Imperial March', enjoying the performance.

 

Another interesting detail was, that Williams announced the 'Flying Theme' with just a simple "E.T." without using the microphone. He just said it out loud to the audience. And the 'Imperial March' he announced simply with "Darth Vader"

 

I still can't believe how lucky we are to have a 90-year-old John Williams giving such terrific concerts. I always find it difficult to put into words what such an experience triggers in me, but it was truly like a dream. Just the presence of the maestro himself puts you in profound humility. It is simply thrilling to be able to watch the master at work for a few hours.

 

I am happy for all of you who were able to attend these concerts and I wish everyone who have not yet been able to enjoy such an experience, that this dream will soon come true for you... 

 

What a magical weekend in Austria!

[AlexanderB 3]

8 hours ago, PetePan said:

Mainly thanks two 2 people just in front of me that stood up immediately after each piece. I just saw them at the airport again...😁 

A blonde girl and a man with black turtleneck pullover ? 😄

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

1 hour ago, BuzzLightyear said:

And the 'Imperial March' he announced simply with "Darth Vader"

 

That was a brilliant trick actually, one I hope he keeps for future concerts. It made the audience laugh and applaud *before* the music started.

 

5 hours ago, Thor said:

These concert updates (comments, photos, videos) have been great, but I'm curious about the social aspect of it all.

 

I was going to mention that once all the concert report frenzy had died down. No drunken gatherings for me, sadly, with the current state of the pandemic in Austria and continuing choir rehearsals tomorrow (i.e. 30 vaccinated but mask-less people together in a smallish room for three hours) I'm still erring on the side of caution for now. Berlin was (in hindsight) well timed just before the Delta wave, but right now (and without the psychological extra leeway of being abroad on holiday), I just went home after the concerts.

 

So I had to miss the gathering at Tim's hotel bar, but at least I was able to briefly meet and chat with quite a few people before/during/after the concerts at the Musikverein, including @TownerFan, @mahler3, @Miguel Andrade, @ChrisAfonso, @fommes, and @MSM. Always an integral part of these happenings.

[Fabulin 3,510]

There were so many recordings floating around after the 2020 concerts, but this time I can't find a single one. Was Heinz Fischer absent?

[WilliamsStarShip2282 308]

8 hours ago, bollemanneke said:

Why 'damn Christmas'? His Christmas BPO albums are lovely!

 

Oh the albums are lovely. I meant the actual shows. I'm not sure what it was like in his day but now the Christmas shows are every single day, sometimes twice and on the rare occasion even THREE times in a day for a month and a half. Plus the ones where they visit other cities, even though those are local players hired under the named of the BP esplanade orchestra, Kieth is still there.

[Amer 2,080]

So at this point it’s only confirmed a cd recording is expected.We are not sure if this will come as a video concert?

[PetePan 163]

5 hours ago, AlexanderB said:

A blonde girl and a man with black turtleneck pullover ? 😄

Yep!

3 hours ago, Amer said:

So at this point it’s only confirmed a cd recording is expected.We are not sure if this will come as a video concert?

Well, I didn't see any cameras...

[David Vincent 8]

 

It is a long time I have not posted here but I was at sunday's concert and here are a few pics and vids I have been able to get that I wanted to share with you. I made a dream come true. I couldn't be more happy!

 

[Lord Montague 42]

5 hours ago, Amer said:

So at this point it’s only confirmed a cd recording is expected.We are not sure if this will come as a video concert?

no CD recording and no video recording this time...

[AlexanderB 3]

2 hours ago, PetePan said:

Yep!

Well, I didn't see any cameras...

Well I’m the guy in the black turtleneck haha. We are also on the Berlin concert blu ray in the left corner and in some Zooms (but with a white turtleneck 😄). I was surprised that there was no standing ovation after every piece like in Berlin and I thought that maybe I am behaving wrong for that location. I had the feeling that The audience (at least up to the encores) was way stiffer than John Williams himself. But it’s good to hear that this changed a bit at the Sunday concert. 
very cool to read that a few people weren’t annoyed by it ! 

[PetePan 163]

1 minute ago, AlexanderB said:

Well I’m the guy in the black turtleneck haha. We are also on the Berlin concert blu ray in the left corner and in some Zooms (but with a white turtleneck 😄). I was surprised that there was no standing ovation after every piece like in Berlin and I thought that maybe I am behaving wrong for that location. I had the feeling that The audience (at least up to the encores) was way stiffer than John Williams himself. But it’s good to hear that this changed a bit at the Sunday concert. 
very cool to read that a few people weren’t annoyed by it ! 

I joked to my neigbour that they probably hired and paid you to immediately stand up after each piece. 😅😂

 

I liked it!

[AlexanderB 3]

30 minutes ago, PetePan said:

I joked to my neigbour that they probably hired and paid you to immediately stand up after each piece. 😅😂

 

I liked it!

Hahaha that would be a job I take immediately 😂 

very good to see that some people in the audience were in the same mood, I thought that John Williams deserve no less, and I hope so much that he will return to Berlin or Vienna one more time ! 

[Amer 2,080]

1 hour ago, Lord Montague said:

no CD recording and no video recording this time...

wait- a few pages back somebody did confirm about this being recorded although in unofficial capacity. 

19 hours ago, PetePan said:

After the concert I was talking outside to one of the percussionist and he confirmed that there will be a 'schallplatte'...😎 

 

Recording in the making!

this!

[MaxTheHouseelf 324]

On 12/03/2022 at 4:43 PM, JonathanAsh said:

I. HAVE. CONFIRMATION. 🤓 

 

Just talked to a recording engineer backstage. The concert is being (audio-)recorded, they hope to have it released by DG!

 

@Amer and this one. Two people got this information.

 

[Biodome 714]

18 hours ago, PetePan said:

Mainly thanks two 2 people just in front of me that stood up immediately after each piece. I just saw them at the airport again...😁 

Those people were me and my sister! 😄