John Williams Conducts "Imperial March" at 90 Years Old | National Symphony Orchestra

[@GrandManor]

Imagine scoring Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but you don’t win the Academy Award because you also scored Star Wars that year.

[@superspies32]

On the other hand, Spierberd got 2% of Star Wars box office revenue due to Gorge Lucas was pessimistic about Star Wars. And the best part is that Disney still be forced to paid Spierberg

[@ikarooz]

​@@superspies32sfw

[@drjones762]

🤯😂🙌🏻

[@TheEvolvedMind]

@@superspies32 I don't know who this Spierberd is, but he seems like quite the genius.

[@ikarooz]

​@@superspies32Spielberg. TYVM

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

Steven Spielberg said it best at John Williams' AFI Lifetime Achievement ceremony. "Without John Williams, bikes don't fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe."

[@NounoursTichat]

He is the Force. This man is the basis of all geeks. He is our legend and our master. And he will always be praised as such.

[@kross2659]

John Williams, Danny Elfman, and Marco Beltrami, are my top 3 favorite film composers

[@ErismarRibeiro-gl3cm]

O George Lucas deveria ter vendido a franquia pro Steven Spielberg!não pra Disney.😢

[@MichaelJohnson-dd9yo]

Best expression of movie scores .

[@hankreager6689]

One of the greatest maestros and composers of this or any other era !!

[@Jonathanclear]

When 90 years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmmm?

[@Lionheart-cr1fk]

Mesa don't think so master Yogurt.

[@davidleavitt835]

When 90 years old he reached, look great he will.

[@GamingFreak339]

91 Years old, born February 8th, 1932

[@djNund]

Wtf did you just say

[@ez_is_bloo]

@@djNund fake fan spotted

[@MatthewCamacho-q2u]

How many of these world-class musicians in the orchestra just experienced the childhood dream of playing the Imperial March for John Williams? Amazing!

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@schumi246]

This, duel of the fates, Jurassic park, or hedwig’s theme. Just a few of his main themes from recent years. I mean this IS 43 years old now, not so recent.

[@silverjohn6037]

@@schumi246 Some things never get old. Like Korngold's work Williams captured the mood of adventure and supplemented it rather than trying to shoe horn in their own creation.

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

a dream come true, no doubt about it!

[@MeMawx2]

Bet they were thinking how glad they are now that their Mom's and Dad's made them practice so much on their instruments when they were younger. Paid off big time !

[@seanclothier495]

Dude rolls in at 90yrs old and pops off the single most badass theme in movie history. LEGEND

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Why does a musical piece possess a substantially inferior rectum?

[@ltjgambrose]

"This is a little song I wrote back in the 70s" *Orchestra builds and builds, brass comes in, trumpets blast the Superman theme*

[@jpboileau5473]

well. he DID write it you know! :)

[@ziraprod6090]

It is not.

[@Ben-bf4gn]

Well Said

[@mackenzie1555]

You can tell when he’s conducting that the years just melt away.

[@abramquinn7726]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@m.layfette6249]

The man is Beyond Legendary. He could conduct that piece (and countless others) in his sleep. John Williams created the theme music for generation, after generation, after generation, after generation. 🎼💜

[@masonherriott1684]

Just thinking that!

[@kentd4762]

So true. He was instantly in his element!

[@hoosier3060]

Music has kept his brain and his soul sharp. There’s a real spiritual force in music.

[@heatchills4093]

Anyone else love the fact that Williams - while he shows his age initially - immediately reverts to being the powerful maestro the instant the baton is placed in his hand?

[@BennyLlama39]

Almost like Yoda taking on Dooku in Attack of the Clones. 🙂

[@EdelUreta]

Strong is the force within John Williams

[@jedijones]

@@BennyLlama39 I was just going to say that. 😂 Also, Miyagi kicking the Cobra Kai's ass in the first Karate Kid.

[@eriklagergren7124]

His deception is at maxed

[@o_s-24]

​@@EdelUreta exactly

[@alexvanpelt5119]

A man of vigor, humility, and incomparable musical talent. You could see the rapture on his face as he conducted. The Force is strong with him.

[@rithvikmuthyalapati9754]

"With muy muy humility" - Darth Bombad

[@Jolene8]

He loves what he does. It's been his passion. I envy him ... To be able to live his dream. 😢

[@emanuelenanetti5201]

Exactly my feeling too! I could see the Force flowing, he was one with the music.

[@cheetahman515]

He's probably very happy with how well the orchestra is playing HIS piece. Or the fact that he is conducting HIS piece again and all of the muscle memory is popping back up.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music

[@IturaldeRodel]

Even after all these decades, it isn't the producers or CEOs we remember... it's these artists, writers, musicians... They deserve recognition and a fair recompense for their efforts.

[@Stevel-ge2xw]

Well said

[@darkprose]

Right, thanks. We can’t enjoy anything now without being critical of some perceived economical or political or cultural grievance. Just shut up. Jesus Christ, just shut up. Jesus.

[@FabioKn]

Yes, no one remembers George Lucas. Totally unknown.

[@IturaldeRodel]

@@FabioKn George Lucas... you mean the writer of Star Wars? Fkn numpty, you...

[@cbracing366]

@@FabioKnhe wrote Star Wars… name a producer of any Star Wars film of the top of your head

[@johnhoblock5872]

For those of us who grew up during Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones etc., this gentleman was our Mozart.

[@bithalver]

Was ? Still is !

[@jayabramson6702]

Well said!

[@Sbannmarie]

So right!!!

[@maryannarep]

Indeed. That Jaws score....

[@ZATennisFan]

In 200 years his music will be studied at the same level...

[@donaldcase491]

We saw him conduct at the Hollywood Bowl last September, 2022. He is still amazing at 90 years old. He gave us 4 encores that night.

[@dzel70]

He's 91 today 🎉

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

I saw him there in 2017. It was so wonderful!

[@dmk941]

Saw him two nights ago with the San Francisco Symphony and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Three encores including a gut-wrenching Schindler's List played by Mutter.

[@deepfryerhouse6885]

I was there!!! Great set

[@nickl2854]

I was probably also at that show! It was wonderful!

[@chazparker3657]

Without the music of John Williams, Star Wars would be just another fantasy B movie. His score elevates the story to galactic-sized entertainment. The Imperial March, Darth Vader’s Theme, brings so much joy and excitement to an audience. That we revel in the theme for the villain is testament to John Williams’ talent and genius as a composer.

[@regroberts325]

plus the Imperial March is the ringtone i have against my wife's phone number !!!!!!

[@donnieparris4684]

King of the leitmotifs. Think of Indiana Jones, what do you hear? Think of any shark, what do you hear? John Williams is one of the most important figures in Hollywood history.

[@armadillerff]

@@donnieparris4684You’re so right. Able to strike fear and ruin the tourism business at seaside towns with literally just TWO NOTES!! The story of Jaws is mediocre but the difference between the sharks on Shark Week and Jaws is the theme music. And Darth Vader would not be anywhere as near intimidating without his Imperial March.

[@kevinlane7555]

Well, Star Wars is a pretty great movie and would have succeeded with a lesser score in my opinion, but it's certainly true that Mr. Williams music raised the level and has become almost universally iconic in a way that few movie scores ever have....or will

[@chukwudiilozue9171]

@@donnieparris4684 Hell, even NBC uses him for news and the olympics every day. His music is embedded in so much.

[@momofthemaos]

When Mr. Williams becomes one with the Force, we will miss his talent, creativity and passion.

[@rothbd]

He can't become one with what he himself veritably created... John William's music *is* the Force of Star Wars.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

These are not the scores you are looking for...

[@JoshuaRWorkman]

While true, he will leave behind what he gave us for us to remember him for the rest of our own days.

[@porterquartion]

He already is.

[@aw5347]

I dread the day that comes...

[@artiek1177]

How appropriate that this just came up on my feed on the day that James Earl Jones died. RIP.

[@davidallbaugh6858]

"Luke, I am your Father !"

[@jBownz]

For those of us who grew up with the movies, this man has written the soundtrack to our lives.

[@stephendobbins9251]

He is treasure!

[@ladyv5655]

To be clear, his 1st movie scores date back to the 1950's. He has written the soundtrack for the lives of generations of people.

[@Pendragon667]

He loves what he's doing you can see it. Even with 90 years and having heard the piece countless times he still enjoys conducting the orchestra. The way he half-jokingly tries to silence the audience, the way his face lit up and the big, genuine smile... how can you not love that man?

[@edgaraquino2324]

Well, who can blame him? He is not feeling his best, but now he feels all that love coming at from the crowd, the people on stage, the musicians (who are striking their instruments in approval, a high honor & they haven't started yet) & he is like a Wright-Cyclone turning over, until the orchestra starts & W explodes into life conducting his composition, spry as a young buck, seeing the reaction of the musicians, the roar of his fans behind him, who would not have tears of joy running down their cheeks at a moment like this? I am & this is not about me....

[@spikespa5208]

It's great we have these videos. A tip of the hat to all the inventors and developers in sound and visual recording and to the engineers who preserve such moments to be enjoyed for times to come.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Well I'm pleased for him and grateful for his inimitable style of cinematic composition. I too loved the cheeky smile that he couldn't have stopped from breaking out if he'd wanted to. Ninety years old, still gamely conduct~ahem~ing this fan favourite pot boiler of a craftily, no, craftsmanly cobbled together collection of "samples" from the great composers of yore. Co-conspiratorialy carried aloft by a crew of men and women who would do anything for him this night and with the added bonus that he knows that the performing rights society will be popping some more moulah into his bank account in the morning to boot! Good on the ol' geezer. Why the bloody hell not‽

[@honorguardsfencingclub7322]

Yes, he's heard it countless times... because he wrote it...

[@embott1]

I mean, when a piece is recognizable within the first bar, and the entire place erupts in cheers and applause FORTY years after it was written, that’s what you call brilliant. Bravo maestro.

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@johnrauner2515]

50 buddy, not 40

[@Pianomn626]

@@johnrauner2515 SOrry dude. Empire was 1980. 50 years is 2030. No biggie...hearing this song just kind of takes all of our minds away to a place in a galaxy far, far away let alone the ability to do math...

[@barricade8957]

I think he's the only composer whom, during a standing & roaring ovation in his name, can silence a crowd in less than a heartbeat, with a single finger raised in the 'shhh' gesture and a solitary wave of his hand. Because they KNOW whatever happens next, they will want to hear. every. single. note.

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@Papa-fv1rn]

Exactly right! People respect quality.

[@jankrolak]

1:10 the joy in his face, when everyone starts cheering🥹😍

[@biroistvan4693]

I'm terrifying myself, as a musician obviously but, it was also an amazing experience for me to see how he works - Conducted by !!:)🌹⚖️👍👌

[@joeaardvark9214]

They are playing so hard too. They're putting everything they have into this piece for him. Amazing.

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

It's so extraordinary to see him conducting at 90. He just turned 91 a couple days ago, and still kicking strong. John Williams will forever go down as one of the most amazing composers whose lives we have gotten to live through ourselves. Fantastic performance, and I love the enthusiasm that he has. I loved how he greeted some of the people he knew for the longest time on that stage before he began the performance. Bravo, Maestro Williams! :)

[@karinwetzel1773]

And the musicians gave their best to him, too. Yet another inspiring collaboration!

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music

[@dankrebs4764]

​@@davidwilks4123 could you possibly sound any more snobbish?

[@janel342]

@@davidwilks4123 That says more about you than it says about them. Maybe a good idea to read about ‘Projection’. ?

[@Historymaker-2001]

@@davidwilks4123 Or maybe they realized that in order for any style of music to stay fresh, such as orchestral (which includes classical), it needs infusions of new material from time to time, and that any music that achieves any sort of modern success can be considered "popular" or "pop" music?

[@QuentinStephens]

John Williams' music will be played for centuries. He is one of the pre-eminent composers of the 20th century.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@kallemetsahalme5701]

yea and also bach, mozart, tsaikovski and the others spent their career making trash music for mediocre theatre plays and concerts for cattle to listen to... if you wanna think it like that.

[@filanfyretracker]

@@kallemetsahalme5701 This, when what we call the great classical composers today were composing they were producing an entertainment product for money.

[@jscho8674]

​@@davidwilks4123Did you really have to copy and paste the same comment over and over and over? You have way too much time on your hands. 😂

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

@@davidwilks4123 Nice and salty, I suppose your wife hasn't let you in for a while. You do realize that same guy wrote the music?

[@marticosta]

The amazing thing is he's not just giving time, he's actually correcting the orchestra and taking it seriously 😳

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

​​snobby much? I bet you've seen this movie a dozen times

[@jackschleich9475]

he composed it. He'll never forget what he wanted it to sound like.

[@poppyland74]

@@davidwilks4123 Sure........... they all looked mightily pissed????????? LOLS!

[@jackgray2217]

@@davidwilks4123 Turns out plenty of professional musicians don't suck and hate fun

[@joev816]

That's the baddest 90 year old we have ever seen. The force IS strong with him, he will Never be forgotten.

[@joemedley195]

I was 7 when Star Wars came out. When I learned a few years later that “Star Wars”, “Close Encounters”, “Jaws”, “Superman”, “ET” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” all had music by the same guy, I think my head exploded.

[@etekambaasanansi900]

Most people might not understand what a LEGEND John Williams is. He is the epitome of music theme songs and sound for decades in Hollywood. From Star wars to Jaws, Indiana Jones, Schindlers List, Superman, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and much more. Thank you for all the memories from my childhood to adulthood. Happy 90th birthday to you sir !!!

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you doing

[@TheTaiylorWallace]

I think he went from 90 to 50 before my eyes. So much energy and precision!

[@katho8472]

Indeed! And not just giving time but giving SO. MANY. CUES. I doubt any of the musicians really *need* cueing for such a piece, but thats just such a courtesy to give them so much "help".

[@sleepinggorilla]

I overheard this conversation once. A guy bought tickets to see John Williams, but the girl did not know who he was and thought it would be boring. He ended up choosing John Williams over her.

[@jxff2000]

Good for him!

[@Damonkyking]

A True Jedi, choosing the Force over attachment.

[@adammullarkey4996]

Even someone who has never heard of John Williams, someone who hasn't even heard any of his music, would know how good he is just from the way he silences the crowd with a single wave of his baton. A true master.

[@jonp2338]

youve def heard his music if youre over the age 1 dude

[@supersonyman]

He single handily made me fall in love with the French horn. Just raw, natural, talent.

[@robertecarpenter]

Well, Yeah!!! Those horns at 3:35 are awesome. no other instrument has that thick of a tone. I think these are the best horns I ever heard. Rob

[@jasonflay8818]

I love how the brass was looking at the sheets as if they haven't memorized this by heart since they were 12! It is amazing watching this it had to be surreal playing this with John Williams conducting. What a Legend.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@jasonflay8818]

@@davidwilks4123 aren't you full of yourself. Remember, Bach, Beethoven, and Vivaldi were all considered pop music in their day.

[@AregPone]

As a former brass player, I can confirm this statement as truth 101. 😆

[@VVardaddy]

@@davidwilks4123 lol

[@oneaburns]

@@davidwilks4123 You’re a pompous, joy-sucking, curmudgeon who impresses no one with your obviously self-serving critiques. “Mmm, look how cultured I ammm 🧐”

[@userSchlonsch]

There is certainly an argument to be made that John Williams is one of the most influential composers in history. He will definitely be one of the most loved and remembered.

[@iz7828]

For stealing others...

[@kegginstructure]

@@iz7828 - Many of the modern composers use themes inspired by classics. Danny Elfman's Batman themes (Michael Keaton version) were inspired from Strauss works. To accuse John Williams of outright stealing is unwarranted. AND in this world where everyone sues everyone else over any excuse possible, you have to know that if ANYONE had a decent case for plagiarism, they would have sued his butt off at their first opportunity. So @iz7828, I believe you are either simply incorrect or you are ignorant of the way that composers work.

[@curious968]

I believe that movie themes are going to turn out to be what classical music of the late 20th century actually is. The official avant guard never stopped being avant. Actual classical audiences want to hear this, not that atonal stuff.

[@spikespa5208]

@@iz7828 He can borrow all he wants. I don't give c___ . He makes others' ideas fun.

[@spikespa5208]

@@curious968 Many greats, in their time, wrote operas. Would Mozart write for films today? Methinks probably.

[@awmperry]

That’s a masterclass in conducting - no histrionics, just a conductor who’s extremely comfortable doing what he does with a piece he knows inside and out.

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@hamsterdiving7593]

I can imagine some of those musicians in the orchestra went to see the movie the first time in the late 70s as kids -- what an honor and a thrill to be playing the music conducted by the maestro himself, decades later... ✨️✨️✨️

[@mikethomas6187]

Beautiful thought

[@Halinspark]

Hell, some of those musicians may have seen one of the movies in theaters for the first time in the late 90's. That's how I saw Return of the Jedi.

[@tannerbogart]

Return of the Jedi came out in 1983@@Halinspark

[@alexmartinez5859]

⁠@@tannerbogart Well, The Phantom Menace was released in ‘99, but Lucasfilm likely asked for a theatrical rerelease before the Prequels came out, so as to get people’s minds fresh. Heck they even released a box of VHS tapes that, in my opinion, are one of the best versions of the Original Trilogy.

[@drt1605]

First trumpeter of the LSO had that role playing the theatrical soundtrack for ALL SIX of Lucas's Star Wars movies. He is Maurice Murphy. People like him are why people recognise the sound of the LSO across movie franchises... and why Disney ditching the LSO for movie 7 onwards made people notice something sounded different. LSO brass is distinctive.

[@richardlee9949]

This classic will outlive everyone who was involved in the original Star Wars, and will even outlive anyone who are involved in future Star Wars.

[@katherinewelling6026]

The joy on his face! The joy I’m feeling watching this! ❤️❤️❤️

[@AndyRoidEU]

03:02 and onward

[@MC-810]

I’ve seen him at Symphony Hall in Boston several times and the joy on his face every time he conducts in front of an audience is so genuine.

[@Kellhound32]

The man is INCOMPARABLE. A national treasure of which there will never be another.

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@mareky1234]

International treasure!!

[@weaponizedglitter69]

International treasure

[@jadav1987]

Quite good? I'm sure you could do better...

[@frankenhausen1525]

A fucking Mozart of our time.

[@ipotombilstorm]

“No pressure” 😅 Imagine playing a piece with the composer as your conductor, they manage to keep themselves composed so well

[@Septimus_ii]

And it's not an easy piece!

[@pennybaker6454]

John Williams is, without doubt, a National Treasure. Thank you Maestro!!!!❤

[@joycegibbs5267]

I shouldn't say this but I dread every day thinking they'll announce this utter genius's passing. Stay with us John, one of the last truely pure human beings left in this hideous world 😥🥺

[@markhoward408]

I was genuinely just thinking this. I'm 48 and Carrie Fisher's passing hit me hard, but this dude conducted the soundtrack to my entire childhood. I dread the day.

[@red5158077]

Same here. But it's not about the time we have but the time we've had together. His music will continue on no matter where he goes.

[@aw5347]

Amen to that...I dread the day😢😢😢

[@andyny29]

John Williams contribution to the enormous success of Star Wars is incalculable. I remember buying the original soundtrack album in ‘77 and listening to it over and over. Bless you Mr. Williams.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

I bought two by mistake. The price tags on the wrappers got snagged and I didn't know until I got home that I had two of them even though they charged me for one. So I thought to myself "what am I going to do with TWO of them?" So I took one and put it in a box of old records from the big band era and the other I opened up and played, and played, and played. I was 17. That box ended up in my Mom's bedroom closet. When she moved it ended up in her new bedroom closet. When she died I got it back having forgotten all about it. So it went to my bedroom closet. Then two years ago I finally decided to clean my bedroom closet and there it was, unopened all these years. I'd lost it's twin having worn it out. I played it so much the stylus was poking out the other side of the grooves. By then I'd switched to CDs long ago. Then I was at the store and they had a Crowley record player so I bought it just so I could play all those old records. Hearing that Star Wars music on vinyl again after 44 years, magic.

[@karinwetzel1773]

My parents were certainly tired of hearing it. I was not. Yep, the vinyl version! Went with me to university and beyond!

[@mountainmantesla4395]

It was the first album I ever owned. Before home video, we listened to this over and over and our imaginations soared.

[@catherinesanchez1185]

@@nunyabiznez6381 you posted this a couple months ago, but still a great story!! I had this on 8TRACK!! LOL! The music was a huge part of the sucess of these movies. I don't think they would have lasted this long without the music.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

@@catherinesanchez1185 I totally agree. I think 8 track was at the peak of it's popularity when Star Wars first came out and I remember seeing the 8 track for this for sale in a department store circa late 1970's. I never had 8 track. I skipped over it going directly from record albums and 45's to digital. You could still buy vinyls when they first came out with CD's.

[@petzoogreg8624]

Just yesterday, Feb 9, 2023, an episode of Wagon Train from 1958 titled 'The Jenny Tannen Story' aired on our local classic TV network. It was a real honest-to-goodness jaw dropper in the closing credits to see the music for the episode was composed by - wait for it - a 26-year-old Johnny Williams!!

[@1mctous]

Williams was Vic Damone's rehearsal pianist in that era.

[@morganfisherart]

Here's a song from that show! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4WaaI15qLuZmK8

[@jedijones]

I think TV composer credits aren't always super-accurate from that era. I remember reading there are some issues with how he's credited on Gilligan's Island. He may have composed some background music early on, that was then reworked by other composers on later episodes, but still retained the credit.

[@jb6712]

Yep, my 70 y.o. jaw just dropped that you think it's hard to believe the man could have been a composer at the young age of 26.

[@morganfisherart]

@@jb6712 Right! I mean hello - how old were The Beatles?!?

[@derjaeger3321]

He wrote the music of our times. Star Wars, Raiders, the Olympic Theme, and so much more, this should be known as the “Williams Era”

[@NomusaNdovela-r6f]

Amen to that

[@andresa1963]

And the best part ... we are alive to see him conducting his own music.. .ain't that something?

[@watevawateva7343]

Jurassic Park

[@joshuamulligan4155]

John Williams is one of the top composers of ALL-TIME. His works will transcend for centuries to come!

[@mswritr]

The Star Wars complete trilogy soundtrack was one of the first things I ever saved money to by on CD at Best Buy! ❤❤

[@jacobdehaan4114]

I hope the musicians are deeply honored to have been in an orchestra conducted by John Williams

[@Brucefulness]

This man made all the movies we grew up with "come alive". We owe this man more than we can give him other than our respect

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@jacobvie]

We will have to wait centuries to get a composer like him again. For me he is in a row with Beethoven, Bruckner and Sibelius.

[@michaelcharlesthearchangel]

Yes, yes, and yes again.

[@NotKev2017]

Absolutely yes! And I said this exact same thing 30 years ago.

[@oneviperbite]

I would put Hanz Zimmer up there as well from our lifetime. But yes, Williams is an all-time great.

[@ベンゲルのカナズミトム]

For me he's not.

[@skyhound2889]

Totally agree

[@NotSosigRamsey]

1:54 you can clearly see the winds thinking... holy crap we're actually playing this with John freaking Williams

[@maxborg1627]

Three years ago, when he did a full concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, he initially omitted the March from the track list because it’s always the encore and he thought it would be too much for the brass section after all the previous pieces. The head of the brass section told him “No, you don’t understand: we *want* to play it!”

[@NotSosigRamsey]

@@maxborg1627 Yes it's amazing! I that recording and interview, :D

[@robbinstokes1402]

Chills and Goosebumps for the music .... Awe, Admiration and Love for the brilliant genius of John Williams!!

[@tomtalker2000]

I love John and feel VERY honored to have seen him perform. I've also sung with the BSO as my chamber choir did a collaboration with them. Being a resident of Cape Cod, MA and also lived in the Berkshires prior. He was quite the treasure to have here in MA.

[@ladykenobi7314]

The force is strong with this one. Happy birthday John Williams. This will be a day long remembered.

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@dirtyMopar]

I had the honor of meeting him one day while working in Symphony Hall in Boston. Walked in a room and was talking with others when this man with his back me turns around and made a comment about what we were talking about. Took a few seconds to realize who he was. Saw him several times after that but the first time was the best and the whole conversation sticks in my mind despite being decades ago. Good to see him just as spry as he was back then.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@sr7129]

@@davidwilks4123 Bro stop bein toxic on John Williams.

[@carlward]

​@@davidwilks4123👈 Sexual Intellectual

[@stephanelecreux6840]

@@davidwilks4123 Get a life.

[@Judi7Caroler]

Those were the great ole Boston Symphony years, weren't they? (So. Brookline, Mass gal hailing now in So. California.)

[@LouMires]

There will never be another like John Williams. He created more than music for fantastical worlds. He added magic and sustained youth.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@filmkid8221]

@@davidwilks4123 why do you hate fun? Why do you think that because something is popular, than professionals of that area hate it?

[@BeachBear64]

Why did you say it like he’s dead?

[@LadyPii]

​@@davidwilks4123 my sister is a classical musician, who enjoys playing all genres 😄 did you know that many classical composers were the pop stars of their era, like the Strauss family?

[@B-A-L]

​@@LadyPii Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the Frank Zappa of his day!

[@gary_payton]

The literal embodiment of lifetime achievement.

[@KateRichardsonMP]

Perhaps the most brilliant composer of our time. I remember laying awake at night listening to the first Harry Potter score when I was 11 years old. Having no idea at the time... all the previous work he has done... which included Home Alone; the first movie I ever saw in theaters at the age of two. He's shaped who I am, really. He has shaped how we as a whole not only look at movies, but music itself!! Bravo Mr. Williams, you will always have my ears and a piece of my heart.

[@Donaliam]

For me it was the E.T. soundtrack, the first movie I really remember seeing in the theater.

[@Historymaker-2001]

@@KateRichardsonMP the first movie I remember seeing with Maestro Williams’ music was ET. Of course, I didn’t understand the contribution of music to a movie back then, but I remember liking it nonetheless. It was perhaps 5 years later that I saw Jurassic Park, and the score completely blew me away. Star Wars followed soon after. Indiana Jones. Harry Potter. That is three of the biggest movie franchises in Hollywood.

[@anakina1]

His compositions are a soundtrack for so many lives. The Imperial March is a phenomenal piece of music.

[@catladygoddess]

This just gave me goosebumps and some tears. I was the French horn player in the school band and I loved Star Wars and John Williams for the fantastic music I got to play!!

[@marychocolatefairy]

I was in school band as well (clarinet) and it was a great treat to us when we were given a medley of John Williams songs to learn for the school concert. I remember it included the NBC Nightly News theme, the Imperial March, and the main themes from Jaws and ET.

[@kellylaliberte548]

One of my favorite songs to play during my school band days was the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme. So much fun!

[@jscho8674]

My son is a French horn player, and the first thing he taught himself was the Imperial March, back in the day. I love John Williams!!

[@ig88killer]

As a French Horn player in grade school and college, can confirm the exact same feelings. His brilliant use of the brass instruments (particularly French Horn and Tuba) in a primarily string ensemble show his true genius over the years.

[@kongmw]

Watching the legend conducting his own masterpiece just hits different ❤

[@nunyabiznez6381]

This must be what it's like to hear Beethoven conduct the 5th symphony.

[@JoycelynStaMaria-yk5qe]

Wow! John Williams at 90, still conducting with vigor like when he was so much younger! The years just melt away! Imperial! Bravo!👏👏👏

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Well, just watched it. This tune is tops! And he isnt old at all. Lookin' fine. Bright and fit. His personality is awesome

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Just seeing him conduct at 90 years old is remarkable~ You can see the joy on his face when he was conducting his own masterpiece of a soundtrack. John Williams' film scores just make an ordinary film elevated to the next level. I mean Superman, Star Wars, E.T, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Jaws, the list just goes on.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you doing

[@evancortez2]

from Lost in Space to the Time Tunnel to the Land of the Giants to Star Wars to Superman to Indiana Jones to Saving Private Ryan - I've been listening and been enthralled by John Williams' masterpieces since I was a little boy!

[@rheailiarome2287]

You forgot he wrote the music for Jaws....

[@evancortez2]

@@rheailiarome2287 how could I forget??

[@margaretanncarno4014]

And Schindler’s list.

[@jamesgravil9162]

Don't forget Jurassic Park, Home Alone and Hook. Some of the best movies of the 90s. I think John Williams might have composed the score for Goonies as well.

[@wyldegi]

Harry Potter too!

[@kali3665]

One of the greatest bravura composers ever. From Lost in Space to this, an incredible career.

[@TB1M1]

The genius of JW is in his quieter less bravura scores, Accidental tourist, AI, Munich, seven year in tibet, always, Nixon

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@PacketWrangler]

​@@davidwilks4123 You talk like somebody who's never touched an instrument in your life. In fact, I'm about 99% sure that you haven't devoted a serious amount of time to an instrument, given that you conflate "instrumental from some nondescript number of years in the past" with "classical." A John Williams piece plays very similar to a Gustav Holst piece - not surprising given that Holst was an inspiration for the Star Wars soundtrack. If you had ever put in the work to learn an instrument, learn a piece, and play with a group, you'd find pieces by talented modern composers no less intricate or satisfying to play than a piece 100 or 200 years old.

[@jedijones]

@@davidwilks4123 Snob alert!

[@MrAjusog]

Conducting for decades and teaching generations of musicians, bravo

[@cpoky]

.... I literally choked up watching this. BRAVOOOOOO

[@ghostnappa2012]

This song never fails to give me chills, and having Lord John Williams conducting it at 90 makes it even more awe inspiring and chilling for the best reasons

[@HooDatDonDar]

He has an honorary KBE. No title with that. A real one would let him be ‘Sir John’. ‘Lord John Williams’ would only apply to the younger son of a Duke.

[@coasterb1]

@@HooDatDonDar Lord has more uses than the British title. Check the dictionary. "someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler" (Oxford) I'd say John Williams is an authority figure and master in film scoring and directing.

[@Historymaker-2001]

@@coasterb1 Under that definition, the title certainly applies. As I am technically a subject of the King myself, I prefer to use the term Maestro as an honor title for John WIlliams

[@JonathanLundkvist]

I love how John Williams command such respect that any audience will quiet down in a second.

[@featherineaugustusaurora3416]

I mean,Every audience do that when conductor come to the stage,they clap when conductor come then in sudden quiet down when the pieces Will start and conductor taking the gesture

[@teslasmercury2782]

The cinema would not be the same without John Williams, God bless you for many more years,

[@highoctaneadventure]

Just fantastic. I love how John Williams was able to write a modern piece that seamlessly connects to the original theme.

[@darrenhopkins5454]

I got the fantastic opportunity to see John Williams conduct The LA Phil at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Absolutely amazing concert. The performance, and the acoustics of that place was enough to evoke emotions. Best concert I've ever been to I'll never forget it.

[@Gatotsu2009]

What I love most about this video is how ALL the musicians eyes lit up when they realize John Williams is going to baton them, just amazing.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you

[@krzy6886]

I have a grandfather who is 90 who can barely move without a walker, how does Williams have such vigor? Amazing.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you doing

[@pabobfin]

What a thrill it must be for the orchestra to be conducted by the author of our lives soundtrack.... Happy B'day John.

[@markharold2732]

Hi 👋

[@ElizabethMcCormick-s2n]

One of the greatest movie score composers of all time!

[@thorinhg]

Absolute Legend. So glad his music has been part of my life for almost 50 years now. Thank you John

[@kkampy4052]

The Imperial March is one of the GREAT pieces of music written for a movie. One of the few movie soundtracks I bought, on vinyl to boot.

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@Atomicunderware]

@@davidwilks4123 Copy paste copy paste copy paste. Get a life man.

[@garypayne2157]

Wow, and Williams has created the original music for the next installment of Indiana Jones coming in May. He is incredible!

[@moddedinkling4168]

He stated that this might be his final soundtrack before he retires.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

It will be the only good thing about that movie which is unfortunate

[@moddedinkling4168]

@@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 Movie isn't even out and you're already judging it? Remember, Spielberg and Lucas are still officially working on the film.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

@@moddedinkling4168 Harrison Ford isn’t what he was 40 years ago, he seemed to struggle in the Crystal Skull movie, and that particular film wasn’t very good, if this upcoming movie is a repeat of that then it won’t be a good film, and if they are going to replace Harrison then it’s not a Indiana Jones film. Just my take on it, I’d like for them to reboot the series but don’t want them riding the coat tails

[@kallemetsahalme5701]

there have been plenty of stories with old batman, old welles, old connery etc. that have been great. if they just have the sense to present indy more as a wise instructor as he was in the school since movie 1 they have potential. it can still be an indy movie even if someone else does most of the jumping and running. that said i dont have too much faith in the studio seeing what kind of trash the recent terminators, jurassic parks etc have been

[@strawberrana]

I love how happy he is too, he's genuinely just having fun conducting his music

[@dennisang7148]

The greatest living composer.

[@JoeHammond-r5v]

And he always appeared to be having fun while doing it

[@buckeyenation1681]

That song gets better and better everytime you listen to it

[@dwightsmith2918]

This word gets thrown around too much, but it is iconic.

[@yvonnevanwaegeningh-tiggel4577]

OMG, he's written so much gorgeous music and is still going strong at this very respectable age. The joy on his face is contagious. I'm sitting here with a big smile on my face. And tears in my eyes as well, because it was such a magical moment. Thank you John Williams, for everything you brought us untill this day, and for new beautiful things that might be coming still...

[@davidwilks4123]

I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

[@sweetdaddydee1314]

​@David Wilks bruhhhh stop going in everyones comments acting snobby and shit. Grt the hell outta here.

[@janberkemeier7406]

@@davidwilks4123 Liking your own, obvious bait is cringe, bro

[@brassinpocket76]

You can't help but smile watching a man so purely in his element. Bravo!

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@christophertmunro4503]

It absolutely amazes me just how full of life John Williams became that moment that baton is put into his hands in spite of being 90 years old!!!!

[@RS250Squid]

And he just slips back into the role instantly! Masterful!

[@JeremiahSkywalker]

90 years old and he's still got it. Thank you SO MUCH, John for all the themes you've done.

[@clrobertson13]

As I’ve said before, “John Williams, the composer of the soundtrack of my life.”

[@tankythemagnorite9855]

If your soundtrack is The Imperial March, something sinister us going on...

[@feefeesmomma]

@@tankythemagnorite9855 You do know he composed more than just this piece right? What he means is that JW has composed just about every major movie that has happened in our lifetime.

[@tankythemagnorite9855]

@@feefeesmomma yes I do, but this being the Imperial March, I assumed he was talking about that being the soundtrack to his life.

[@PrincessJamiG]

Absolutely true.

[@molson87]

Dang, your life is way more exciting than mine! When you travel, do maps with red lines from your origin to destination appear in front of you?

[@johnchessant3012]

He's a national treasure. Also, I love the part with the suspensions (2:34-2:51), it's a shame the countermelody isn't better known

[@wanyeng]

I was taken in by this part too. My imagination ran wild, as the storm troopers running wild, some fairy elves scurrying and sprinkling golden dusts. (duuni why I thought of tinker Bell at this part of countermelody)

[@lebasusej]

No. He's a World Treasure.

[@abbygailechien6466]

His age just simply melts away the moment he held the baton... beyond amazing!

[@mikemickypeterdavy]

I've been watching the Star Wars saga from when I was a kid in 1977. The Imperial March STILL gives me chills

[@WickstarRunner]

Top 5 American composer of all time and easily the greatest of the last 75 years.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you

[@erikdoer]

Nothing compares to seeing the likes of Yo Yo Ma, Stephen Spielberg, and many more look on in admiration at the spectacle of a master exercising his craft.

[@gregoryboverson4292]

The man that brings films to life through wonderful music. Dear God! Let us as film fans keep John Williams. His films scores are magic! Love him! Long live John Williams! ❤🎵🎬❤

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@gattooo2]

Literally crying, love this so much🥺❤️

[@mariadmendez7773]

How lucky am I that in my lifetime, I got to enjoy his body of work? Today's younger generation will never get the joy of that experience!

[@alpintourer]

I had the pleasure to sit in the front row at the Shed at Tanglewood when he gave a lecture decades ago. His shoes were mere inches from my nose as he stepped to the front of the stage to emphasize a point. I was struck as to how plain his shoes and socks were; indeed he wore an ordinary suit, tie and shirt. What was extraordinary however, was what was inside this man. Genius!

[@villep7907]

Sorry, but the fact that you distinctly recognized his socks made me chuckle😅

[@tomchidwick]

I'll have what he's having!! Thanks for all of the wonderful music and memories, Mr. Williams. You are a true treasure.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you

[@rebekahnewman9419]

He doesn't even have to look at the sheet music hardly anymore since he wrote it back in 1977, and he's conducted it numerous times since then. The force is strong with this one.

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you doing

[@BethBrownell]

A dream for that orchestra to be conducted by John Williams at his own Birthday celebration. They will be sharing this with their grandkids and great grandkids that they were in the presence of the famous John Williams and was conducted by him. We are not worthy to be in his presence and yet, he graces us all with his presence.

[@sabinrawr]

I can echo all the comments about the joy of performing, watching the years melt off the man, and the amazing experience of performing with and for The Man Himself. But let me tell you what I noticed... Every single person on that stage knows every single note of this piece better than they know their own belly button. What I loved about this is that John didn't just conduct the orchestra, he brought his special something to the performance. He showed deep respect for the musicians, and they him. Like I said, everyone there could play this flawlessly in their sleep... but this performance was a masterclass on subtle collaboration, and the result was nothing short of beautiful incarnate.