The Music of John Williams: a music review by Alan Slade
“The Music of John Williams – Iconic Film Scores Live in Concert” played to a capacity audience in the Concert Hall of Sydney’s iconic Opera House on opening night, June 13, featuring 80 members of the SSO and 120 singers of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs conducted by Nicholas Buc.
John Williams
The trio behind this concert are Andrew Pogson, Dan Golding and Nicholas Buc who host the podcast “Art of the Score”, dedicated to movie soundtracks. Each of them has an impressive CVC: Nicholas Buc, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for the concert, is an award-winning composer, conductor and arranger, with the Elmer Bernstein Award for film scoring among his achievements; co-host award-winning composer and writer, Associate Professor Dan Golding is Chair of Media and Communication at Swinburne University; co-host Andrew Pogson is a producer, director and jazz musician, with an impressive list of productions including world premieres with the MSO.
Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding introduced the program, although their banter was somewhat marred by their constant reference to their tablets. The first piece was the march from Superman, followed by Jaws, the 2002 Olympic Games, Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1977 Star Wars, Home Alone, and Jurassic Park before the interval. The combination of choir and orchestra was impressive, with the choir in complete unity, making the words clearly distinguishable. The music was enhanced with well-executed lighting features, illuminating the ceiling and wall of the concert hall. Between the pieces, Golding and Pogson gave some historical notes on John Williams and the background to some of the music. Maestro Buc obviously related perfectly with the orchestra, which responded enthusiastically. The brass and percussion featured strongly, with associate principal timpanist, Mark Robinson working harder and more frequently than at any other concert this audience member has witnessed.
After interval and the 1999 Star Wars’ “Duel of the Fates”, came the highlight for every Jewish member of the audience – the Theme from ”Schindler’s List” featuring Alexandra Osborne’s emotional violin solo, greatly appreciated. Of course, the second half included Harry Potter and ET: The Extra-Terrestrial music, with “The Jedi Steps” from the 2015 “Star Wars” as the rousing finale.
After a number of “curtain calls”, the orchestra played two encores, Cantina and the rousing “Force Awakens”, the latter with Maestro Buc conducting with a light sabre and adopting many of the classic poses.
John Williams’ first film score was “Valley of the Dolls” in 1967, when he was 35 and his most recent “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in 2023, age 91. He is second only to Walt Disney with his 50 Oscar nominations, to Disney’s 54.
“The Music of John Williams” is playing five performances in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House from June 13 to 16. Highly recommended for music appreciators of all ages, and a wonderful introduction to symphony concerts for the younger generation, who think concerts involve mosh pits and screaming.
