New article in The New York Times on John Williams - says he will soon step away from film projects

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

1 minute ago, GerateWohl said:

He scored The Rise of Skywalker. If he would make quality of scripts a precondition for his contribution, how bad does it have to be to not do it?

 

You actually think JJ wrote stuff down before shooting?

[TownerFan 4,983]

Throwing opinions about how much this film or that project are beyond or worth of his time and talent is a useless exercise. At this point in his life, the man is doing whatever he wants and likes to do. He lived a greatly privileged life, working with incredible people and on projects that will last beyond all of our lifetimes. He sounds also very serene about approaching the end of his journey on Earth, so he values time greatly and, as he says, six months now is an extremely long period for him. He knows better than any other how to manage time as it's part of his DNA as a composer. We as fans might approve or not if he's using this time for doing another franchise score or a personal concert piece, but it's not our call. Let's just be grateful he's spending his last years among us writing new music and doing concerts all around the world.

[GerateWohl 4,357]

11 minutes ago, Jurassic Shark said:

 

You actually think JJ wrote stuff down before shooting?

Yes. I mean, even if the whole thing would have just been improvised in front of a green screen and plugged together with visual effects by a YouTube editor it probably would have been better. For such a mess you must go through several iterations of concious quality lowering revisions. Otherwise this could not have become that bad.

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

26 minutes ago, TownerFan said:

he says, six months now is an extremely long period for him.

 

I hope he's in good health.

[TownerFan 4,983]

.

[GerateWohl 4,357]

I learned, from 50 on you are not healthy anymore. You just might not be examined thoroughly enough.

 

But looks to me, like Williams is in good shape.

 

I am grateful for every additional note or concert that we get from him. He owes us fans nothing. He already provided a body of work larger than many other artists did and do in their whole life. At least on that quality level.

 

[Disco Stu 15,495]

1 hour ago, May the Force be with You said:

Guillaume Connesson Pour Sortir au Jour

 

 

Very cool to see JW keeping up with contemporary concert music releases.  Connesson is a great one too!

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

Isn't Deneve a fan and possibly a friend of JW? 

[Andy 4,123]

Quote

And he said he does not fear death; he sees life as a dream, at the end of which we awaken.

 

 

 

At first, I thought I'd be weeping after the headline, but the contentment with which Williams is re-starting his new pursuit of concert works composition is oddly comforting and satisfying.  This is a man who is not only still sharp as a tack, but has the wisdom and clarity we all should hope to have at the twilight of our years.  If John's new purpose is concert works, then I will be along for the ride.  I've been so laser focused on his film scores, it's an area of his career I'm ready to explore as well.

[Disco Stu 15,495]

I wonder if he does "official" leather bindings for the smaller commissions, like the The Mission, Liberty Fanfare, For the President's Own, etc. and how he would organize that.  Certainly many composers throughout history have taken a very proactive role in organizing their own oeuvre (assigning opus numbers for example) while others take no role and leave it to music academics to decide if their oeuvre is worthy of cataloging.  Williams seems like he is very much in the latter camp.

[Thor 7,495]

Didn't he speak about donating all of his written scores to some institution (a university? a foundation?) a few years back? So they better look good!

[Jay 37,353]

He's donating his original sketches to Julliard when he passes.

These bound volumes contain photocopies.

[Gurkensalat 340]

22 hours ago, Jay said:

Holy crap, he wrote so much music for Azkaban, it requires three bound volumes!

 

 

I can't believe that he wrote that much more music than for all the other movies that can be seen. Perhaps for some reason he has 2 additional copies??

[Jay 37,353]

Nope, you can read Volume III on one of them. 

 

And it makes sense, there were a ton of alternates and inserts. An entire theme was rejected and replaced with a new one. 

[Not Mr. Big 4,639]

9 hours ago, mrbellamy said:

I would add that I also literally posted "Fuck Indy 5, who needs it" on here before Williams was announced  so I'm hypocritical.

 

I can agree that there's something beautiful about Fabelmans as a last score which Indy 5 kinda spoils. It's less meaningful and I think the only reason he's still taking it as his obligation is because Harrison Ford's in it. I think that does mean something to JW and so I hope that sentiment can bear out in the score somewhere.

 

But I was always pretty indifferent myself, in the sense that I wouldn't have been distraught if the movie fell through, or if Williams passed on it. I expected it, actually. Since it's coming, and I don't pretend there was a different film he'd do otherwise, then hell yeah I want it. 

 

And ultimately if he's done then I'm glad he's said it now so that I still have both a drama and action score to look forward to. One Spielberg, one franchise sequel. I really have no complaints about these being the duo.

I think IJV could work as a fun breezy coda to the real finale (Fabelmans)

[lairdo 726]

58 minutes ago, Jay said:

He's donating his original sketches to Julliard when he passes.

 

 

Yep. Announced in March 2018. 

Original JWfan post (https://www.jwfan.com/?p=10617) for those who did not know about this.

 

Love this quote:

“Since my earliest days as a fledgling piano student, I have looked up to The Juilliard School as the mecca for the study of music in our country and beyond,” Williams, 86, said at the event. “It’s therefore a privilege for me to donate my sketches, papers, and scores to Juilliard, to be made available to those students particularly interested in the intimate processes of film scoring.”

 

[Andy 4,123]

Just want to point out that John Williams supports the Compact Disc Format. 

[Disco Stu 15,495]

Imagine, in your head, right now, John Williams sat at a laptop trying to create his Spotify account.  

[Gurkensalat 340]

6 minutes ago, Jay said:

Nope, you can read Volume III on one of them. 

 

And it makes sense, there were a ton of alternates and inserts. An entire theme was rejected and replaced with a new one. 

 

You are correct, I did not look low enough. A shame, that a lot of this is probably not included in the Potter Box. Or perhaps even not recorded, who knows. Perhaps one day there will be a follow up with all the rejected music on a further CD or two....

[Marian Schedenig 8,193]

12 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

Imagine, in your head, right now, John Williams sat at a laptop trying to create his Spotify account.  

 

"What does it do? Can it connect??"

[TownerFan 4,983]

1 hour ago, Jay said:

He's donating his original sketches to Julliard when he passes.

These bound volumes contain photocopies.

 

I thought it was the other way around. The bound books contain the handwritten originals, while copies are stored at JAKMS.

[Jay 37,353]

JKMS and the bound volumes are both photocopies.

I dunno where the original sketches are kept

 

You can see a closeup of the inside of one of his leatherbound volumes here.

[TownerFan 4,983]

4 minutes ago, Jay said:

JKMS and the bound volumes are both photocopies.

I dunno where the original sketches are kept

 

You can see a closeup of the inside of one of his leatherbound volumes here.

 

Yeah, that photo is what also made me think it's the original sketch. You can see red felt markers on it.

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

Ever heard about colour photocopies?

[lairdo 726]

46 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

Imagine, in your head, right now, John Williams sat at a laptop trying to create his Spotify account.  

 

I would think he would prefer Tidal. Easier to find classical and jazz pieces.

 

But heck, maybe he buys from Presto Music, and then he can listen to their app as well as enjoy the CDs? He's probably been tracking the shipping of his CD/Blu-ray Deluxe set like the rest of us.

 

[Jay 37,353]

The original sketches would have folds, creases, uneven sides, etc etc

 

The paper in these binders are perfectly uniform because they are nice photocopies.

[TownerFan 4,983]

Just now, Jurassic Shark said:

Ever heard about colour photocopies?

 

Thank you for constantly reminding me why I should avoid posting here.

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

1 minute ago, TownerFan said:

 

Thank you for constantly reminding me why I should avoid posting here.

 

Ditto.

[lairdo 726]

23 hours ago, Disco Stu said:

Guys, Williams has a bust of Copland in his home office.  I'll be in the corner weeping for joy if anyone needs me.

 

I am guessing this is an early model for the Copland bust Williams donated to Tanglewood which sits in the garden area where Copland's ashes were spread after he passed away. Williams donated the bust by artist Penelope Jencks in 2011. At the time of the linked article below, it was already announced that statues of Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitzky would follow. And these indeed have happened in the intervening decade.

 

https://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/Fellow-composer-gives-Copland-bust-to-Tanglewood-2134376.php

 

Having seen all three pieces at Tanglewood, the Copland is the most moving giving its setting. Bernstein's bust is in Highwood House next to the restaurant there. Serge's is at the gates of Tanglewood which is a great place for it (as he founded Tanglewood when leader of the Boston Symphony), but on concert days, it's very busy. The Copland setting is very serene. All three pieces are great.

 

 

[Disco Stu 15,495]

3 minutes ago, lairdo said:

 

I am guessing this is an early model for the Copland bust Williams donated to Tanglewood which sits in the garden area where Copland's ashes were spread after he passed away. Williams donated the bust by artist Penelope Jencks in 2011. At the time of the linked article below, it was already announced that statues of Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitzky would follow. And these indeed have happened in the intervening decade.

 

https://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/Fellow-composer-gives-Copland-bust-to-Tanglewood-2134376.php

 

Having seen all three pieces at Tanglewood, the Copland is the most moving giving its setting. Bernstein's bust is in Highwood House next to the restaurant there. Serge's is at the gates of Tanglewood which is a great place for it (as he founded Tanglewood when leader of the Boston Symphony), but on concert days, it's very busy. The Copland setting is very serene. All three pieces are great.

 

 

 

 

Yes, I've still not been able to make it to Tanglewood, but I really want to one day especially to visit Copland's memorial.  Much like WIlliams, Copland was at Tanglewood every Summer for so many years.

[lairdo 726]

14 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

 

Yes, I've still not been able to make it to Tanglewood, but I really want to one day especially to visit Copland's memorial.  Much like WIlliams, Copland was at Tanglewood every Summer for so many years.

 

When my wife and I went for Across the Stars in 2019, we arrived early to walk the grounds which was wonderful. We then stayed afterwards until sunset just strolling around. It was really a perfect Sunday afternoon. Highly recommended.

 

[Disco Stu 15,495]

5 minutes ago, lairdo said:

 

When my wife and I went for Across the Stars in 2019, we arrived early to walk the grounds which was wonderful. We then stayed afterwards until sunset just strolling around. It was really a perfect Sunday afternoon. Highly recommended.

 

 

You should really watch this public television documentary on Copland from 1975, right at the end of his time visiting and teaching at Tanglewood.

 

Beginning at where I've time-stamped, with him walking the grounds, and for the next 10 minutes or so, it actually shows him teaching a class of young composers at Tanglewood and includes him talking with young Michael Tilson Thomas!

 

 

[lairdo 726]

Just now, Disco Stu said:

 

You should really watch this public television documentary on Copland from 1975, right at the end of his time visiting and teaching at Tanglewood.

 

Beginning at where I've time-stamped, with him walking the grounds, and for the next 10 minutes or so, it actually shows him teaching a class of young composers at Tanglewood and includes him talking with young Michael Tilson Thomas!

 

 

 

Thanks. I will watch it!

[Bayesian 1,363]

1 hour ago, TownerFan said:

 

Thank you for constantly reminding me why I should avoid posting here.

Your contributions to this forum are orders of magnitude more valuable than Jurassic Shark's. We can't lose you. Put him on your ignore list, like I did long ago.

[bruce marshall 1,315]

2 hours ago, TownerFan said:

 

Thank you for constantly reminding me why I should avoid posting here.

What did I say this time?😣

1 hour ago, Bayesian said:

Your contributions to this forum are orders of magnitude more valuable than Jurassic Shark's. We can't lose you. Put him on your ignore list, like I did long ago.

I his defense, at least Sharks inane utterances rarely exceed one paragraph.

For that, I am grateful

😎

 

[WampaRat 1,105]

Looks like he has a copy of the “Raiders of the Lost Ark storybook based on the movie” Pretty adorable if it is that.

 

At least that’s what I think it says. Or perhaps it’s Hal Lenard published sheet music of some kind? Lol. Can’t quite make out the subtitle in black there.

[mrbellamy 6,286]

Definitely "The Storybook Based on the Movie"

[lairdo 726]

It's not the sheet music. I have the Raiders one (signed by JW!) and it is spiral bound so it sits well on a piano stand.

 

I don't think it is the Illustrated Screenplay either. See attached image of that spine.

 

I actually think it is The Storybook Based on the Movie. (I found an image eBay of the spine - colors do not exactly match, but I think this book had a few printings. The words and Random House publisher do match.)

 

4 minutes ago, mrbellamy said:

Definitely "The Storybook Based on the Movie"

 

Beat me to it!

[Jurassic Shark 12,070]

12 minutes ago, lairdo said:

colors do not exactly match, but I think this book had a few printings. The words and Random House publisher do match.)

 

 

This spine looks sun faded.

[WampaRat 1,105]

That’s so funny. Haha. Wonder why that’s in his collection? Maybe one of his kids/grandkids had it or something.

 

I used to check that book out from my local library all the time as a youngster!

[lairdo 726]

Maybe James Mangold brought it over to inspire JW? "Remember how fun Indy is... C'mon, please score my Indy 5.... Pretty please." Must have worked.

 

[JohnnyD 1,223]

That article was excellent.

[igger6 894]

The article was excellent, but the photo sleuthing has been sublime.

[mrbellamy 6,286]

Nothing like a good JWFan forensic investigation

[lairdo 726]

11 hours ago, Jurassic Shark said:

Isn't Deneve a fan and possibly a friend of JW? 

 

Yes, that is right. He regularly programs Williams music in his concerts.

 

Denève is the conductor for the National Symphony Concert honoring JW on June 23 of this year.

 

A few years ago (Nov 2019), they shared the podium together in St Louis for the SLSO Gala concert. (Listing below.)

That same weekend, Denève led two concerts with James Ehnes soloing in Williams' Violin Concerto No. 1 (with Williams in attendance at the rehearsals of the VC1). One was streamed on radio. Attached are two sections of Deneve speaking about Williams. 

 

I believe Denève was also the co-conductor the last time Williams performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

 

Finally, Denève is leading a Williams birthday concert on March 30 in St. Louis.

 

And speaking to the CD in question in JW's office, Deneve is including Connesson pieces in a number of concerts he is doing this spring. So, while that CD is from 2016, clearly that music is important to him.

 

Nov 1, 2019 concert

Stéphane Denève conducting

• Hooray for Hollywood
• The Cowboys overture
• Two pieces from Jane Eyre (The Reunion; To Thornfield)
• Suite from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Three Million Light Years From Home; Stargazers; Adventures on Earth)

INTERMISSION

John Williams conducting

• Flight to Neverland from Hook
• Dartmoor, 1921 from War Horse
• Theme from Jurassic Park
• With Malice Towards None from Lincoln
• The Adventures of Han from Solo: A Star Wars Story
• Rey’s Theme from The Force Awakens
• Princess Leia’s Theme from Star Wars
• Main Title from Star Wars

ENCORES

• Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back
• The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

1586358674_02StephaneDeneveintroducesconcert.m4a 587162133_13IntermissionInterview_StephaneDeneve.m4a

[BrotherSound 2,242]

8 hours ago, Jay said:

He's donating his original sketches to Julliard when he passes.

These bound volumes contain photocopies.

Hmm, this sure looks like an original sketch to me. Note the yellowish paper and corrections in red ink:

[karelm 2,913]

On 08/02/2022 at 12:04 PM, WilliamsFan93 said:

You would think hearing that my favourite movie composer stepping away from movies would fill me with disappointment but reading the interview feels like Williams isn`t so much giving up but starting a new phase in his career. How many people in any profession can say that at 90.  Williams has been such a big part of my life for so long and each score has been an event. You can understand his disenchantment with current day Hollywood. How many movies do we see now that feel like they need a Williams score? They`re either too dark or cynical. There will never be another Hollywood blockbuster as honest and emotional as E.T. There will neve be another Superman movie like Superman 78 and Star Wars will never be as fresh and fun as it was back in 77. Over the past couple of years we`ve had two amazing concerts that are preserved for all to see with the amazing Blu-ray releases. We have three amazing new Star Wars scores and some great Spielberg collaborations ( BFG being my favourite). So i`m absolutely fine with Williams concentrating more on concert work and collaborations. We are guaranteed at least one more Spielberg/Williams release, one more big blockbuster score with Indy 5 and hopefully more CD releases and expansions of scores that have never had a release ( come on Sugarland and Secret Ways) and more concerts. So being a fan in 2022 with a 90 year old Williams still as passionate as ever makes the world just that little bit brighter. 

 

I can't read it.  It blocks me.  Can someone paste it?

[Disco Stu 15,495]

1 hour ago, karelm said:

 

I can't read it.  It blocks me.  Can someone paste it?

This link should take you to the post where I pasted the whole article in a spoiler tag 

 

 

[BB-8 3,473]

20 hours ago, May the Force be with You said:

Guillaume Connesson Pour Sortir au Jour

 

Thanks again for clarifying!

 

I had read: 

J. Williams  OBSESSION

[crumbs 14,313]

40 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

I had read: 

J. Williams  OBSESSION

 

Sounds like the soundtrack of my life.