The Cowboys Overture - John Williams - Boston Pops (live-2013)

The Cowboys Overture
John Williams
Boston Pops Orchestra
John Williams
Live from the Boston Symphony Hall, 2013

[@nosystem1098]

Most people (even those who count themselves as John Williams fans) have no idea he wrote this. The man is a balls to the wall genius.

[@paoloriva8713]

Real Genius for me

[@mikebeckner714]

One of the greatest composers ever...and I'm not going to even say "film score composer." Hands down, I'll put him up there with any of "The Masters."

[@dangrund]

I was just pacing around my house and Grandma had this movie going. I knew it had to be Williams. Love that man so much.

[@freezor80]

I do. It was part of our marching show my freshman year of high school. It brings back great memories.

[@phillipwhite7904]

John Wayne should have won 2nd Oscar 4 this performance. Yah hah!

[@mickeysapprentice4013]

Guys. Just letting you know, he wrote this music before Star Wars and even Jaws. This was his first real hit.

[@Lauren-gw5yj]

This is my go-to song whenever we're on a road trip through some countryside.

[@deaddropsd1972]

Lauren Sablan I ‘d use Raiders of the Lost Ark ! But I’m changing it up!!

[@davidcoons7424]

yes ,epic a splendid piece of music,for a splendid movie!! ,

[@willnic9437]

Also consider some of his other early works -- look up The Reivers and The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, too!

[@awesomerikd168]

I drove into Yosemite with this song on repeat, I NEARLY DIED that day from the beauty of everything...I miss it

[@Slider6294]

"Let's go to Belle Fourche!"

[@ThePoptartster]

I think this might be the first time John Williams got to really spread his wings. This piece is epic.

[@tienphonglim5809]

i.dun.think.so this.is the only one. the whole star wars trilogy is even more epic

[@Psychol-Snooper]

@@tienphonglim5809 This was composed quite a few years before Star Wars.

[@danielduggan5405]

It's a pretty decent movie, too. John Wayne is quite good in it.

[@awesomerikd168]

Had a roadtrip into some of the west US national parks. Had this song playing as I was driving into Yosemite National Park, it was the most beautiful moment of my life as Half Dome came into view during the climax of the song 😭😭😭😭

[@williamg3165]

This piece is definitely inspired by Copeland, but it has more than enough of John Williams' unique tough to make it stand out on its own.

[@andrewpetersen5272]

Copland

[@sandal_thong8631]

I can hear that somewhat in this piece. Too bad he didn't take inspiration from Ennio Morricone, "The man with no name" series composer as I'd like to hear more like that. (Although they called Clint Eastwood's character "Manco" in one of the films; and they weren't really a trilogy as they were in different time periods like the Civil War and 1880s). I was wondering if J.W. had ever done the score of a western, and just read about this film yesterday.

[@Katharine888]

Copland is my favorite composer. I whole-heartedly approve of other composers taking inspiration from him. There's enough differences between the two composers to make this piece really interesting!

[@johndates9827]

John Williams channeling Aaron Copeland? Very beautiful. Elements of "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring". I think it is a wonderful celebration of America.

[@danielduggan5405]

This is really the first place Williams explored the Americana style (what Copland was known for). In fact, his Smallville theme from Superman is strikingly similar to the middle section of this overture.

[@habovay3]

Sounds like Williams revisited this score for parts of "JFK" (1991).

[@cmblocker95]

First rule of Sound trac composition: Only steal the good stuff. And why not? Got an epic sword and sandals battle scene? Try adding a tbls of Mars a la Planets. Doomed lovers scene? Try Peter's Rome und Julies. Got wide open American Wild Westernness? None better than a big, thick slice of prairie-fed Copeland Beef. It's what's for dinner and a movie.

[@samirmanuel8944]

A tip: watch series on flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.

[@emorybodhi5753]

@Samir Manuel Definitely, been watching on Flixzone} for since december myself :)

[@colleencupido5125]

Having grown up on John Ford Westerns and Sons of the Pioneers- John Williams brings a modern edge that still genuinely evokes the Old West!

[@donsalveson4492]

John William's is a GIFT to those that love the marriage of celluloid and music!

[@EmailToddToday]

Favorite line from the move... John Wayne... " I'm thirty years older than you are. I had my back broke once, and my hip twice. And on my worst day I could beat the hell out of you"

[@susanesquer1520]

One word "MAN" (23 April 2018 1801 hours)

[@jamiehale2136]

He beat Bruce Dern worse than Reagan 🇺🇸 beat Carter

[@rodolfogarcia1294]

The Cowboys, my favorite John Wayne western movie. I saw It at theater at 1972 or 73, and was 8 years old then. Great memories of this awesome movie and soundtrack.

[@wdavis6814]

Monument Valley is probably one of the most beautiful places on this planet.

[@UteFaithful]

WJ Davis I feel ashamed I live in Utah and have never been!

[@omegamale7880]

@@UteFaithful I've lived in California all my life and I've never been to Yosemite.

[@christianresearchproject]

I saw this in the movie theater when it came out , I was 12 and up to then (and even since then) nothing and I mean nothing has almost made me crap my pants then seeing Bruce Dern's character in this movie....... and I've been shot at. SEMPER FI ~ God bless Duke.

[@angiecreaney3312]

After I cut the grass I stand back filled with pride ,can you imagine JW's reaction when he stands back and views THIS

[@kateconnair5481]

I am so excited to play this piece!!! Especially because I play French horn!

[@chrisshort6966]

+Kate Havlicek just saw the st louis symphony french horns shread this

[@_ShKrimps_]

Kate Havlicek How was it?? I played this on horn as well!

[@a1b1c184]

I played this in band when I was in high school. My school won a competition with this song. We never won anything before or since.

[@caracannon6138]

I am playing this on French horn, it's super hard, but really fun and definitely worth the pain!

[@k772]

This was a super fun piece on French horn

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

Magnificent Score By John Williams🎵

[@tara2530]

This reminds me of watching John Wayne movies with my dad.

[@sambelaazis4446]

My high school band gets to play this

[@wheelerreed3796]

I enjoyed performing this piece back in the 80s. It was wonderful.

[@shadowdivided]

So did I, in high school band was so great!

[@a1b1c184]

Same

[@Caveman469]

My senior year in H.S., the Honors band performed this whole suite. It was quite something for a bunch of kids. Kind of fits the movie plot.

[@tabfiend]

One of the great all time western themes.............sheer brilliance.

[@Fyretyger]

Happy 90th bday, maestro! 🎂

[@cable_tv7537]

1:32 to 2:03 sounds like a video game town theme and I love it.

[@ConnArtistTrombonist]

sounds like a pokemon town theme to me lol

[@AbbySitton]

Caleb Gladden I played this at a music camp a few months ago, I'm a violist and we got to play melody there (pizzicato). It was awesome.

[@erikthegodeatingpenguin2335]

We're playing this in our orchestra and I get to play the same note the whole time during that part (I think it's b flat, I'm not sure I just got it yesterday) because I'm a second violin lol. Still love it.

[@petethearchetype8376]

Caleb Gladden sounds like a 1980s law firm show lol

[@johnlim3357]

OMG I agree like a small special insert within the cowboy mess

[@SodaAnt7]

This, and Bernstein’s theme to The Magnificent Seven are two of my favorite western themes.

[@andrewpetersen5272]

When I was young, around 15 years, my parents took me to Central City, Colorado to see the opera. They had been going for many years. I saw Don Giovanni. But the greatest thing for this kid from Nebraska was being out in the open sky west and being so immersed in the era of the mining days of the 1860s. We stayed at the Teller House hotel, which is now a museum. I was so lucky. This music brings me right back there.

[@Molliver123]

This is soo cool😊❤

[@joebrown2766]

Heard this for the first time at an MSO concert where they played only John Williams' music it was incredible.

[@yearinyale]

I loved the way John Wayne cured that kid of his stuttering

[@robertwelsh4094]

That method is gospel now. i.e. The King's Speech.

[@jhancock1575]

Classic John Williams!

[@mariosmanesis8376]

one of the best by John Williams, thanks

[@mariosmanesis8376]

ευχαρηστω Εφη

[@wlhardy]

Love Williams' music in the movie, he did a great job, if you haven't seen "The Cowboys," check it out. I dislike westerns but really enjoyed the movie.

[@jocelyn248]

Playing this for my continental league concert, kinda intimidated rn! Lol wish me luck!

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

If you hated the movie you would watch the movie for the music. Directed by Mark Rydell, with the Duke, and this masterpiece. I love 'em all.

[@rodolfogarcia1294]

I love this movie, this soundtrack and think Is one of best John Wayne movies. Regards from Mexico.

[@scottcampbell5478]

JUST love this music and the Movie !!!

[@jimmyslots1984]

I remember playing this song in symphonic Band my sophomore year. I didn't wanna play it at first casue it was hard af. But after the dust settled , this song is my fav of my band years.

[@russellholt5879]

3:30-4:30, the maestro offers shades of his Superman score (death of Jonathan Kent/ leaving home) he'd record 6 years later -- beautiful and magnificent

[@pillman8719]

One of my favorite music themes from one of my favorite John Wayne movies.

[@Bruh..669]

My sophomore year of HS we had a dress rehearsal the day before a winter concert and our french horn section got the shit beaten out of them all night untill they got it right 🤣

[@traceyg07]

I played this song on the Clarinet in high school and it was so hard!

[@Lanes100]

I just heard this in concert at the Oregon Symphony and was blown away. Such an underrated score. One of John's best.

[@louisekeeton6621]

Sound quality is excellent on this upload!

[@daryl6900]

Will always be an amazing piece for me since it was the very first song for marching band!! It has been burned into my brain, but I don't know if I could attempt to play it again after 30 years 😅

[@eomer1981]

Long life to John Williams!

[@acebrown7619]

Played this with both orchestra and wind, Brass band, its a beautiful piece of music, especially the slow flowing movement , then a build up into the original theme, as the key moves up back to the original. Power and delightful exciting writing You cannot beat J Williams in any Genre

[@ericdevaughn5941]

I have visited Monument Valley multiple times in my life. Please go if you haven't already. I love everyone's comments. Once on the local Navaho Radio this was playing when I went there. I rolled down the window of my car and kept yelling YEE-HA !!!! That sums it up, doesn't it !?!?!

[@slverdier]

I've been there a couple times too! Loved it!

[@lanceg133]

The horn calls starting at the 5 minute mark always bring tears to my eyes.

[@donaldmcauliffe7653]

I remember going to see the cowboys at the music hall in new york city 1973 l believe it one john wayne best western movies. I hated how john wayne was killed in this movie but how he make boys into men

[@JoannaRRios1]

One of my all-time favorite "soft" westerns!! And surely John Wayne's and Colleen Dewhurst's parts in it!! I've always loved the heart in this soundtrack and how it captures the adventurous and romantic sides of the Hollywood western. This is a wonderful family film that still matches the character of True Grit!

[@jamiehale2136]

7:30 7:33

[@jamiehale2136]

7:30 7:33

[@jamiehale2136]

7:30 7:33

[@jamiehale2136]

7:30 7:33

[@jamiehale2136]

When Bruce Dern murdered John Wayne by shooting him I'm the back in cold blood? That's a soft western?? Wrong Mr. Berkeley

[@progressive_beard]

Williams' best piece!

[@ericy1817]

I wouldn't argue best, purely because there are so many amazing pieces, but it is still one of the top few.

[@frankgilbert5148]

great movie, great music.

[@franklinholt9520]

A great musical score and a great movie (1972).

[@theempire00]

Wonderful!

[@elanrochell-share3388]

Wonderful!!

[@jackdodsworth6077]

You gotta love this piece... Most of the piece consists of your super western-y (is that a word? :/ ) feel.... But then there is the section with the woodwinds (my clarinet brethren :D) with the low strings playing the constant background beat that makes it sound so out of place that it's in place.... I dunno. Words cant describe John Williams. I love it all!

[@meepmerp1562]

+Jack Dodsworth it is "high western influence"

[@southerncrescentproductions]

My high school wind ensemble played the band arrangement of this. Man do i love this peice!! I played bass drum btw

[@andrewgrundy744]

A John Williams rarity but for me this is another great melody shining through.I think along with Tchaikovsky John is one of the greatest melodist of all time

[@andrewpetersen5272]

His best I think.

[@colline.cooperm.d.8041]

John Williams is a glorious genius!!

[@petecurran3995]

A beautiful job, guys & gals! 👏🏻 👍🏻

[@robertwelsh4094]

This piece is Aaron Copland on steroids. John Williams is the greatest composer of all time. His understanding of how to use a symphony is unparalleled. Who will pick up the mantle when he passes on? I believe centuries may pass before his equal is born.

[@gilsonlcunha]

Nice definition!

[@miltonmoore8369]

JUST YOUR REMARK THAT WILLIAMS' UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO USE AN ORCHESTRA IS UNPARALLELED IS SO LUDICROUS AND ASININE THAT IT DEFIES BELIEF. SO WILLIAMS STANDS ON A PEDESTAL LOOKING DOWN UPON THE ORCHESTRAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF BRAHMS, TCHAIKOVSKY, RICHARD STRASS, WAGNER, SIBELIUS, DVORAK, BEETHOVEN AND RACHMANINOFF?😩

[@jeffreyporter4678]

John Williams is a wonderful composer, no doubt about that. But saying he is the greatest composer of all time is simply ridiculous, and indicates a lack of exposure to the true masters.

[@robertwelsh4094]

@yporter4678 I'm not diminishing Mozart or Beethoven. I have many recordings of symphonies and concertos etc. from "the masters". Yes, Williams has the tremendous advantage of being born after Souza and the birth of jazz, but he has fully incorporated all of that into his massive body of work. HE IS A MASTER of the 20th and 21st Century.

[@marcytokunaga1327]

I played this music piece on harp. It was very fun!

[@mlpackard]

We played this in Wind Ensemble at College! Just the best!

[@JTBPercussion]

playing this piece in my youth symphony! Im doing snare and hi hat, among other things :)

[@joelastorga7548]

Epic...

[@tylerallison9735]

im playing this in my high school band and, as of the moment, am the ONLY person that can play this at tempo!!!

[@AbdelOveAllhan]

This score is right up there with The Magnificent Seven, Silverado and...Quigley Down Under because...Quigley. I wish there had been a Rifleman movie, then I could include Herschel Burke Gilbert. Greatest TV western theme.

[@leonciojaragala2108]

Bravo Maestro. 👋👋👋👋👋

[@porkish682]

as a junior in high school playing first french horn on this song, all of the 16ths were way easier to hit than i thought they would be :) The only real (personal) trouble i have is that high A trill in the last 3-4 measures of the song :(

[@tiloica64]

genious

[@andrewwoo3906]

love this song, doing an arrangement for marching band hoi yah

[@starpharp]

Whoa, Woo.

[@jslasher1]

NOT a 'song'. It's an 'instrumental' piece.

[@colesicle7975]

@@jslasher1 🤓🤓

[@mrs.lilianfetters1432]

So like Copeland.

[@EmailToddToday]

+melissa chapman - Couldn't agree more. Has some real flavor of Aaron Copland. I miss Elmer Bernstein and Jerry Goldsmith

[@ellispipermusic]

+melissa chapman omg

[@TheTomZom]

+melissa chapman And?

[@jandreidrn]

EmailToddToday Miss Bernstein & Goldsmith too. They're also masters of the Westerns scores too.

[@brianbaumgarn5795]

I think John Williams respected Copeland down to the tips of his toes. Copeland influenced just all thos after him whether they would admit it or not. But, yes, you could take measures and motifs and plop them down in the middle of Hoe Down per se and it fits, You are so right.

[@user-vn3tw9fo9s]

I voted it Best score of 1972.

[@davidrobinson5122]

Not a big fan of John Wayne but this particular movie I can watch over and over again John Williams music Roscoe Lee Brown and Bruce Dern

[@jamiehale2136]

Smh

[@lockonnow4259]

The intro fanfare of something from Police Academy

[@LuisCarlos5007]

La melodía compuesta en medio de esta pieza, aunque con pinceladas musicales vueltas a escuchar en Superman the Movie en el track de Smallville, es de una belleza única. John es Williams y esta soberbio en sus matices.

[@aleita47]

Yep at 3:42 the melody is very close to "Leaving Home" from Superman

[@xdddwowowiwowo2911]

When you have to play this but you can't double tounge

[@dalewier9735]

Vizionix YT. why can't you double tounge?

[@danielduggan5405]

Because it takes practice. Some not-too-fast tempos are particularly difficult because it sits right in between a comfortable speed for either single or double-tonguing.

[@gilsonlcunha]

Ihaaaaaaaa!!!

[@BritishFoodGuide]

john williams music on tv so it must be christmas.

[@chazinko]

I can't cope with seeing Copeland in so many comments. Instead, imagine Aaron lived in a land of Cops called Copland.

[@Femsa2012]

Your word? Well, here’s my word-get the hell off my spread. Now.

[@RadarHawk52]

Saddle up

[@danielmurphy8921]

I have this song on Loop while riding around in Red Dead redemption 2. Strongly recommend since the music in the game is greatly underwhelming.

[@Bruh..669]

Daniel Murphy this song is really good at making me feel happy about red dead 2

[@matthewb3725]

underwhelming?! RDR2 has one of the best soundtracks ever in a video game.

[@danwordgod2017]

Hope you are joking.

[@davidmccullough8535]

rodeo and Polson Montana herd of cowboys

[@rodolfogarcia1294]

The best cowboy of this film was Cimarrón Martínez, Mexican cowboy

[@rosenaderr]

who’s here for all state 2022?

[@colesicle7975]

hey 🤞🏻😳 what do you play?

[@rosenaderr]

@@colesicle7975 violin lol wbu?

[@dylanle8239]

9:05

[@megA_t.6532]

Not since Aaron Copland has an American composer had such an Americana flavor in all he did! In my humble opinion

[@singulare6770]

7:03 - Indiana Jones

[@jeffs1147]

It's a little deliberate on the tempo. But a very good live performance.

[@blazaking2176]

0:52

[@jimscott2050]

I thought it was the Dallas Cowboys March by Tom Merriman.

[@user-pc6fr1gp4u]

0:04

[@CarlosRiveraFernandez]

Anyone else notice that the leitmotif at 3:41 is also sampled in the soundtrack for Indy Jones 3 in the Knight's Theme? (kzbin.info/www/bejne/raC4gHukrLCUnMU&ab_channel=JohnWilliams-Topic here for reference)

[@jessemoog5310]

Its just similar but not the same and definitely not sampled.

[@youmightveseenmycommentsbe7493]

2:03 to 2:34

[@DarkCartoon_music]

OK to listen to but hell to play (I play cello)

[@rebekahberry4811]

Anyone know the time signature at 4:55

[@clarkharrell2227]

It's in 4/4. The two 8th notes that start the melody are on the first beat.

[@danielduggan5405]

But the melody has a pickup on beat 4.

[@mlpackard]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnimqKRrhbmniKs

[@JohnDavis-zo4xl]

I thought it was 12. Williams loves 12. ( Superman theme)

[@josefwilfinger2261]

the tempo is a bit to slow imho

[@seanyan1624]

xylo excerpts 0:59 2:22

[@sprayarm]

On a side note, what is the John Wayne movie where he threw a boy in the pond because he didn’t know how to swim?

[@karenwilliams1960]

HONDO

[@ronaldmitchell2266]

Hondo

[@cacvpc]

Hondo

[@anthonywirth995]

Hondo

[@mr.roberto1898]

Hondo!

[@darkfighter500]

at 00:59 it sounds like the beginning of a happy chinese traditional movie, set during a festival, then you just get with the big cities that are usually in Pokemon from at 01:48