This follows hard on the heels of the success of Deutsche Grammophon’s previous John Williams album — “Across The Stars”, with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter (reviewed here). The previous album had a more soulful ambiance, featuring the theme from “Schindler’s List” and “A Prayer For Peace” from “Munich.” This new release has more edgy, exciting and exhilarating music from blockbuster and iconic movies. It’s finely programmed to include some softer moments with the reflective “Dartmoor 1912” from “Warhorse” and the gentler “Luke and Leia” from “Star Wars: Return of The Jedi”, tempering the more dramatic music.
The Vienna Philharmonic may seem an unlikely orchestra to be playing this music, but they are highly attuned to the nuances of Williams’ scores, and the orchestral palette is everything one may expect from this renowned ensemble. Their sound and precision are adaptable and versatile, bringing all their knowledge, experience and skill to the cinematic sound.
Whether it is “The Rebellion is Reborn”, “Imperial March”, “Raiders March” or “Suite from Jaws”, the Vienna Philharmonic has a balance which colors and drives the music with sensitivity. The range of color of strings is kaleidoscopic and the speed at which these players change hues is impressive. The icy harmonics in “Close Encounters of The Third Kind” and the sweeping lines in “Adventures on Earth” from ET, is also an example of orchestral precision and unity.
More Classical Music Reviews
- Review: “Across the Stars” – Mutter Plays John Williams
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- Review: Clyne, Elgar – Cello Concertos – Inbal Segev, LPO, Alsop
The brass in Williams’ music often get the best moments, which the Vienna players relish at every given opportunity without sounding harsh or overblown. from the opening of “The Flight to Neverland” to the fanfares of ET and the themes from “Jurassic Park” or the “Raiders March”, they produce a magnificently majestic sound throughout.
Mutter joins Williams again in a specially arranged “Raider’s March”, which adds variety and contrasts to the richness of Williams’ sound. Her virtuosity in the “Devil’s Dance” really elevates the music and showcases her impressive skills. The shaping of phrases and the dialogue with the orchestra are one of the many finely cut diamonds on this album.
Taken live in January 2020 at the great acoustics of the Musikverein, the recording captures the excitement and the balance is superb. This album proves the sophistication and universal appeal of Williams’ music, marvelously played by some of the world’s finest orchestral musicians. It will have a multi-generational and family appeal, and like its predecessor, is a great introduction for children and those new to orchestral music. Be warned this will have you humming these earworm themes for days.
“John Williams in Vienna“
Them music from movies
Anne-Sophie Mutter – Violin
Vienna Philharmonic
John Williams – Conductor
Deutsche Grammophon, CD 4839156 (also available on vinyl, Blu-Ray, and “Deluxe Edition”).
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