Composer John Williams
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- John Williams is one of America's most celebrated musical talents - the best-known creator of music for films. He has written the scores for such revered classics as "Jaws," "Star Wars," "Superman" and "Schindler's List." In a story originally broadcast September 22, 2019, Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Williams, and with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who collaborated with the composer on an album of works for violin and orchestra adapted from his film scores, "Across the Stars."
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I want to be this young at 89
This was recorded in 2019 so he was 87… But still….
@@johnnyfavorite1194 the video literally says he’s 89 in it… 3:00.
@@ryankramer This video was made in 2021 but most of the video was taken in 2019.
the Chocolate Rain legend himself
TayZonday you haven't aged a single day since chocolate rain - don't worry!! P.s. can I email you a couple music questions somehow?
No amount of CGI, money, gifted writing, or acting talent can match what this man does for cinema. A true American treasure.
Spielberg once said that Jaws would've been only half as successful as it was if John had not composed that chilling and thrilling Oscar winning score and I think the "this movie would've been only half as successful if John hadn't composed the score" goes along with every other great movie he wrote the main theme or soundtrack for:
Star Wars
Jurassic Park
Harry Potter
Indiana Jones
Home Alone
Jaws
ET
Schindler's List
The Patriot
Superman
Saving Private Ryan
Lincoln
Close Encounters
War Horse
Empire Of The Sun
The Poseidon Adventure
The Towering Inferno and so many more
When you think of these movies, you can't help but think about the iconic music he created for those movies because the music resonates in a deeply emotional and impactful way that doesn't only contribute to the movie on the big screen, but, also to the story being told and in a way that the best CGI or set design or acting can't impart the same emotional overtures and although other composers took over once he departed those movies for other prospects and added their own voices to an already rich musical tapestry, they remained respectful to the original music and themes John composed and in a way, Nicholas Hooper, the composer for the scores of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince summed it up better than anyone else possibly could or ever will "It's a dangerous thing to try and rewrite a John Williams piece because he does it best".
Um. I'd say Stravinsky could match him, particularly since he often "borrowed" heavily from him.
Couldn't agree with you more
@@kkdesignservices183 He also took alot from Holst = planets for star wars especially "mars."
Absolutely
Conversation between two geniuses:
Williams: "You really need a better composer than me."
Speilberg: "Yeah, but they're all dead."
That's such a brilliant compliment! 🎬🎵
I laughed really hard when he said that
Such an amazing compliment indeed!!😍
@Mac Rebo Pags He said better composer. ;)
One of the things that makes Williams so unique is that his scores LITERALLY become another lead in any film that features them. Spielberg once said that Williams' music was as essential to his films as the film itself. He is TRULY a living legend, and the author of the soundtrack of so many of our lives, and especially our childhoods. There will truly NEVER be another Williams. Even though Spielberg isn't directing the final Indy film, I thank God Williams is still scoring it.
You have said it very well. I can only add that he is much too modest. This man’s music is very powerful, and has propelled all of the great good-triumphs-over-evil allegories of our time. It has been an essential element in those stories that continue to instruct us from one generation to the next, and remains as thrilling as ever. God bless you, John Williams!
Just TRY to remember Star Wars without that infamous piece of music.
@@becarrenschultz2814 yes George Lucas has even said sound is 50% of the Star wars experience.. try watching Star wars without any sounds and then put the sound on.. unbelievable! John's soundtrack is very much a part of Star Wars to the sound as were the ground breaking special effects sounds created.
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It’s obvious from watching any movie that the music is more important than the film. The story of emotions we go on is entirely told by the music. This is why we listen to music alone, but don’t watch silent movies.
Love how humble he is. So many memories thank you Sir
Real geniuses are humble and kind, the braggers are just full of air and no consistency.
Beyond the films, we can’t forget the fanfares and themes that include four different Olympics: 1984, 1988, 1996 and 2002.
I was hoping they'd sneak the "NBC Nightly News Theme" in there somewhere, lol!
I'm hoping he lives long enough to compose the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games.
The theme to "ET" STILL brings an emotional tear of joy to me. 🥺❤
This man's artistry is the soundtrack to so many of my childhood movie experiences - along with millions of others. Thank You Mr. Williams!
His humility just makes his work that much more amazing.
“Well, I couldn’t get in to the NFL.”
The wit to this man!
I mean, he did the Sunday Night Football theme, so he kinda did end up there too!
@@BatTCK hahaha I thought of that, too.
I had my 5th graders listen to his music from various movies and had them guess the titles. Out of all of them, they recognized Jaws, Star Wars, and Harry Potter immediately. Many of them are ages 10 and 11. It was so fun. 🥰
What a great teacher! Thank you for all your dedication and everything you do for children.
John William's music is so expressive. He is truly a one of a kind type of composer.
The dictionary definition of a "classy gentlemen" - the best in the world at what he does and still so humble. Remembers and calls everyone by their name. What a life well lived!
John really picked the best string performers. Back when Schindler's List was composed it was no other than Itzhak Perlman, then he wrote for Yo-Yo Ma and now he is working with Mutter.
John Towner Williams…once known as Johnny way back in the day…is a true musical genius. When you hear his brilliant scores for movies, or the Olympics, you can’t help but be in awe. Almost 90, but still a force of nature.
The day we turn on the TV to hear the words “John Williams has died…” will be a devastating day indeed. Cinema will have lost one of the greatest contributors of all time.
None of us were alive in the time of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven. We all share this world today with John Williams. Can we all agree his name belongs in the pantheon of greats?
He is definitelly great, but is not remotely close to those greats that you mentioned.
@@microitos9754 Really???
@@Hash-vo1hi Yes, he has hundreds of composers to look to, not to mention that he usually just uses leimotif composition techniques where you’re really only comcerned with making a catchy melody and add some bombastic orchestration. These greats had no one to look forward to, they were genius pioneers and made unforgettable and mind boggling music that is still relevant today. Williams himself even said that he gets discouraged by listening to the greats
Hearing John Williams' main title music for "Star Wars" is what inspired me to see the movie, and I have been a huge fan of his ever since. The first record LP I ever bought with my own money was the "Star Wars" soundtrack, and I still have it, though it has seen better days since I literally played the grooves off of it! My friends were listening to whoever the current fad singers/groups were in the late 70's, but I only ever bought John Williams soundtracks. And yes, I still get shivers hearing that wonderful music.
John's a genius, a maestro like Mozart and Beethoven and deeply stirs the emotions which helps endear these films to our souls.
This is one of the most iconic & brilliant composer as a musician and engineer he has inspired me since I heard his first score with JAWS and then STAR WARS AND SUPERMAN it is awesome to see him in his environment as the foremost requested conductor/ composer of our time .
Want to thank CBS Sunday Morning for this most amazing interview ⚡️
This man scored my childhood and has gone on to score my entire life. I consider myself part of a very fortunate generation that has grown up and lived Mr. Williams' music through our entire cinematic experience. He is as much a part of Gen X as anything or anyone else. I couldnt even imagine viewing the movies we have grown up with without his music.
Same here. Williams was the soundtrack to the lives of millions, and it is a privilege that may never happen again.
a humble man. talented man who gives us good memories.
I can always recognize Williams' music by the sound of the horns. One of my favorite Williams scores is one he wrote for an 80s version of dracula which featured Laurence Olivier and Frank Langella. And while I love his music very much, Rodgers & Hammerstein (imho) also penned some of the most beautiful film scores ever written.
Richard Rodgers is musical theater composer and Oscar Hammerstein II is a lyricist. Their work is completed before a film is shot in principle photography. A film score composer, on the other hand, creates his work after the film is already edited in post production. The music in the score must be timed precisely to the action seen in the edited film. In _The Sound of Music_ , Rogers composed the musical and Hammerstein write the lyrics before the film was shot. But Irwin Kostal composed the film score in post production. The film editor assembles the final cut of the film in post production that later controls what the film score composer creates. So Rodgers & Hammerstein are not considered film score composers.
Just watched that for the first time over this weekend...a very good Gothic romantic version of Dracula which he gave an appropriately Gothic theme and score
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John is one of the most humble human beings to have ever walked this planet and one of cinema's greatest composers with some of the most iconic themes and soundtracks ever created for cinema attached to his name
Mr.Williams.... as humble as you are.... you do stand with all the great composers. THANK YOU
My favorite composer. An absolutely legend. No one else like him.
His music moves me to tears, especially the score to Schindler's List. It would be the treasure of a lifetime to witness it in person. Wow!
John Williams is a master and a tremendous humble spirit. A brilliant composer with very few that come even close!
Such beautiful music! My son is a big fan! He also hopes to be a film composer! He graduated from Berkeley school of music in Boston! He too is also humble just like John Williams. But I have faith he will make it! Every employer that he has worked for has told me he’s a hard worker. Thank you Mr Williams for all your beautiful music and for inspiring my son! 🌻🎵
Best of luck to him. And I hope that he, along with others, will continue to write movie music that uses a full orchestra!
I love ❤️ his music. His music from Schindler’s list brings tears under the surface of my eyes. My son (Jacob) and I love his work for Star Wars and it is beautiful but I have my favorites. A very talented soul at the young age of 89. 🤔❤️🇺🇸
As a music therapist, it's comforting to hear John Williams say he doesn't listen to music hardly at all outside of when he's working. I am the same, which my clients always find crazy. I am surrounded by music so much throughout each day that when I get home, I just want silence.
We got to see him in 2018 conducting the Baltimore symphony in a "A night with John Williams" To say it was an awesome once in a lifetime concert is an understatement! What a night!
John Williams, there’s no other composer like him. Always been so fascinated by his scores, along with Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, Bernard Hermann, James Horner, Shirley Walker, John Tesh, Henry Mancini, David and Randy Newman.
Where’s Hans Zimmer?
Danny elfman
Pick up an LP copy of Mickey One, the soundtrack by Eddie Sauter and Stan Getz. It contains miracles. It changed my life in the 60's. Also the scores toThe Best Years Of Our Lives and The Misfits.
mark isham
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Michael Giacchino.
So many artists, great in their own right want to deservedly put John Williams on a pedestal to be revered and admired but the man simply won't stand on it. What a truly humble and genuine genius Mr Williams is. I am yet to find anyone who can say with justification, a negative word about him.
Such a brilliant man So humble …His son Joseph Stanley Williams is the lead singer of Toto Musical talent runs deep in that Family
What a fabulous gift he shares with us. I’m a retired studio singer and had the privilege of working with the Maestro on several occasions
Finally a great living composer who isn't full of himself.Ennio Morricone is smiling up above
"It always makes me think you could be better"
but ur john Williams, you reached the maximum amount of talent for a human being
I absolutely love his works and i was so very happy the he was in the last Star Wars! As soon as I saw him I screamed "THAT'S JOHN WILLIAMS"! Not sure everybody else in the theatre appreciated that at the time!😂😍
This guy literally made my childhood magical
Not important he says! WOW to many of his fans, his music is everything. I know it is to me! It allowed me to dream as a child. Thank you for so many wonderful memories!
A true legend-and a gentleman as well.
His humility is as inspiring as his music. Amazing how he can say his music is not that important when his music has literally been the soundtrack to our lives.
Such an humble man. My favorite composer, period.
I was just was at tanglewood and saw him conduct!
At 89, his fans should give him some slack for not doing as many public appearances. I'm amazed at how much he's still doing!
Anyone else thought they were in room full of onions while watching this video? Damn, and I can't stop crying! The true mark of an artist is when you touch one, you touch all...
I love his music. He is a true genius!
Born on the 4th July movie music is amazing.
Going to John Williams concert at the Hollywood Bowl this Saturday 😭 sooooo excited
One of my favorites. He work gives goosebumps. My all time favorite is the soundtrack from "Superman: The Movie" He also did Home Alone.
why has not this man received the Cecil B DeMille award yet? actually that award is not good enough, he deserves so much more recognition. None of our many favorite films that he scored would have been as memorable without him. And iconic directors like Spielberg and Lucas owe much of their success to him. His contribution to entertainment is arguably greater than most of the previous award recipients.
The best score composer there is.
How modest he was to say that any great classical composer of the past have composed better things than him, but I think that Maestro Williams has made works that are already classics off the screen, and have been performed by various professional orchestras around the world, like LA Philharmonic or Vienna Philharmonic, even his musical works can serve as an introduction for those who haven't watched certain films. Star Wars soundtrack motivated me to study more about film scores, orchestration, leitmotifs and to appreciate more the works of composers such as Wagner, Mahler, Strauss, Stravinsky and Holst, it's very well defined that Maestro Williams is a neo-romantic. And when you have a great orchestral score performed by the London Symphony Orchestra for your film, what more could you ask for?
Master John Williams is truly one of the greatest and most gifted composers of our time. May the Force be with you.
I love John Williams! What a musical genius. Thank you from me & the world!
mark isham
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Probably the most extraordinary person in the world of pop culture and cinema.
What an amazing talent, who doesn't know at least one of his scores, love his talent forever 💜
John Williams ,Hans Zimmer & Danny Elfman
Write scores that touch you in ways that nothing else can. They compose cinematic music that pushes their respective films further than the director itself ever could.
This man was blessed with talent from above NO DOUBT!
He takes us on a special journey through his music together the films that are like a tapestry weaving the story which capture us all the way. So mesmerising. Thank you Sir...
One of the greatest people to ever grace movie making.
An absolute treasure. Love ya John ♥
Cinema wouldn't be the same without John Williams
I just watched Jaws the other day. That movie would not have held water w/o those two notes that are recognized by generations (yes, I know there are many other notes…but you could name that score in just two, maybe one!). The violin almost brought tears to my eyes. But a cello ain’t bad either!
Something I noticed about John William's conducting, it's just a tad bit slower than you expect. Most people performing his scores want to speed it up, but he really hangs on every note, and wants you to hear it. You can't help but slow down and appreciate the music.
Goose bumps indeed. The Star Wars soundtrack always give me goosebumps.
The way Williams describes his thoughts is really down to earth and understandable. Lots of people like me think to put him on a pedestal as a great composer, but if you imagine being in his shoes it's really understandable why he thinks this way. He may have written some of the best scores, but at the end of the day it's just a job, one that can be filled with passion of course. The work, however, shouldn't distract you from living a fulfilling life, and he's one of the only professionals out there that can express that.
I remember I wanted to be a film composer too, but I thought I was doing it because I enjoyed listening to his scores and wanted to be like him. That was the wrong reason, and I'm glad I switched careers to CGI instead
One of my favorite scores aside from all the well known ones is "The witches of Eastwick" I have it, He is amazing God bless him, who doesn't cry when they hear the "ET" theme, John must have an extraordinary mind to be able to see those musical notes and make the music he makes that just moves you so much
I have the privilege of attending one of his concerts on December 4th 2012 in San Diego, that was the best night of my life.
The biggest living composer. I love bis music so much it would be so great for me to see him life on stage.
I'm ashamed that at 32 years old, I didn't know this man until today. Incredible. He is a virtuoso of the modern age. When time rolls on I want his name to be among those of George Washington, Kahlo, Mozart, Da Vinci M L King, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt.... Williams.
Best of all time. The GOAT composer. A hit with just two notes. JAWS. Music is special.
The Book Thief is one of my favorite scores of his. It shows another side of him besides the triumphant brass he's so known for. The piano focus of the opening credits swept me away before I even knew it was him.
He is always be my favorite composer
ALL HAIL The MASTER Composer, John Williams. #CBSSundayMorning #MasterComposerForever!!!
Love him and his music!!!
The Tanglewood audience in the background looks comatose! At the Hollywood Bowl it's a big party with people standing and cheering, and thousands of light sabers flashing. We love this guy! God bless Johnny!
JOHN WILLIAMS!!!!!! I LOVES HIS MUSIC!!!!!!!
He is so very very very nice.
Sarah Willis, member of the Berlin Philharmonic horn section playing with the BSO. How cool is that!!! John Williams is a treasure. His concert with the Vienna Philharmonic is just incredible.
Glad I wasn't seeing things, I thought for sure that looked like her! Love her series on DW!
A rare gem from CBS
Happy 90th Birthday!
John Williams is a legend ET, JAWS, Harry Potter, Superman, Star Wars, Indy, The Olympics, Jurassic Park, Call of the Champions he has done them all. If you want the best music for your movie hire John Williams.
we used to listen to Boston Pops w/ John Williams. There was always music in our home and John Williams brought stories to life with his music.
Seeing a legend like Anne-Sophie as giddy as a child catching secondhand video on her phone tells you all you need to know. John Williams is the king.
I love you John ! A True Inspiration and Light to this world !
My most favorite John Williams' soundtrack by far is from the 1978 motion picture SUPERMAN. Every piece of music from it is so brilliant. Actually I'm gonna go listen to it now.
John Williams announced his intention to retire from film score composing after the release of the fifth Indiana Jones film in 2023, to focus more on composing independent orchestral and symphonic pieces. He plans to retire from film and focus on composing concert music. John Williams also won 25 Grammy Awards and 3 Emmy Awards.
Without question, one of the top 5 film composers ever,... and a strong case can be made that he may be the best ever. His music is so good that he can be compared the greatest composers of any kind of music.
The composer to the soundtrack of my youth…I love this man.
John William's impact and body of work proves that he doesn't need to be pigeon holed by the moniker "film" to be considered one of the greatest composers of all time.
I bought his first 2 Jaws soundtracks, I collected on line his Poseidon Adventure tracks, Bought his Towering Inferno, Earthquake soundtracks.
He composed so many movie music.
He is amazing.
We are so lucky to have had all his genius work. It’s been around for my whole life starting with Jaws.
Used to watch Keith Lockhart when he was very young, conducting in Cincinnati (and the great “Prince of Pops” Erich Kunzel). Loved both of these talents!
John Williams is our modern day Mozart, Beethoven, Bach et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. When we're all gone, the next generations will hear his masterpieces.
so incredible, so brilliant and I admire him and his work very much.
I hope by the time John William ends his career that he wins more awards than Walt Disney!!!
When John Williams recorded the score to "E.T" he tried to synchronize the final scene with the edited film, but it didn't work. He told Steven Spielberg to shut the projector off and just conducted it as if he was in a concert hall. The music was brilliant but slightly longer than the film itself, so Spielberg re-edited the scene to fit John's recording. It worked. Just listen to the final seconds of the score to hear the majestic fanfare from the brass followed by the final presentation of the "E.T." motif shouted by the imperial French horns - it will give you goosebumps every time!
Some of our best serious music composers are working in film. It would be nice to see more of them rework their music for concert presentation and recording.
Live Long and Prosper, John Williams!