John Williams On Scoring George Lucas Films

[@grizzfan08]

John Williams, recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award 2016. AND ABOUT TIME TOO!!!

[@autumrose1]

John is the master of composing, Star wars would not have been as awesome as it is without John behind the screen making the magic that needed no pictures. If anything I remember the music better than the movie scenes

[@TODOSOUNDTRACKS]

Greats news John Williams is the next AFI Life Achievement Awards recipient is the first time in history and nobody deserved like him God Bless You Maestro John thank you so much for all you give us

[@pikkuadi]

+TODOSOUNDTRACKS WHEN IS IT???

[@grizzfan08]

June 9, 2016.

[@pikkuadi]

grizzfan08 I was given this information June 10. Just.....great.

[@BATJAX]

Best walk out music ever

[@carolooch53]

John Williams, brilliant he is.

[@TheShadowNovus]

In my eyes, John Williams will always be the greatest film composer who ever lived. God bless that man. He literally wrote the music to my childhood. :')

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

George better look at that man and really respect him because he took an already good movie and made it epic.

[@alekesam]

Williams, Morricone, Elfman, Michael Giacchino. GOAT. Honorable (and close) mention: Silvestri and Zimmer.

[@carlsonmj]

Let's see...the theme from Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Indiana Jones... Is there another movie composer that has so many memorable movie themes under his belt that probably 99% of the population could recognize it within just a few notes? This man is a movie/music legend!!

[@Dreama40]

John is quite possibly the most humble brilliant guy in music history.

[@chrishei3111]

Already loved this man for the music, but so humble and gracious too? More love.

[@desertflwrs]

without john williams' score, star wars wouldn't be half of what it is, he deserves more applause!

[@Eddiespice509]

John Williams is the man!

[@ichhabra]

Respect. Hope he does many more..

[@SB992REBORN]

John Williams.. The Legend.. The Icon.. The Artist.. The Master.. The One Who Is Scoring "Episode VII" !! :D

[@Howler452]

Cannot wait to listen to whatever new soundtracks he makes for it.

[@cacilhas14]

John Williams is the best

[@rollicker3139]

John Williams is a gift from God.

[@thedarksaviour755]

John Williams is the man when it comes to movie scores and so is Danny Elfman!

[@jamdude13]

man the bragging rights that come with this guy!

[@Robotdrummerzzk]

He's agreed to do the music for the new Star Wars Live Action TV Series coming out in the Fall of 2011 so expect some more Williams greatness

[@mjdrummerfreak]

AFI really hasn't awarded the JOHN WILLIAMS? Dude... His own name is a musical masterpiece.

[@Incog2k6]

Indeed. It seems like many in the audience don't know (or realize) who he is, since the applause should've been WAY LOUDER. Why do so many people forget that composers are just as important as the directors when it comes to movies? IMHO, they're even more important than the actors. Imagine what the Lucas and Spielberg movies would've been like WITHOUT Williams...

[@nattyps3160]

All the directors he scored for were blown away. Richard Donner said he wept hearing the opening score of superman 78 by John. Lucas was unhappy & anxious about so much but the only think exceeding his expectations was Lucas score. The opening crawl the imperial March leias theme was genius. Def a modern day beethoven.

[@John.S92]

The music in the STAR WARS saga is about halv the saga really. The music really sets the mood and drama in Star Wars.

[@80sROCKKKKK]

Their collaboration was truly amazing.. John knows how to write great music and George cares enough about music to get him to make tunes that really suit the scene. That's why even the prequel scores were so great.

[@SugarW1thC0ffee]

He is truly an amazing composer. His music in Star Wars was what made it what it is. He brought the feeling and emotion. The music in Star Wars stayed in us and will forever stay. I thank John Williams for his passion and music.

[@3089280288]

Soon AFI will celebrate him.

[@weilim10]

John Williams deserves an AFI award. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, ET would loose much of their magic if it weren't for him.

[@Pattty3]

He is a good composer .

[@bravo-outpost]

yes ever!

[@iownage4youi]

He, Beethoven and Morricone are the greatest componists ever lived

[@marcparella]

You can thank Irwin Allen for this moment in the space/time continuum.

[@ichhabra]

Can't believe how a compositional monster could be so humble. Respect, Sir Williams.

[@SuperBondfan007]

John Williams is one of my top favorite film composers. I hope he comes back for Ep. 7.

[@Stonemeister]

Remember the first time you watched Star Wars. What was the first thing you saw? "A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away..." and the the screen exploded. "STAR WARS" and John Williams' tune erupt from the screen, immediately catching your attention, never letting go. I still turn into a little child every time I see the intro to a Star Wars film. It has no action whatsoever, just some words and a glorious soundtrack, but it's still one of the best and most easily recognizable openings ever.

[@227060]

aww, he was on theverge of tears. Bt seriously, Lucas and Speilberg were hte lucky ones to have him. without the music their movies wud never have been as successfull or lasting as they became

[@nevenvaland5618]

Genius!!! Great master of composition! Bravo and great respect from Croatia! . . . . . . .

[@dali747]

I just love his work

[@j5hp]

I love ALL of his music, he is freaking brilliant!! I have his autograph, I will frame it and hang it on my wall.

[@Heimwerkerbienchen]

This man is soooo... gifted and inspiring.

[@TGS265]

John Williams has ruled hollywood films for over 40yrs... Respect!!! I can olny dream to reach that level and I compose music myself!

[@Wonderaven]

It's been 12 years. Have you worked on your composing?

[@EmersonOliveira]

In one simple word: GENIUS.

[@ChristianSchonbergerMusic]

So true. Here's an awsome detail (when I studied music, I had the priviledge knowing many a film scoring teacher) - John Williams re-recorded the 20th Century Fox fanfare (originally composed by Alfred Newman) and composed the very opening in the same key to be recorded in the exact same scoring session. The result is fantastic. Instead of an edit we get an organic, opera like sound of the orchestra playing it all through. John Willams is the best film composer ever!

[@JulianPope]

Greatest composer alive.

[@shhtha]

Greatest ever

[@DylanPenev]

Amen!

[@macdaddymario]

That being said, I know people like me (those that understand music adds a whole different level to a film) are in the minority, but it's nice to know that even without a musical score, if a film truly is well written/acted/directed, it can be just as enjoyable in a totally new way.

[@dgb751]

@LukeLovesRose true, the score was one of the only things lucas was immediatly happy with during the struggle to make a new hope.

[@915nabi]

Lol John... "the lucky earthling" very humble and classy statement.

[@macdaddymario]

Lawl.. people down voting because they can't stand the idea that a film stands on it's own without music? Such a shame so many people have such a closed view of what art truly is. I never said they didn't. People just got butt hurt over the fact that music doesn't make a movie. SO much more then music goes into a film, and a work of art stands on it's own, even without audio. No one said audio couldn't stand without video as well.

[@KayWildcat]

The BEST composer of alive!!! There is NO limit to his brilliance!

[@mugabesunny]

Also, Giacchino's trek score, I felt it was lacking something in there to make it stand out. If you go back and listen to any of the scores for Trek 1 and 5 by Goldsmith, and 2 and 3 by Horner, and 6 by Eidelman, they all seem to capture the sci fi spirit and that "trek" feel. They just have something in them that helps to create a distinctive sci fi Star Trek sound, even though they are completely different composers, and each created their own themes.

[@MrAykut23]

The person who chooses the music for when ppl are approaching the stage is an og. He chooses the best possible track that he can. What an entrance, if only John let it play a just a little longer before he spoke

[@bishdnjuan]

He looks like the main character from the first Saw

[@FrozenSparky]

i love star wars music

[@booshydubber1685]

Greatest composer that will ever grace the earth

[@MatiProbably]

John Williams' music is the only consistently wonderful thing about all the Star Wars movies. George owes him a great deal.

[@muminute3471]

That's not true. All six Star Wars films have great sets and love for detail, passion for stories and creativity and pure passion in general. But the music, of course, as well, and he definitely owes him a lot.

[@milaanvigraham8664]

Haha look at George's expression when he hears John say "I was the lucky person whom George chose to....". You can tell he's thinking "oh I never expected it going that way! I thought *I* was the lucky one!"

[@mugabesunny]

Motion picture scoring is very unique in that people can get different feelings from different types of scores. Me personally, I enjoy the melodic themes, and heroic themes and scores which can make scenes memorable. Hence why I love Safan's last starfighter score, its majestic, and even if the movie was a low budget sci fi star wars esque type, it still has that magical sound to it. I did feel some magic from Super 8, so maybe the masterpiece is on its way soon.

[@BrianHSC]

Recently, I was wondering why we don't have memorable themes in movies anymore. Then I realized... it's because only ones memorable are what John Williams wrote.

[@SuperBondfan007]

And I also think Zimmer is the man. He shares the top spot of my fave. Film composer list with Williams.

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny Silvestri's on Cap? I'll have to give that a listen. Thanx for the heads up. There's been a couple of movies on my radar and while I want to see Cap, info-wise, I'm somewhat out of the loop so if there's any surprises in store, I'll probably be surprised as well.

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny ...does the composer accentuate the mood/feeling/action/intent of each part of the movie? Is it memorable? Does it sound good? And finally, can you see the movie/feel the movie if you're just sitting there listening to the score on it's own without the visuals? Now think about all the guys I listed. They all fit that criteria (Morricone, Williams, Elfman, Silvestri, and Giacchino) as well as Zimmer. They all do such good work that you can name the scene and story beats

[@snipetracker]

@Newellx66 Good point. Musicians, particularly those trained in the classical genre, are often well-rounded individuals that understand the value of expressions.

[@robonez]

His son was one of the singers in Toto! :)

[@mugabesunny]

@alekesam Have you listened to the new Silvestri Captain America score samples? He's pulled off a great theme.

[@MishraArtificer]

@Newellx66 Because they have to...have you seen some of the writing on conductor's scores?

[@SuperBondfan007]

It is in fact Mr. Zimmer. Who is one of my faves. I just hope he somehow uses Williams' Superman march.

[@Norrbottning]

I'm not going to speak of the abominable prequels, but as far as the original trilogy goes, John Williams score is a major part of what made that trilogy.

[@lonnie727]

what is it based on? between the episodes. it will have a sensible stroyline right

[@thekingofRIS]

George Lucas should be praising John Williams!

[@ForceMaximus84]

John Williams. Where's HIS Life Achievement Award?

[@thegoodgeneral]

And why hasn't John Williams gotten this award yet?

[@Markisagoodboy]

When does this man get his AFI?

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny while listening to them. Morricone with Good, Bad and the Ugly/Untouchables and an ungodly amount more, Elfman with pretty much all of his work with Burton, Williams with Indy, SW, Minority Report, ET, and again, too many to name, and Silvestri with B2tF and Predator, etc. Giacchino has so far worked on a wide variety of movies with varied themes and if he keeps it up, he'll only get better. Oh, and you're having an argument, I'm having a discussion.

[@ClaptrapsHero]

I was standing up clapping...

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny I haven't seen the Last Starfighter in ages so I'll have to give that a go and give a listen.

[@travel_blog8]

Intro song name anyone???

[@SWEP2AOTC2002]

joyride? Is he referring to the prequel trilogy?

[@jonnierekkisvalur]

@PokemonPinecone Have you heard anything by Maurice Ravel?

[@superhamzah85]

John Williams is as important to Star Wars as Luke Skywalker - as a huge fan of SW, I should make that known!

[@AlexJamesBritt]

Why wasn't there a standing ovation?!

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny Now we're starting to see eye to eye as I agree with your whole comment here. Yeah, a lot of the scores nowadays rarely stand out. Before, it was considered crucial and for me, music can make or break a movie for me (I won't get into bad editing making the scene not be in rythym with the music scores cuz' that's a whole different conversation altogether...=)

[@kezia131098]

omG, Spielberg was sitting with George Lucas...*fangirl mode*

[@shigechika]

天才！

[@jhibbitt1]

@DylanBStringer91 i agree completley, its so sad that in general people consider music to be people screaming and banging drums or electric guitars when john williams can create sounds that almost travel into your mind and manipulate your emotions and feelings

[@darthmaxrat88]

dude. this man is a GOD!!! a fucking master jedi. the yoda of music

[@Robotdrummerzzk]

It is set between Episode III (Revenge Of The Sith) and Episode IV (A New Hope) where the Empire has replaced the republic and is the "Dark Times". It will not feature any big characters like Darth Vader, Palpatine, Obi Wan or Yoda but minor characters who will be developed. Bobba Fett will appear however, and will have a prominent role as will many bounty hunters in the series. It will be darker and grittier, so think of Empire Strikes Back.

[@ibanezman04]

true, it just came across that you see Zimmer in the same light, when Williams is in another league

[@777mrmusicman]

@PodIShuffle that's a different john williams, i believe that one is from england though i may be wrong

[@MDkid1]

@Newellx66 because music is a language in itself.

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny I was going to talk $#!t to you for bringing up Abrams and suggesting that I love everything Abrams does (which I don't). But when I checked Giacchino's total musicology, I understood why. I honestly didn't know Michael had scored that many things for JJ/JJ produced projects. I didn't realise MG had scored LOST, Alias, Fringe and MI3. My like of MG's scores is based off of Speed Racer, Rataouille, UP, Incredibles, Cloverfield and Star Trek.

[@227060]

@aihoschema what about elfman and Zimmer

[@dariozea1474]

The master

[@macdaddymario]

Believe it or not, not everyone thinks music is the best thing in the world. I've watched the OT without sound (knowing the lines) just to see what it would be like. While it adds so much to the experience it's like a totally different film, the film on it's own still stands without any musical scoring. Have done the same thing with Jaws and other 'classic' films.

[@RogueRotting360]

@Newellx66 Not all musicians. The most educated and intelligent (like John) usually do, though.

[@RogueRotting360]

@facher83: "I skipped my music history lessons" That explains a lot.

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny THAT bad. Vangelis did some awesome stuff with Blade Runner. He could be in my top ten. Just out of curiosity, what do you look for in a MOVIE composer? You've started listing guys now that primarily do TV and documentaries. So before you start to delve into classical composers (Tchaikofsky is my fav) to prove MG sucks, what is your criteria? For me, the mark of a great film composer should share these traits: How well does the composer accentuate the mood/feelings/ cont'd

[@JM4EDR]

@chrisman737 sooo true. Williams is a modern genius, up there with Mozart, Beethoven IMO.

[@dmtr101]

works in 2 ways. all the soundtracks to those films also stand on their own.

[@alekesam]

@mugabesunny Part of my reasoning with Silvestri is as you noted, his recent work being "meh". Although I actually do agree with your opinion of MG's Star Trek scores as I consider it the weakest of his work (I guess your comment got deleted but I got it in my email). The theme itself is soulful in that opening with the horns. But a lot of the incidental parts were kinda "meh" in comparison to his other stuff. When I got the soundtrack, it's been the least I've played of his.