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

Film composer and Kennedy Center Honoree John Williams is persuaded to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in a memorable performance of his "Imperial March" from Star Wars during a gala to celebrate his 90th Birthday.
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#johnwilliams #starwars #nationalsymphonyorchestra

[@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

[@dj-mb1bu]

Wtf did you just say

[@ez_is_bloo]

@@dj-mb1bu fake fan spotted

[@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."

[@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! :)

[@user-eq2ft1hz5c]

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.

[@user-gi8pk9uc7q]

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 !

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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...

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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...

[@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.

[@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-xw9wf]

@@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?

[@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".

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@johnhoblock5872]

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

[@jankrolak]

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

[@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.

[@joeaardvark9214]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@Kellhound32]

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

[@markharold2732]

Hello 👋

[@mareky1234]

International treasure!!

[@weaponizedglitter69]

International treasure

[@poiujnbvcxdswq]

Not really, some of his work is quite good, a lot of it has been "borrowed" from older composers. Undoubtably someone else will pop up and continue re-hashing older music that current generations have forgotten and be hailed as a musical genius, for others work.

[@jadav1987]

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

[@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 👋

[@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

[@pennybaker6454]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@beberivera7011]

The depth of conversation that this Maestro has with his orchestra is beautiful to watch.

[@dimitriyg4611]

“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!

[@blackfalcon1324]

he looks great for 90.

[@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.

[@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

[@buckeyenation1681]

That song gets better and better everytime you listen to it

[@dwightsmith2918]

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

[@joev816]

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

[@tofton1977]

Look at his face, he live his best life and had a blast!

[@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 👋

[@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

[@Martin-jk2ng]

I had the pleasure of watching this man conduct twice in my life. The most iconic composer of the twentieth century.

[@critique7767]

The force is strong with John Williams

[@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?!?

[@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?

[@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😢😢😢

[@mikejohnson6022]

He’s clearly using the force flawlessly and his saber is legend…

[@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”

[@user-uc7ec8pk9m]

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

[@TheTiedyedgal]

How cool is that? To have the man himself conduct!

[@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! ❤❤

[@vwdiver512]

John Williams is the Emperor of all film scoring. What an honor for that orchestra to be led by a true icon of the industry. I think the best part though was seeing how much fun he was having, and giving cues to the various sections. A master at work. Long live John Williams!

[@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.

[@EriksPlace]

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.

[@abbygailechien6466]

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

[@gabrielasaldivia7923]

Seeing him conduct the Orchestra is like watching a kid on Christmas Morning!!!

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you

[@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.)

[@anthonyobryan3485]

Sixty years from now, when music students are tasked with learning one of the great classics for class credit, I can easily see John's epic scores being at the top of everyone's lists.

[@RJSKYWALKER]

What a beautiful thing it is to see the master lead the orchestra in playing his own masterpiece. What a privilege for those who were watching live.

[@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!

[@teslasmercury2782]

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

[@flyingtigers3747]

John Williams is a conductor/composer on a level with Ennio Morricone. *BOTH GIANTS.*

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-lh8px9cx4r]

For me he's not.

[@skyhound2889]

Totally agree

[@ladykenobi7314]

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

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@jacobdehaan4114]

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

[@Dfturcott]

There’s professionalism, mastery, and then what ever level this is.

[@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.

[@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

[@comdutch]

Just as we now listen to classical music composed hundreds of years ago, hundreds of years from now people will still be listening to the music of John Williams...

[@CharlesHepburn2]

This man is a legend in every aspect of the word. His body of work is beyond reproach. His art/music is a cornerstone in Hollywood soundtracks. Tip of the hat, sir!

[@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.

[@RAWestover]

​@@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!

[@WickstarRunner]

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

[@markharold2732]

Hello how are you

[@JeremiahSkywalker]

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

[@adriandpetry]

I love how he conducts the strings. You can tell they are the engine driving the piece.

[@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 👋

[@anakina1]

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

[@ryanhitchcock6738]

The word legend is thrown about to often. This man is a living legend

[@samanthaleo2590]

I know I’m late but this is a man who just loves what he does. It’s infectious.

[@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

[@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!

[@stevenshewfelt888]

grabbing his baton, and starting an iconic song that made my childhood and well into my adult years...yes cry i did, happy tears for this man made symphony music cool again

[@fredahalim6646]

With his baton, he is like jedi with his saber, command a battalion of musician.truly iconic

[@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.

[@strawberrana]

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

[@GrandmaSkillz]

he looks phenomenal for 90

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

This old man is good at playing music. He's going to go places during his life!

[@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-xw9wf]

@@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

[@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.

[@theriddlers4630]

He still not lost the notes for march them bless you john happy birthday i think he is 91 this year but more than talent uk here England

[@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.

[@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😅

Time ago I saw Hanz Zimmer conducting Time from Inception where he did a guitar solo pretty terrific indeed, and now we have John Williams with 90 years old conducting The Imperial March from Star Wars. I can live happily now.

[@aaronbritt2025]

IMO, the best piece of contemporary orchestral music written.

[@Jason-pq5mq]

Thank for allowing us to be part of history.

[@brassinpocket7975]

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

[@markharold2732]

Hello

[@richardwilliams473]

John Williams sets the highest benchmark for all film composers

[@Nikioko]

No. Ennio Morricone did. But Williams is good, too.

[@anabenskywalker122]

@@Nikioko I feel like they’re on an equal playing field. Both have created some of the most iconic pieces in film history

[@Metal-Possum]

Steal all your ideas from well known classical composers and hope your audience are too stupid to notice? Yup, that's him all right.

[@Nikioko]

@@anabenskywalker122 Morricone was very creative and prolific. Williams basically does always the same and has little variety. The Imperial March is very much like the Mars movement from Holst's Planets.

[@yashbspianoandcompositions1042]

Hans Zimmer:- allow me to introduce myself