robthehand 3 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I was at my old school a few months ago for a concert (which some people I know were playing in), and I was curious to see that the wind band were performing “Star Wars Main Title”. I have to say, much as I am quite forgiving about bad arrangements for amateur orchestras, that this was the worst arrangement of any theme I’ve ever heard in my life.The middle string section was played the same volume as the rest of the theme, and played by oboes!!!! (and a cymbalist who seemed intent on pounding the living daylights out of the instruments about three seconds after the beat). But that wasn’t the worst of it. The drummer was entirely wrong, playing (irritatingly) about half a second after everyone else. The conductor was awful – if the main theme normally runs at about 1:20, this lasted 3:00 – at least.And there was one absolutely unforgivable error in the arrangement. Instead of going minim, minim, crotchet-triplets, minim, crotchet etc. (almost 5/4 style) this clever arranger (I didn’t catch the name) decided that that would be too difficult for a school orchestra, and arranged it in 6/4 time: minim, minim, minim-triplets etc. What the hell??? And at half its proper speed, it was one of the worst musical experiences of my life. Ugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg1138 2 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I have played a similar arrangement (Saturday-morning music schools have much to answer for!) - 20-or-so-years ago - and whilst they are hideous in hindsight it was nevertheless a good introduction to the music..........and despite the fact that it was shite I dare say the wind band (for which there are many great arrangement of JW music) felt good about playing it......which is (or should be) one of the main points behind music performance education..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd 30 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I've heard that, or a similar arrangement before...yucky poo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnus 0 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I have yet only heard two Star Wars arrangements for wind bands: the suite arranged by Donald Hunsberger and some sort of a potpouri by a dutch arranger.... not sure, but I think his name is Johan de Meijj or something like it, maybe Stefancos can shed some light on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fommes 126 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 not sure, but I think his name is Johan de Meijj or something like it, maybe Stefancos can shed some light on it?I think I know who you mean, it's probably the same one as who did Jurassic Park, I'll look it up at home on my sheet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMan 0 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Quality music is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Breathmask 480 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 Johan de Meij did some Williams arrangements? I did not know that.- Marc, who heard de Meij's LotR symphony in Amsterdam last year and thought it was... okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 5,520 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 De Meij's LOTR Symphony is amazing.Marian - who only knows the orchestral adaption. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 I agree with Marc, it was OK.Not nearly as good as Howards Shore's LOTR music though.but I think his name is Johan de Meijj or something like it, maybe Stefancos can shed some light on it?Sorry this is a total mystery to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAG-SI 10 Posted August 18, 2005 Share Posted August 18, 2005 What wind band? Tell us their name! Anyway, I will tell you this, because it's SW main title thread... Last saturday I was in the club - "house club"; after a 4 hours of hardcore house, I said a minute more and I'll die, they played StarWars Main title!!! Pure LSO version - nothing techno/trance stuff... Volume at full blown!Then my friends bought me like 5 beers, because they knew what has just happened (to me)! Really nice experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,284 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Didnt you smoked a cigarrette after it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSM 85 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 I agree with Marc, it was OK.Not nearly as good as Howards Shore's LOTR music though.but I think his name is Johan de Meijj or something like it, maybe Stefancos can shed some light on it?Sorry this is a total mystery to me.Johan the Meij indeed made a SW arrangement. Our conductor is currently performing it with orchestras in the north of Holland. Johan the Meij is really the Dutch John Williams. He told me that he is a big fan of JW and Prokofiev.I made an arrangement of Manon Lescaut by Puccini which culminates into the SW Main Theme, which is performed by our orchestra this saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Johan the Meij is really the Dutch John Williams. Then why isn't he scoring our blockbusters? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Breathmask 480 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Who is scoring our "blockbusters"? (Or what ever you want to call them.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Henry Vrienten? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSM 85 Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Do we have any blockbusters? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightscape94 965 Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Un...necess...ary...ellip...sis...Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now