John Williams & Vienna Philharmonic - Williams: Imperial March (from “Star Wars”)

John Williams & Vienna Philharmonic - Williams: Imperial March (from “Star Wars”)
Discover “John Williams in Vienna”: dg.lnk.to/Williams
John Williams’ movie soundtracks are among the best-loved of all time. Before a single note had been played at the Hollywood legend’s debut concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, Maestro Williams received a standing ovation. Their sensational performance of the “Imperial March” from “Star Wars” underlined the rapport and affection between orchestra and composer. “It was honestly one of the best presentations of that March I’ve ever heard”, Williams reflected afterwards. “They played it as though they owned it.”
Deutsche Grammophon releases Williams’ historic Vienna Philharmonic debut concert in audio and video formats. 'John Williams in Vienna' is now available! Also available in Dolby Atmos®.
John Williams & Vienna Philharmonic - Williams: Imperial March (from “Star Wars”)
Discover “John Williams in Vienna”: dg.lnk.to/Williams
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#MayThe4th #StarWars #JohnWilliams

[@deutschegrammophon]

What was the film score by John Williams you heard first?

[@LegoEngineer003]

I first heard Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

[@lukeskywalker6809]

Star Wars. I was 6 years old.

[@zerostein9394]

summon the heroes! It's amazing piece

[@user-pv2cf6lm4g]

Probably the main theme of Star Wars in my childhood. Something you can't forget. One of the best movie pieces ever written

[@silasbezerra6954]

Jurassic Park.

[@grandadmiralthrawn9231]

This should be the world's anthem when we start to colonise other planets

[@arkkylite7434]

Sadly i won't be alive by that time but that is really cool!

[@spongegobler3449]

planets are shaking in their boots when they hear this

[@GeldtheGelded]

Ah yes, the empire of mankind, a nice dream indeed

[@henryblade8546]

I agree

[@DASagent]

I like the march on the jedi temple more

[@yauheniyauhlianets3510]

The dislikes are from stormtoopers that try to hit the like button

[@donaldlayton437]

Actually, I think it's the members of the London Symphony Orchestra 😆😉

[@redsox33413]

Bruh...

[@kittylor9531]

or from Rebellion

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

I find their lack of support disturbing.

[@andrewkecskemethy3900]

No the dislikes are from rebel scum

[@earthlingavian1132]

And this is how the song ends, with thunderous applause.

[@stanislaskowalski7461]

LOL!

[@alterralambda]

👏👏

[@ChromeBone23]

I understood that reference

[@vee-bee-a]

Impressive... _Most_ impressive.

[@anotherHelldiver]

Gooooooooooddddddd

[@GijsTheDog]

I love how he smiles when he got the applause which normally isn't considered formal for an orchestra.

[@tortysoft]

Oh, yes it is ! Go to a Prom concert :-) Loads of smiles ! I'd love to have been at this performance.

[@jefffisher2690]

Of course smiled he just did the most iconic recognized by every human on the planet and did it well

[@silkwesir1444]

@@tortysoft they meant you are not supposed to break into applause in the middle of a piece (even one that has just started). That's more of a rock & pop thing.

[@tortysoft]

As a Very long time Prommer - I fully agree !@@silkwesir1444

[@vyrus5587]

@@silkwesir1444 i think its just TOO iconic for it to NOT get applause in the middle of the piece.

[@meddlermeddler7877]

I used to be a fan, but after hearing this masterpiece, I’m a whole air conditioner

[@The-ZebraFinch-Channel]

Bruh u made me laugh so much for sume reason

[@yuino3636]

BAHAHAHHAHA 😭😂

[@demontiming3234]

You should've said Windmill 😂

[@vishalbhat8602]

Same

[@high_vibe1111]

Lmao lmao

[@yahyaharyantoo]

1:37 John Williams smiling while conducting his own masterpiece: everyone liked that

[@engagementengagement8836]

redditor

[@catecurry48]

And his look of joy at 3:17

[@crystalward1444]

On my bucket list is to see John Williams conduct this live.

[@yahyaharyantoo]

@@crystalward1444 we are lucky

[@korkunge]

I have had kinda half shity day but this made me smile that you saw that and now i did se it too! it mad my day a bitt better! thnx!

[@OctoOzzy]

A song so iconic, that even people who are unfamiliar with Star Wars instantly know who it represents.

[@nuke_m4n]

Ah yes, Lord Vader

[@adityakad541]

People don't know the power of the DARK SIDE

[@NoriMori1992]

You're goddamn right!

[@Xyz10_]

​@@NoriMori1992 heisenburg

[@user-wo8mo5hu7i]

@@Xyz10_not talking about Walter white here

[@brunavalcemar1588]

Who's watching this in 2024?

[@teamorderagent11]

I am.

[@user-jk1uh2lm3t]

Я тоже

[@driferdark4339]

me,still an all time favorite of mine.

[@np_cat3291]

Hello from 2024

[@darkshadows65]

As long as my ears work, I'll be coming back to this.

[@samuelkimmusic]

Legendary!!!

[@deathIeaf]

Dude you are legendary. Keep up the good work!

[@marcobiggi7268]

Luv ur orchestral remixes

[@abhishekrawat4914]

Dude I loved your imprial march combo with The Batman 2021.

[@folklore2630]

You do great work but please see my comments on your videos. About 36 times: PLEASE DO ZATHURA AND ADVENTURES OF TINTIN SOUNDTRACK!

[@manasgaddam3069]

Yes indeed and I also love your work

[@bhuvankala8011]

John Williams is probably the most consistent thing about Star Wars

[@littlegreenman5919]

That an C3-P0

[@last7509]

the prequels look like a prophecy to me these days...

[@sgtpepper1138]

@@last7509 ikr

[@TaunTaunTundra4477]

@@littlegreenman5919 more like R2-D2 and C3-PO, R2 is more important than C3-PO

[@chrispham6599]

That's... Sadly true! ༼ つ ಥ_ಥ ༽つ

[@Drqgonwing]

I can’t imagine hearing this live. I get chills over the screen. Everyone was smiling even a lot of the players.

[@krazerkap]

If you want to hear it LIVE, Go to an Iowa Hawkeyes football home game and wait for them to get a stop on 3rd down. The marching band plays it when that happens, and the fans clap their hands vertically to the beat. Something they call "the gator." Don't ask how that came to be it just is. 😂

[@Ratkill9000]

A lot were kids or even young adults when the first movie came out.

[@MrTimPL]

You just need to find Darth Vader but that would be probably last time you heared it...

[@janebeat1]

Amazing live ! ❤ attended years ago in Dublin, where Anthony Daniels MC the whole night. Movie scenes too. My 5 year old was hooked for life ❤😂❤ it was such a treat

[@smileychess]

I saw this performed live by the Boise Philharmonic. It was amazing, but only 50% as incredible as it would have been to be in the room in this video.

[@Serafim1908]

If anything deserves a standing ovation, this is it.

[@74aztlan]

Fun fact: John Williams did not want to add this piece to the concert because he did not want to strain the brass section, but they approached him in rehearsal and asked him to add it.

[@annatamparow4917]

Ha! They are not just any old orchestra: they are the Wiener Philmarmonic. If you can play 5-hour long Wagner operas this should be a walk in the park. Only the Berliner Philarmoniker could give them a run for their money!

[@rocnathan]

And they actually sound pretty robotic on the new recording, which is a shame, because their string section is lovely. But Viennese brass (literally) blows everybody else out of the water.

[@jakelee5456]

No matter which group is playing, never doubt the brass section (especially the bass-end) when given a chance to shine.

[@Bruelax11]

Yeah… when you can play a iconic piece with the aging man who created it, you are gonna find a way not to be as strained

[@Crazyneil1986]

Yup, it's flipping hard to play the brass part!

[@DarthDiabetestheWide]

This music will never get old.....neither will the younglings

[@rosiefranco1148]

Dang

[@ingridcamacho8917]

Sheeeeshh!! Right in the feels

[@jimmiediedtoday]

That was cold🤣

[@DarthDiabetestheWide]

@@jimmiediedtoday so are the younglings’ bodies

[@Googlywinker]

Underrated comment

[@unknownwatcher4583]

I can only imagine how proud these musicians must be for being part of such an iconic masterpiece!

[@markharold2732]

Hi

[@lazyshoggy]

I wondered how many of them were hardcore fans of starwars ...

[@charliexxgrey6292]

Hard work and practice gets you places 😊

[@namefamilie2205]

Я думаю они исполнили это из жалости к туристам из сша😂

[@xiphias2997]

They play more iconic things as their day job. Which should not diminish John Williams work, but those people play great operatic works as their daily bread.

[@satomihofmann]

I didn’t think it could be done… HOW IS THIS EVEN BETTER THAN THE SOUNDTRACK??? LIVE IN A CONCERT HALL WITH FULL ORCHESTRA!!! Long live classically trained musicians!!!

[@earlduke5032]

Because the Vienna Philharmonic are one of the finest orchestras in the world!

[@satomihofmann]

TRUE

[@andrashorvath4860]

"I'm afraid that the orchestra will be quite operational when your friends arrive."

[@retepsnikrep]

That didn't get the credit it deserved. LOL

[@shumaatiqunnassa4123]

András Horváth underrated

[@lucashong6029]

I’m sure that was a joke right?.😄

[@branrx]

Bravo

[@coopatm]

HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@elexx1568]

I like how John smiles from time to time, just admiring what he has created, his legacy, his crafts. What a legendary man.

[@TB1M1]

He's admiring the orchestras performance. This orchestra is arguably the greatest in the world.

[@iamsnakemaster]

He's commanding a fully armed and operational battlestation.

[@okthen5945]

@iamsnakemaster, yes. Yes he is

[@Eusi1984]

nope, he smiles cause of the music and the sound of the orchestra. not about his legacy !

[@Andorman901]

The last 4 notes you can see the greatness. 1st note is loud followed by a quiet 2nd note and the 3rd growing in power with the 4th the climax. Its hard to put in words but you can hear it very clearly

[@EducationalChannel28349]

Imagine having a crowd of thousands listening to a song you wrote, as you direct an orchestra of one of the most talented musicians in the world. Williams is pure genius

[@sebastianfeldam6490]

John Williams is the greatest composer in our era, absolute class, absolute legend

[@jb007-vie]

John Williams himself: "I’ve never heard it played so brilliantly, I must say. All the brilliant orchestras I’ve played it with have never been quite like this; it had a kind of force and power that was an expression of their own spirit and history. It was really quite thrilling." That's it.

[@rocnathan]

I've heard probably a hundred recording of this piece. But this is the best. You can't beat Vienna Philharmonic brass.

[@bryanamundson]

I liked how he would occasionally smile, as if he was experiencing something very special and moving.

[@johnd1466]

@@rocnathan How about the London Symphony Orchestra Original Recording ? Surely the Original is the best on all the 6 original films ( I have the remastered & original recordings on CD & digital

[@rokmun680]

“Own spirit and history” ahh old AH

[@wierdalien1]

You can see he is absolutely loving it, and they are too

[@noneofyourbusiness1199]

Really cool to see him smiling while he's conducting. True passion.

[@yoda2495]

And he kinda looks like one of those really adorable old people yoy see walking around. I freaking luv this guy.

[@bimisikocheng]

He looks like colonel sanders combined with Albert einstein

[@enigma9971]

It's the Imperial Theme from Star Wars. I'm sure it was alotta fun

[@stevepipenger4651]

Corny as it may seem, music really does touch the soul. It makes the spirit shine and the soul jump.

[@moretonbay_emergencyresponses]

Master Yoda, is that you?

[@sanatarium1111111]

Look at John Williams smiling, it is so nice to see him enjoy every second of the orchestra playing his song. Imagin you wrote a Film Song and the most prestigious orchestra on earth let you even conduct it live.

[@DonyoSanghelei30]

He really wrote the most well known and iconic theme song in our species history. The imperial March should have a Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize. Immortal song.

[@JSE2013]

03:16 getting a "wow" from John Williams, you know how good you've performed.

[@VincentV.]

I think the "wow" was his reaction, because the audience went crazy ^^

[@paulcaswell2813]

@@VincentV. Nope. The VPO beat the LSO (who made the original film score) hands down in this performance. I come from a Classical background rather than a film one, and the orchestra's precision here is out of this world, as is to be expected from the finest orchestra on the planet.

[@Dragens2]

@@VincentV. The reason why williams is conducting this orchestra is because he said at an interview that it was a dream for him to conduct the vienna orchestra. And I think he had his good reason. He got so much applause all his live. Standing ovations and what not. it was the performance that struck him. It was just perfect. here is even a video of his reaction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXEqGSKhaaHY7M

[@billpeet1976]

@@VincentV. Definitely, the "wow" was because Williams was genuinely impressed with the orchestra. The tight cohesion of this performance is stunning.

[@charlydarwin3611]

@@Dragens2 thanks for the link good sir

[@critr41]

Even if this composition wasn't attached to Star Wars it would still be regarded as a legendary masterpiece in music. The way it evokes intense doom and fear to the listener is unmatched.

[@linneaglimmergard8503]

Don’t you mean it EWOKES?

[@pedroteran5885]

It's probably matched by Holst's Mars since that's the place from which this was essentially lifted.

[@abdo19code]

Reminds me of Planets

[@murkotron]

It isn't

[@JackTheBeast88]

@@pedroteran5885 oh wow. I can pick up hints of a whole bunch of star wars OST's tracks in that

[@459luker]

I'm not even really a star wars fan, or a big listener of orchestras, but this is just a masterpiece.

[@blackspace007]

I felt nothing but joy the whole time. You can see that Mr. Williams was enjoying himself too. Those folks were playing their hearts out.

[@DavidFagan1914]

You know you are an icon when when you play the first bars of a piece and a classical concert audience APPLAUDS. That NEVER happens.

[@gumaming]

And almost any person who watched Star Wars would recognize the first bars. Just an amazing piece.

[@pie3566]

that's because there's plenty of numbnuts fans in the theater

[@Eorzat]

From the sounds of it, this was the encore piece. While most people don't applaud during the actual concert, it's a little different for the encore.

[@fbastidac]

Radetszky March on January 1st

[@TwelveRisks]

yes !! i watched star wars only this week at 16 but i could recognize the first bars anywhere ! truly iconic

[@johncarroll7340]

This is absolutely flawless, you won't hear a finer recording of this theme.

[@scotchwhisky6094]

I want to hear the full concert on CD, not on this crappy youtube compression.

[@FeeshAnimations]

Right?

[@alex_buri]

It's on Spotify already, you can try it out there. Still wonderful on both platforms

[@CarzorStelatis]

@@scotchwhisky6094 It's coming out on CD and Bluray in August

[@Fresh4220]

@@scotchwhisky6094 The version on the page of the Deutsche Grammophon seems uncompressed. The Version of EP5 with the London Symphony Orchestra is little darker, more evil, but not this melodic as the version here. The single horn in the middle is a lot softer, not like staccato as in the soundtrack version.

[@j_e_hill]

These recordings of the Vienna Symphony and JW conducting are the best live performances I’ve heard in my life of what are the most iconic scores. All of them are amazing and so well recorded as well. Bravo.

[@ErnestoBrausewind]

It's not the vienna symphony Orchestra it's the Vienna Philharmonics - huge difference

[@rafael.a.aponte]

So much of what was good about my childhood either came directly from John Williams' music or was connected to it in some way. Thank you, Maestro Williams.

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@gavinthegromit]

1:37 his little smile when he knows they're absolutely nailing it 😍👌

[@mhabaa2668]

Its cool seeing a legend smile like that.

[@grand-adm.thrawn8039]

Anticapitalist X United Kingdom: lol

[@billace90]

Yes. That’s a great comment.

[@RSpudieD]

I love it!

[@Kyle-ur4mr]

Anticapitalist X perhaps the Space Force’s March

[@ashjose7973]

Somebody: you can't compose the perfect musical score for every movie you work in John Williams: and I took that personally.

[@julianmarpez3931]

Six? More like sixty

[@asliceofcheese7152]

Not six include the jurassic park and world and all the compositions he mades

[@LexTan]

John Williams: Hold my baton.

[@dhilipans5412]

Han Zimmer has entered the chat

[@karlosskrak]

O b s e r v e

[@patrickzaugg5684]

i love how the trumpeters faces range from "just doing my job" to " omg im here right now!"

[@Marcus_Berger1701]

The Vienna philharmonics are known for their trumpetes and horns, they are stunning.

[@juanfervalencia]

This song is one of the reasons people love Darth Vader.

[@codinginflow]

I can't imagine the pressure on these people, especially the ones who have to go solo for certain parts. But I guess they got used to it.

[@Chujoi0]

Go "solo"

[@hellomate639]

This is the Vienna Philharmonic. Probably one of the lowest pressure shows for them because it's such whimsical, popular subject material. They're more likely to get criticized on Beethoven, but they're unlikely to because they're just so good as an orchestra. They have some of the most tasteful interpretations of most classical music of any orchestra around today.

[@sadas3190]

The Imperial March is not particularly difficult. I imagine for these professionals most of them can play it near perfectly sight reading.

[@daaaanteeeee5389]

They get used to the pressure, or vader force chokes them for messing up his entrance.

[@Zorg8462]

The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the best orchestras in the world. I guess they know what they do, it's the daily job :) But clearly a very special moment for sure!

[@wanderx9444]

You can literally see the smiles on their faces as they're playing. Made my day

[@timeodaneosetdona]

That’s the “I’m getting paid for this” expression ;)

[@dixafu]

@@timeodaneosetdona you mean the harrison ford expression?

[@hlibushok]

I mean, imagine, you get to play something other than another boring piece of Baroque music, and of all things it's the Imperial March.

[@lsemaldokhar4154]

@@hlibushok and you’re playing it with the man himself. Must’ve felt great 😌

[@LouiLouiLouiBout]

FACTS

[@allglorytothefather4186]

This man is not only a national treasure but an intergalactic treasure

[@wulfhildvoncalchem92]

It is the brilliance of music played by one of the most brilliant orchestras in the world

[@iggynnex4288]

“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches; nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs don’t walk the Earth … You take our movies, many of them about our most impossible dreams, and through your musical genius, you make them real and everlasting for billions and billions of people.” Steven Spielberg

[@tellurius4951]

John isn't genius. He is God what enter our planet to teach us what is music

[@jamesfountain6183]

I could not have said it better myself😁

[@kanahayakenzie3740]

Congrats on 500 like

[@ianparr9950]

He is a legend

[@myrealnameisjohndoe116]

Yeah, I often hear people talk about Hans Zimmer or Danny Elfman as examples of other great composers, but with John Williams I can often hear a song and recognize what movie it’s from, or see a movie title and think of one of the songs that was in the movie - I’d put Danny Elfman over Hans Zimmer, but Williams is definitely the King of movie composers

[@TK-224]

He shall be remembered in history like Mozart is today.

[@MyHellothere123]

💯

[@ghostdog_ninja]

He will!

[@alchemistchef3622]

…absolutely!!

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

I couldn't agree more! John Williams is one of the greatest composers we have ever seen! :)

[@DavetheStormtroopertk14]

Yesssssssssss

[@scytheme]

That is by far, the best version I ever heard. Fantastic!

[@scotty28653]

Williams created a masterpiece that will never be forgotten.

[@elbuhdai605]

I would kill to even be the triangle player in an orchestra conducted by John Williams.

[@AnalogHorrorW]

SAME

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

Same

[@Ela-nu8oq]

SAMEEEE

[@jonhkennedy5726]

Same

[@12233445566abc]

They slowed down the last few bars for emphasis

[@magyawad3526]

He looks so proud of himself my heart can't take it.

[@jineshvarde9192]

i was about to comment the same, he's so proud!!

[@GingerZombie29]

He's proud of them.

[@memattia3198]

Actually I think he's proud of the orchestra.

[@ivanmarkovic6148]

Because Darth Vader is the most badass Sith Lord there is thankfully to mister @JohnWilliams

[@flatstheflounder2884]

The look on his face tells me he's moreso proud of the orchestra for pulling it off so well. He had an interview after the performance and he said that had to have been the very best he's ever heard the Imperial March played live.

[@rohirrim8488]

I can't even imagine the pure unadulterated pride he must have felt when one of the world's great orchestras asked to add this song to the performance during rehearsals. Then to have them deliver this absolutely perfect rendition...

[@alanatolstad4824]

It still has the power to give us all chills!

[@akivafox3588]

This piece wasn't on the original program. The brass section came to him during a break in rehearsals and literally begged him to put it in because they'd always wanted to play it.

[@J-Dawg81]

that's so cool

[@jello4479]

And Vienna’s brass section is unbelievably good. There’s another upload on KZbin of them performing the Imperial March at Schonnbrunn Palace and it’s my all time favorite.

[@ethanbrin1885]

That’s why the whole bass section was smiling

[@bosskey7212]

John also said afterwards that it was the best live performance of the Imperial March he ever heard, he said they played it "Liked they owned it"...that's pretty powerful

[@simonfranc9422]

It’s always the brass section :DD

[@paddybm3245]

It’s extremely rare to get an intro-applause in Vienna. It’s usually frowned upon as it ruins a part of the performance acoustically but I’m happy my fellow Viennese made an exception to show their enthusiasm for this. ❤️

[@agp11001]

True, but I am pretty sure this particular concert wasn't just stacked with your average Viennese concert audience, but a very, VERY hearty dose of movie nerds as well.

[@jfcurran5484]

I wondered if the Intro applause was because “The Imperial City” of Vienna had adopted the “Imperial March” as their own.

[@paddybm3245]

@@jfcurran5484 Ha! I can effortlessly picture the Kaiser disembarking his carriage along this masterpiece. :)

[@snarf1504]

Probably an encore.

[@mitchellminer9597]

​@@paddybm3245 When the Saudi king arrived in London, the Welsh Guard band played the Imperial March.

[@Chefkoch1988]

Können wir kurz mal darüber reden, dass hier eine Live Performance abgeliefert wurde, die Studio-Qualität hat? Absolut großartig!

[@Wolfb1653]

Ja, genau. Das ist so unglaublich und aufregend... Es klingt genau wie in der besten Studioaufnahme dieses Songs. ich nicht noch das glauben

[@lucasrosendal3420]

I love how Williams stands there like a general commanding his army. Truly the only proper way to conduct the imperial march

[@sj4632]

I would pay good money to watch John orchestrate his greatest hits live.

[@kholoblicin]

Same

[@wellbuilt13]

You better get to Los Angeles quick. John Williams conducts his music at the Hollywood Bowl each summer for 3 nights. I’ve seen him twice there. It’s easily one of greatest experience I’ve had to watch Star Wars while he was conducting the score

[@sj4632]

@@wellbuilt13 I live in Chicago unfortunately. He never comes here.

[@sj4632]

@@wellbuilt13 That's awesome that you got to see it.

[@spriy7794]

So did the audience.

[@nitinb9202]

The audience who applauded are the kids who recalled their childhood days of watching stars wars.

[@amandawhisnant2164]

Amen. Im 43, i remember being 4 years old and my 2 year old brother and i watching the empire strikes back in the back of the regency mall cinema in augusta, ga...loved star wars always wanted a yoda doll...and i dont mean baby yoda

[@dijkstra4678]

Who says you have to be middle aged to have watched star wars?

[@ujjwalbawa8296]

And some people also applaud in between the symphony

[@JayFal68]

@@dijkstra4678 if you saw the originals you'd be middle aged or older. The first one was out in 1977. The others in the early 1980s.

[@JayFal68]

I saw the first one in 1977. It was a huge hit as there was nothing else like it. I've seen all the other films too

[@moist_soup7215]

0:53 some of the most under appreciated music of all time. Such a drastic transition from a powerful feeling march to such a delicate rhythmic theme, only to be interjected by a soft, yet heavy and rich low string bassline while the rest of the strings join in. This man will be viewed as the Mozart of modern music in 100 years

[@hughmann9097]

1:37 When he realizes the perfection of the entire french horn section.

[@borisc6714]

Yes, the Viennese sound is quite something...

[@Flex2212]

Played with a Viennese Horn. No French Horn. I think it can sound "sharper", which fits this piece. I am not alone in prefering it in general, but I think it is harder to play.

[@fdarchives_]

Lol, you aint kiddin'. The mics they used further enhanced that perfection for us.

[@c5e3]

@@fdarchives_ i've been at the concert and it was magnificent!

[@danielbarragan5615]

I think this are Vienna Horns. They are slightly different to the French ones en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_horn

[@TheReaperMan275]

This is probably the best version of "Imperial March" I have ever heard. Played with such power and enthusiasm by the orchestra. I also love the fans reaction to the opening notes, followed by John Williams reaction to the fans with a big smile.

[@Flex2212]

Intonation was key there.

[@Southamericangirl42]

I absolutely love Imperial March and I agree, this is the best version of it.

[@corriehingston6744]

Everyone knows the starting chords of Imperial March

[@cardboardcutout7635]

I listen to this one exclusively

[@gwydionrhys7672]

John Williams himself thought this was the best version of the Imperial March he ever heard!

[@neddis]

Simply the best version ever, I know, you know it, they know it and he knows it

[@gmr7494]

Greatest composer alive with the best orchestra in the world....cant beat that!

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@ninjachannel007]

Heard this 8,000 times and I still hear new instruments, like "There's a xylophone in there?"

[@ernstthalmann4306]

Where? I never noticed

[@tomaarexe3661]

@@ernstthalmann4306 2:34

[@kellyrobertj.6548]

So true lol. I don’t know music very well or every instrument but everytime I listen to it I’m like “wait, where did that sound come from?”

[@alexmacomposer8131]

I believe that's a pedal glockenspiel!

[@alexmacomposer8131]

The xylophones are the high pitched wooden ones (marimbas are the mellower wooden ones with a wide range)

[@TiagoLabreca1]

‘At the intermission of one of the rehearsals, the players came and said to me “Maestro, can we play The Imperial March (from Star Wars)?” And I said, “well certainly we can; if you have the music, I’d be happy to conduct it.” “Oh we have the music,” they said, “we know it!” I told them I thought I’d already given them too much work for a two-hour concert, and they said “well you have, but we want to play The Imperial March for you; it’s the new Radetzky!” I’ve never heard it played so brilliantly, I must say. All the brilliant orchestras I’ve played it with have never been quite like this; it had a kind of force and power that was an expression of their own spirit and history. It was really quite thrilling.’

[@aquilifergroup]

Wow

[@Kungs.]

It’s not only the players but that marvellous hall and it’s acoustics.

[@VCT3333]

It really is a New Radetzky March, isn't it?

[@user-ok1cp3ws5c]

I love the music of John Williams

[@chapmasi]

I can't imagine the stress these guys are under with John Williams infront of them...... espeically the quieter solo parts. Christ

[@sethg3230]

The way John smiles as people clap to the intro just screams “yeah I know y’all love this, I love it too.” some of the most wholesome 15 seconds on the internet

[@aw5347]

Absolutely...I would be that one person in the audience getting kicked out at the intro for standing up and yelling "DARK SIDE B!TCHES"

[@allenfitch2996]

Truth

[@Flex2212]

As the great artist he is of course what he loves is the whole experience of the superb execution of his work and the crowd's appreciation in this combo, not to listen to himself, not exactly the same experience as the crowd's, right? This guy and at least most of the orchestra dedicated their life to entertaining people. Purpose of expression as motivation.

[@matthewglenguir7204]

I love it when serious people genuinely smile, it's so wholesome

[@simonchen294]

As John Williams himself said, this was the best presentation of Imperial March that he ever heard! It certainly was mine too! Thanks John Williams, Vienna Philharmonic and Deutsche Grammophon for performing and recording this amazing concert! May the Force be with you!

[@simonchen294]

Keno facebook.com/320213934723089/posts/2897821646962292/?vh=e&d=n

[@RSpudieD]

It sounded amazing!!!

[@tousdr]

Can only agree. Just look at Sir Williams face at the end...

[@HR-yd5ib]

Must be because of the sexually and racially diverse orchestra.

[@last7509]

this is all i hear in my head these days....

[@Gromitdog1]

Will go down as one of the all time greatest composers of all time.

[@michaelgombkoto6941]

This "Wow" by John Williams alone shows everything.

[@skills0402]

The one Trumpeter with a constant smile on his face speaks of the orchestra's motivation in playing this piece - and they knocked it out of the park.

Apparently I am not the only one that noticed him smiling :Dd

[@LM-nc9ou]

I am pretty sure that every modern brass player tries to learn the Imperial March immediately upon picking up their instrument.

[@felikkusumawardana73]

How can he not, he's sitting with Sylvester Stallone right there

[@ajon6205]

Felik Kusuma Wardana lol

[@hornplayerchris]

Not to be a bummer, but that's probably just how he forms his embouchure. Most brass players make a "frown" face when forming their embouchure, while a few use a "smile". It depends on how they originally learned to play, training, and their mouth/jaw shape.

[@alliedavidson4175]

One of the most iconic melodies in the history of music.

[@morganwilling812]

Hello there I hope you are doing good today..

[@iamkennes]

darth vader would be proud

[@dillonchavez5390]

That smile at the end is everything, it's like that applause and roar are the moments that John lives for :)

[@deutschegrammophon]

Thanks!

[@Dave-ug1rx]

This composition will be remembered long after he's gone. This was his magnum opus , i believe. Some of the best music ever made.

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@timothyedmundson]

“Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational symphony orchestra”

[@leonardpauca8184]

Fire at will, Maestro!

[@anjhontongo6945]

@@leonardpauca8184 DEW IT!!!!!!!!

[@jacktheflash8478]

@@leonardpauca8184 yes sir!

[@lotusluminance5872]

"BRAAAASSS! UNLIMITED BRAAAAASSSSSS!"

[@sentientmustache8360]

“Damn Sheev that’s some sick beats there now i wanna join you” -Luke Skywalker

[@raddybeats4498]

The Austrian Empire strikes back

[@loustact]

Hahaha lol

[@deryolodavid8426]

Jawohl!

[@manuswami3335]

Ddd

[@podemosurss8316]

Did you ever hear the tragedy of Graf Conrad the Unwise? Of course not. It's not a story the Entente would tell you. Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf was a Dark Lord of the Habsburgs who became so powerful he could even influence the Austro-Hungarians to invade Serbia. He was so powerful and unwise that the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually did occur. Unfortunately he taugh his Kaiser everything he knew and then his Kaiser dismissed him after he tried to invade Russia in winter three times the same year. Ironic. He could send hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths, but couldn't prevent being fired because of that.

[@hapticfaruk739]

1526 Mohaç War!

[@KetsaKunta]

This piece encapsulates the original trilogy perfectly. It captures the authoritarian spirit of the march itself, as well as the twilight of resistance in its refrains.

[@stephenhammond8778]

I don't know about anybody else but God damn this gave me chills

[@xlrouge]

Mando: “Are you a composer?” John Williams:”I am”.

[@yivanimantshongo8825]

I see what you did there, therefore I will like your comment.

[@xlrouge]

@@yivanimantshongo8825 😊

[@jurassicbread4279]

I also see what you did there, therefore I shall also like your comment

[@nilavanezhil8036]

You did a good comments...yes you

[@rochamultimedia5965]

This is the way.

[@daviydviljoen9318]

I'm convinced that there is a real force in Star Wars, and that Force's name is John Williams!

[@lukeskywalker6809]

Couldn’t agree more. John Williams is the heart and soul of Star Wars.

[@Hotspur77]

Yeah, I think his music - and the remarkable set and design of the first trilogy (the ships, the tie fighters, Imperial interiors, etc) - are an indispensable part of the magic. He’s a great film composer, a real musician. Wonder what he might have done had he been dedicated to absolute music...? BTW you can tell he knows how to handle an orchestra - not everyone can get the VPO to deliver a committed performance. Gotta give him his due. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see JW conduct serious music for a season or two? I bet he’d be great with Richard Strauss!

[@daviydviljoen9318]

@@Hotspur77 As I understand it, he conducted the music for all the films, however, it would indeed be nice if he conducted Strauss, personally I'd love to see how he conducts Dvorak's 9th!

[@darrinbaker00]

Love John Williams lots, but if anyone other than James Earl Jones had voiced Darth Vader, there would have only been the one movie.

[@manfredbaer3297]

Without doubt the greatest composer alive

[@aliffadzly9676]

What a great honor to play with him. Most musician could only imagine what it was like.

[@artisticskillz01]

Star wars fans. All rise for the national anthem

[@patriciocastro8658]

Rise !!!

[@kyrios443]

YEAAAH

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

-stands fully decked in my imperial cosplay-

[@kartiknikam3423]

Hell yeah

[@karthick4391]

I am literally standing

[@lohphat]

Let us not ignore the audio engineers who made this recording possible with quality equipment, placement, and mixing. These recordings do not make themselves.

[@niohyork]

Oh yeah!

[@legendoflegends9744]

@@niohyork kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6LPhJxngc1-sNU

[@niohyork]

?

[@EQMVB]

Damn right!

[@perkeleman1265]

I've worked with the sound engineer of the Wiener Symphoniker at an outdoor concert in Vienna, and the level of expertise and feel for the music that engineers who work in classic music bring, is absolutely mindblowing. And even though we were surrounded by buildings and big, relatively flat housefronts that didn't scatter the sound a whole lot, the sound coming from that PA made me want to get rid of my studio monitoring. I actually stood in the foh booth with my jaw dropped.

[@mariafernandacore419]

Thank the great musician!!!

[@haveapleasantday]

🎉🎉🎉Absolutely and I also Thank the entire composer , conductor and Most of All the musicians playing. Such a beautiful wonderful piece of music.🎉🎉🎉

[@jaybrown4526]

Pure genius.

[@mrblaoblao6981]

I just read the review of this concert. This was the first concert by John Williams in Continental Europe in the last 30 or so years. And apparently this piece was not on the original program, but the members of the orchestra insisted to The Master to perform it, even when they were playing for more than two hours already (this was during the encore), and that The Imperial March requires lots of energy to deliver. So, in spite of all this, this is probably the best live performance of this piece ever. Also I think this is the first time that this orchestra (which is probably the best in Europe and perhaps also of the whole world) plays a whole concert with music from films

[@corner559]

It's the first time because there is no other film composer's music that is worthy of a full concert like this except maybe Morricone.

[@craigtalbott731]

Isn't it also possible the prevailing attitude among the elite belonging to the field of arts is that film scores don't quite fall into the same category as those of the "proper traditional classical" composers (not as my opinion but rather from others')? A similar comparison may be said regarding musicals between that of Broadway stage presentations and Hollywood film productions whereas the former is preferred over the latter which is more-or-less frowned upon as not quite legitimate or accepted as the general custom, at least pertaining to the creative factor, e.g. songwriters and supposedly considered as low-brow.

[@m2nesli]

@@corner559 i would like to argue that Joe Hisaishi for the studio ghibli is up there too ! ^^

[@katereilly2472]

Some how that just makes the piece even better... that it wasn't in the program but the orchestra went like 'Its John Williams, we have to play the Imperial March.'

[@johns.8220]

@@corner559 Jerry Goldsmith

[@beardedslavbrew615]

You know you're a good composer when people cheer at concerts for theme you wrote for the bad guy.

[@Nebechadnezzar]

The empire did nothing wrong.

[@avocadoseveryday9354]

@@curry9136 yes the empire were trying to restore peace and the rebels blew up two space stations that had millions on board which is a war crime

[@orihiho2978]

@@Nebechadnezzar Alderaan. Ryloth. The empire has done plenty of war crimes

[@orihiho2978]

@@Nebechadnezzar can’t forget being extremely anti alien/racist

[@orihiho2978]

@@Nebechadnezzar also dissolved the senate and elected his own governors so no one would stop him from being racist etc, and committed genocide on the Wookies and enslaved the rest, also they kill *suspected* terrorists, torture people being interrogated, built a massive super weapon, twice, along with plenty other super weapons, they’d also kill everyone they labeled a “threat,” used fear mongering tactics to kill democracy, and I’m sure there were many others

[@Shizzle_My_Nizzle]

Cleanest version ever

[@ej5999]

Notice that a lot of the musicians have smiles on their faces lol

[@patrickwheatley2693]

John Williams is the last of a dying breed unfortunately. He is a Master of his craft and a treasure. His name will forever be among(and associated with) those maestros who came before him, like Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

Patrick Wheatley "John Williams is the last of a dying breed unfortunately." So, sort of last of the Jedi? Hmm ; )

[@WycliffStudios]

We have Hans Zimmer

[@Swanny420]

amongus sussy

[@tctyt]

@@WycliffStudios no. He's just average, he has a fetish on more drums and abrasive background noise makes it tiring to hear.

[@corriehingston6744]

He's amongst my heros when it comes to films (he's the only person I look up to for theme music)

[@jgrrv686]

3:17 You know your performance was amazing if it makes John Williams say WOW

[@darkshadows65]

Indeed! Most powerful performance he had ever experienced, in his own words: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWXEqGSKhaaHY7M

[@WakandaBabe]

Imagine living long enough to hear your music loved all over the world!

[@toiletsinflorida4999]

John Williams is a amazing conductor at his age in 2023 he’s 91 so probably he was like 88 when this was recorded and he still does awesome

[@LOStm61]

2:26 Is the first time I've ever heard an "Orchestra Hit" that isn't on a keyboard or digitized in a way. That is very powerful.

[@gatget007]

The power of the brass young padawan the power of the brass :P

[@buggernight7129]

Imperial power :v

[@buggernight7129]

Oh god this is best part

[@ypsilonpl]

The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be... unnatural

[@ramennoodles337]

The ability to Orchestra Hit is insignificant next to the power of the force

[@samuelstalder9522]

3:16 - The 'wow' on his face. You can tell he was impressed by that orchestra as I am sure we all were. That playing was amazing!

[@TB1M1]

Yes. As a composer you have very sensitive hearing to pitch and intonation. This orchestra gave a whole new interpretation and you can see JW was amazed by it ! The LSO and boston and other orchestras are all good but this performance really is on another level..

[@user-ub1lo8tf5j]

The occassional look of pure joy from that man as his orchestra expertly performs one of his most culturally iconic pieces in history is just priceless.

[@sebastianalcivar7071]

seeing almost everyone smile as soon as he starts is sooo powerful my god i love it

[@reubenwithey646]

His face just screams gleefully, “I made this, and it is universally legendary!”

[@jineshvarde9192]

haha most wholesome part !! 💜❤️

[@JackDarbs]

John Williams looks like he is having so much fun conducting the orchestra, I love it :D

[@krismakardikan9823]

He looks like he's having an absolute, bell-ringing blast!

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

For this piece, he didn't even need to look at the music, because he already knows how he wants it to be played~

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

He knows an extremely talented orchestra when he hears it! 😃

[@catstalin4245]

He’s the modern Beethoven

[@jenparker2220]

Love watching the facial expressions on the orchestra members who really seem to enjoy playing this!

[@markharold2732]

Hi 👋

[@NickBorodai]

This is one of the most epic soundtracks in human history. This soundtrack makes Empire Strikes Back more epic.