New Album - FSU University Wind Orchestra: John Williams 90th Birthday Celebration

[lairdo 726]

It appears that a Florida State concert from 2022 has been released on CD and digitally. Available at Presto, Qobuz and probably most other sites (but I have not checked them).

 

From the Mark Records website:

 

ALBUM NOTES

John Williams is, without question, one of Americas greatest composers. His vast career began in the 1950s and has continued for seven decades. During this time he has received twenty-five Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, and countless other awards and recognitions. In 2005, his soundtrack to the film Star Wars (1977) was selected by the American Film Institute as the greatest movie score of all time. While he is best known for his collaborations with Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas, his vast body of work includes television, music composed specifically for the Olympic Games, stand-alone classical compositions, and a thirteen-year tenure as conductor of the world-renowned Boston Pops Orchestra. Tonights concert is a celebration of this extraordinary composer in the year of his ninetieth birthday. We are pleased to feature music from his most popular and enduring film scores. All of the arrangements used this evening were created at Williams request specifically for the two occasions when he conducted the The Presidents Own United States Marine Band. We hope you enjoy our tribute to this musical genius. NOTES ON THE PROGRAM The premieres for the following John Williams Signature Edition arrangements for wind ensemble coincided with the 205th and 210th anniversaries of the United States Marine Band - in 2003 and 2008 respectively - performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington D.C. and conducted by the legendary composer, John Williams. The subsequent program notes are John Williams original words relayed here for you from the conductors scores, including edits for content and length. 1. Overture To The Cowboys (1972)  2. The Jedi Steps & Finale (2015)  3. Viktors Tale (2004)  Deborah Bish, clarinet 4. Adventures On Earth (1982) 5. Raiders March (1981)  Nickolas Doshier, graduate associate conductor 6. Theme From Schindlers List (1993) Benjamin Sung, violin 7. The Imperial March (Darth Vaders Theme) (1980) 8. Star Wars Main Title (1977)

[Miguel Andrade 1,263]

Are Mark Records CDs actually pressed or just CD-Rs? Anyone knows?

Most of them pop up only as digital downloads. 

[lairdo 726]

On 16/3/2024 at 5:12 AM, Miguel Andrade said:

Are Mark Records CDs actually pressed or just CD-Rs? Anyone knows?

Most of them pop up only as digital downloads. 

 

My physical CD arrived today (purchased directly from Mark Records). It appears to be a pressed CD. But generally they do not release CDs and focus on digital. But it's possible that the schools do get a number of physical copies. Mark Records does a lot of band competition recordings (which more times than not have a JW track or two). 

[Naïve Old Fart 9,544]

On 15/03/2024 at 7:34 PM, lairdo said:

4. Adventures On Earth (1982)

 

See? See?!

None of this 'Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye' malarkey.

[thx99 1,740]

I'm conflicted on this album, having attended the University of Florida and then transferring to (and graduating from) the University of Miami.

 

In all seriousness, always great to hear new recordings of Williams' music played by a wind ensemble.  Will have to check it out!

[Tom 4,664]

The mix on this recording is a bit off.  I could barely hear the brass.   

[Bryant Burnette 654]

"FSU University"

 

Lord help us.

[lairdo 726]

Yeah, the mixing is definitely not good. The playing is not bad, but it's more of an anomaly than a must own (except for crazy people like me).