Normally there is only one composer of the month, but this year in addition to our regular February composer Prokofiev, we will find some time to learn about John Williams, a very famous American composer who is (gasp) STILL ALIVE!! Williams began his career as a jazz musician and began composing for films in the 1970s. He is responsible for some of the most popular film music of the last 40 years including, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, & Harry Potter just to name a few. He was also the conductor of the Boston Pops, and continues to do a series of concerts with the Pops every summer. Williams is also the composer of many Olympic themes. Learn more about John Williams at these links:
Watch Williams conduct the Boston Pops playing the main theme from Star Wars:
The 31 parts of the Star Wars Theme played on guitars:
Watch a short video on the composing and recording of the score for E.T.
A video of the Olympic Fanfare and Theme from the 1984 summer games in Los Angeles:
Summon the Heroes from the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta:
Watch a performance of Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter:
Listen to the theme for Jurassic Park:
Raiders March from the Indiana Jones movies:
The theme from Superman:
Havard A cappela tribute to John Williams:
Pine Glen Music Blog 