John Williams Conducts "Imperial March" at 90 Years Old | National Symphony Orchestra

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2023
  • Film composer and Kennedy Center Honoree John Williams is persuaded to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in a memorable performance of his "Imperial March" from Star Wars during a gala to celebrate his 90th Birthday.
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    #johnwilliams #starwars #nationalsymphonyorchestra
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,2 тис.

  • @Jonathanclear
    @Jonathanclear Рік тому +7597

    When 90 years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmmm?

    • @Lionheart-cr1fk
      @Lionheart-cr1fk Рік тому +282

      Mesa don't think so master Yogurt.

    • @davidleavitt835
      @davidleavitt835 Рік тому +161

      When 90 years old he reached, look great he will.

    • @GamingFreak339
      @GamingFreak339 Рік тому +61

      91 Years old, born February 8th, 1932

    • @dj-mb1bu
      @dj-mb1bu Рік тому +19

      Wtf did you just say

    • @ez_is_bloo
      @ez_is_bloo Рік тому +114

      @@dj-mb1bu fake fan spotted

  • @seanclothier495
    @seanclothier495 8 місяців тому +966

    Dude rolls in at 90yrs old and pops off the single most badass theme in movie history. LEGEND

    • @MichaelKingsfordGray
      @MichaelKingsfordGray 2 місяці тому

      Why does a musical piece possess a substantially inferior rectum?

    • @ltjgambrose
      @ltjgambrose 2 місяці тому +20

      "This is a little song I wrote back in the 70s"
      *Orchestra builds and builds, brass comes in, trumpets blast the Superman theme*

    • @jpboileau5473
      @jpboileau5473 5 днів тому

      well. he DID write it you know! :)

  • @Hardcover_Pilot
    @Hardcover_Pilot 3 місяці тому +367

    Steven Spielberg said it best at John Williams' AFI Lifetime Achievement ceremony. "Without John Williams, bikes don't fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe."

  • @IturaldeRodel
    @IturaldeRodel 9 місяців тому +1223

    Even after all these decades, it isn't the producers or CEOs we remember... it's these artists, writers, musicians... They deserve recognition and a fair recompense for their efforts.

    • @Stevel-ge2xw
      @Stevel-ge2xw 7 місяців тому +2

      Well said

    • @darkprose
      @darkprose 5 місяців тому

      Right, thanks. We can’t enjoy anything now without being critical of some perceived economical or political or cultural grievance. Just shut up. Jesus Christ, just shut up. Jesus.

    • @FabioKn
      @FabioKn 5 місяців тому +10

      Yes, no one remembers George Lucas. Totally unknown.

    • @IturaldeRodel
      @IturaldeRodel 5 місяців тому

      @@FabioKn George Lucas... you mean the writer of Star Wars? Fkn numpty, you...

    • @cbracing366
      @cbracing366 5 місяців тому +25

      @@FabioKnhe wrote Star Wars… name a producer of any Star Wars film of the top of your head

  • @alexvanpelt5119
    @alexvanpelt5119 Рік тому +4816

    A man of vigor, humility, and incomparable musical talent. You could see the rapture on his face as he conducted. The Force is strong with him.

    • @rithvikmuthyalapati9754
      @rithvikmuthyalapati9754 Рік тому +25

      "With muy muy humility" - Darth Bombad

    • @Jolene8
      @Jolene8 Рік тому +35

      He loves what he does. It's been his passion. I envy him ... To be able to live his dream. 😢

    • @emanuelenanetti5201
      @emanuelenanetti5201 Рік тому +20

      Exactly my feeling too! I could see the Force flowing, he was one with the music.

    • @cheetahman515
      @cheetahman515 Рік тому +26

      He's probably very happy with how well the orchestra is playing HIS piece. Or the fact that he is conducting HIS piece again and all of the muscle memory is popping back up.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +4

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music

  • @user-eq2ft1hz5c
    @user-eq2ft1hz5c 10 місяців тому +2038

    How many of these world-class musicians in the orchestra just experienced the childhood dream of playing the Imperial March for John Williams? Amazing!

    • @markharold2732
      @markharold2732 8 місяців тому +24

      Hello 👋

    • @schumi246
      @schumi246 6 місяців тому +38

      This, duel of the fates, Jurassic park, or hedwig’s theme. Just a few of his main themes from recent years. I mean this IS 43 years old now, not so recent.

    • @silverjohn6037
      @silverjohn6037 6 місяців тому +13

      @@schumi246 Some things never get old. Like Korngold's work Williams captured the mood of adventure and supplemented it rather than trying to shoe horn in their own creation.

    • @user-gi8pk9uc7q
      @user-gi8pk9uc7q 6 місяців тому +6

      a dream come true, no doubt about it!

    • @MeMawx2
      @MeMawx2 6 місяців тому +13

      Bet they were thinking how glad they are now that their Mom's and Dad's made them practice so much on their instruments when they were younger. Paid off big time !

  • @Pendragon667
    @Pendragon667 Рік тому +926

    He loves what he's doing you can see it.
    Even with 90 years and having heard the piece countless times he still enjoys conducting the orchestra.
    The way he half-jokingly tries to silence the audience, the way his face lit up and the big, genuine smile... how can you not love that man?

    • @edgaraquino2324
      @edgaraquino2324 10 місяців тому +24

      Well, who can blame him? He is not feeling his best, but now he feels all that love coming at from the crowd, the people on stage, the musicians (who are striking their instruments in approval, a high honor & they haven't started yet) & he is like a Wright-Cyclone turning over, until the orchestra starts & W explodes into life conducting his composition, spry as a young buck, seeing the reaction of the musicians, the roar of his fans behind him, who would not have tears of joy running down their cheeks at a moment like this? I am & this is not about me....

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 5 місяців тому

      It's great we have these videos. A tip of the hat to all the inventors and developers in sound and visual recording and to the engineers who preserve such moments to be enjoyed for times to come.

    • @JP_TaVeryMuch
      @JP_TaVeryMuch 3 місяці тому

      Well I'm pleased for him and grateful for his inimitable style of cinematic composition.
      I too loved the cheeky smile that he couldn't have stopped from breaking out if he'd wanted to.
      Ninety years old, still gamely conduct~ahem~ing this fan favourite pot boiler of a craftily, no, craftsmanly cobbled together collection of "samples" from the great composers of yore. Co-conspiratorialy carried aloft by a crew of men and women who would do anything for him this night and with the added bonus that he knows that the performing rights society will be popping some more moulah into his bank account in the morning to boot!
      Good on the ol' geezer. Why the bloody hell not‽

    • @honorguardsfencingclub7322
      @honorguardsfencingclub7322 2 місяці тому

      Yes, he's heard it countless times... because he wrote it...

  • @momofthemaos
    @momofthemaos 6 місяців тому +359

    When Mr. Williams becomes one with the Force, we will miss his talent, creativity and passion.

    • @rothbd
      @rothbd 5 місяців тому +22

      He can't become one with what he himself veritably created...
      John William's music *is* the Force of Star Wars.

    • @MichaelKingsfordGray
      @MichaelKingsfordGray 2 місяці тому +2

      These are not the scores you are looking for...

    • @JoshuaRWorkman
      @JoshuaRWorkman Місяць тому +1

      While true, he will leave behind what he gave us for us to remember him for the rest of our own days.

    • @porterquartion
      @porterquartion Місяць тому +1

      He already is.

  • @heatchills4093
    @heatchills4093 Рік тому +2014

    Anyone else love the fact that Williams - while he shows his age initially - immediately reverts to being the powerful maestro the instant the baton is placed in his hand?

    • @BennyLlama39
      @BennyLlama39 Рік тому +145

      Almost like Yoda taking on Dooku in Attack of the Clones. 🙂

    • @EdelUreta
      @EdelUreta Рік тому +65

      Strong is the force within John Williams

    • @jedijones
      @jedijones Рік тому +26

      @@BennyLlama39 I was just going to say that. 😂 Also, Miyagi kicking the Cobra Kai's ass in the first Karate Kid.

    • @eriklagergren7124
      @eriklagergren7124 Рік тому +18

      His deception is at maxed

    • @o_s-24
      @o_s-24 Рік тому +1

      ​@@EdelUreta exactly

  • @mackenzie1555
    @mackenzie1555 Рік тому +2903

    You can tell when he’s conducting that the years just melt away.

    • @abramquinn7726
      @abramquinn7726 Рік тому +34

      ABSOLUTELY!

    • @m.layfette6249
      @m.layfette6249 Рік тому +42

      The man is Beyond Legendary. He could conduct that piece (and countless others) in his sleep. John Williams created the theme music for generation, after generation, after generation, after generation. 🎼💜

    • @masonherriott1684
      @masonherriott1684 Рік тому +4

      Just thinking that!

    • @kentd4762
      @kentd4762 Рік тому +13

      So true. He was instantly in his element!

    • @hoosier3060
      @hoosier3060 Рік тому +25

      Music has kept his brain and his soul sharp. There’s a real spiritual force in music.

  • @embott1
    @embott1 Рік тому +246

    I mean, when a piece is recognizable within the first bar, and the entire place erupts in cheers and applause FORTY years after it was written, that’s what you call brilliant. Bravo maestro.

  • @etekambaasanansi900
    @etekambaasanansi900 Рік тому +106

    Most people might not understand what a LEGEND John Williams is. He is the epitome of music theme songs and sound for decades in Hollywood. From Star wars to Jaws, Indiana Jones, Schindlers List, Superman, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and much more. Thank you for all the memories from my childhood to adulthood. Happy 90th birthday to you sir !!!

  • @donaldcase491
    @donaldcase491 Рік тому +2112

    We saw him conduct at the Hollywood Bowl last September, 2022. He is still amazing at 90 years old. He gave us 4 encores that night.

    • @dzel70
      @dzel70 Рік тому +64

      He's 91 today 🎉

    • @YolandaAnneBrown95726
      @YolandaAnneBrown95726 Рік тому +13

      I saw him there in 2017. It was so wonderful!

    • @dmk941
      @dmk941 Рік тому +21

      Saw him two nights ago with the San Francisco Symphony and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Three encores including a gut-wrenching Schindler's List played by Mutter.

    • @deepfryerhouse6885
      @deepfryerhouse6885 Рік тому +6

      I was there!!! Great set

    • @nickl2854
      @nickl2854 Рік тому +4

      I was probably also at that show! It was wonderful!

  • @chazparker3657
    @chazparker3657 Рік тому +1985

    Without the music of John Williams, Star Wars would be just another fantasy B movie. His score elevates the story to galactic-sized entertainment. The Imperial March, Darth Vader’s Theme, brings so much joy and excitement to an audience. That we revel in the theme for the villain is testament to John Williams’ talent and genius as a composer.

    • @regroberts325
      @regroberts325 Рік тому +63

      plus the Imperial March is the ringtone i have against my wife's phone number !!!!!!

    • @donnieparris4684
      @donnieparris4684 Рік тому +83

      King of the leitmotifs. Think of Indiana Jones, what do you hear? Think of any shark, what do you hear? John Williams is one of the most important figures in Hollywood history.

    • @armadillerff
      @armadillerff Рік тому +29

      @@donnieparris4684You’re so right. Able to strike fear and ruin the tourism business at seaside towns with literally just TWO NOTES!! The story of Jaws is mediocre but the difference between the sharks on Shark Week and Jaws is the theme music. And Darth Vader would not be anywhere as near intimidating without his Imperial March.

    • @kevinlane7555
      @kevinlane7555 Рік тому +20

      Well, Star Wars is a pretty great movie and would have succeeded with a lesser score in my opinion, but it's certainly true that Mr. Williams music raised the level and has become almost universally iconic in a way that few movie scores ever have....or will

    • @chukwudiilozue9171
      @chukwudiilozue9171 Рік тому +9

      @@donnieparris4684 Hell, even NBC uses him for news and the olympics every day. His music is embedded in so much.

  • @TheTaiylorWallace
    @TheTaiylorWallace Рік тому +183

    I think he went from 90 to 50 before my eyes. So much energy and precision!

    • @katho8472
      @katho8472 10 місяців тому +16

      Indeed! And not just giving time but giving SO. MANY. CUES. I doubt any of the musicians really *need* cueing for such a piece, but thats just such a courtesy to give them so much "help".

  • @johnhoblock5872
    @johnhoblock5872 3 місяці тому +22

    For those of us who grew during Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones etc., this gentleman was our Mozart.

  • @barricade8957
    @barricade8957 Рік тому +347

    I think he's the only composer whom, during a standing & roaring ovation in his name, can silence a crowd in less than a heartbeat, with a single finger raised in the 'shhh' gesture and a solitary wave of his hand. Because they KNOW whatever happens next, they will want to hear. every. single. note.

    • @markharold2732
      @markharold2732 8 місяців тому +3

      Hello 👋

    • @Papa-fv1rn
      @Papa-fv1rn 7 місяців тому +7

      Exactly right! People respect quality.

  • @johnnytheyoungmaestro
    @johnnytheyoungmaestro Рік тому +859

    It's so extraordinary to see him conducting at 90. He just turned 91 a couple days ago, and still kicking strong. John Williams will forever go down as one of the most amazing composers whose lives we have gotten to live through ourselves. Fantastic performance, and I love the enthusiasm that he has. I loved how he greeted some of the people he knew for the longest time on that stage before he began the performance. Bravo, Maestro Williams! :)

    • @karinwetzel1773
      @karinwetzel1773 Рік тому +6

      And the musicians gave their best to him, too. Yet another inspiring collaboration!

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +1

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music

    • @dankrebs4764
      @dankrebs4764 Рік тому +7

      ​@@davidwilks4123 could you possibly sound any more snobbish?

    • @janel342
      @janel342 10 місяців тому +2

      @@davidwilks4123
      That says more about you
      than it says about them.
      Maybe a good idea to read about ‘Projection’. ?

  • @supersonyman
    @supersonyman 9 місяців тому +42

    He single handily made me fall in love with the French horn.
    Just raw, natural, talent.

    • @robertecarpenter
      @robertecarpenter 3 місяці тому +1

      Well, Yeah!!!
      Those horns at 3:35 are awesome.
      no other instrument has that thick of a tone.
      I think these are the best horns I ever heard.
      Rob

  • @jankrolak
    @jankrolak 4 місяці тому +56

    1:10 the joy in his face, when everyone starts cheering🥹😍

  • @userSchlonsch
    @userSchlonsch Рік тому +303

    There is certainly an argument to be made that John Williams is one of the most influential composers in history. He will definitely be one of the most loved and remembered.

    • @iz7828
      @iz7828 10 місяців тому +1

      For stealing others...

    • @kegginstructure
      @kegginstructure 10 місяців тому +24

      @@iz7828 - Many of the modern composers use themes inspired by classics. Danny Elfman's Batman themes (Michael Keaton version) were inspired from Strauss works. To accuse John Williams of outright stealing is unwarranted. AND in this world where everyone sues everyone else over any excuse possible, you have to know that if ANYONE had a decent case for plagiarism, they would have sued his butt off at their first opportunity. So @iz7828, I believe you are either simply incorrect or you are ignorant of the way that composers work.

    • @curious968
      @curious968 9 місяців тому +7

      I believe that movie themes are going to turn out to be what classical music of the late 20th century actually is. The official avant guard never stopped being avant.
      Actual classical audiences want to hear this, not that atonal stuff.

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 9 місяців тому +1

      @@iz7828 He can borrow all he wants. I don't give c___ . He makes others' ideas fun.

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 9 місяців тому +7

      @@curious968 Many greats, in their time, wrote operas. Would Mozart write for films today? Methinks probably.

  • @QuentinStephens
    @QuentinStephens Рік тому +577

    John Williams' music will be played for centuries. He is one of the pre-eminent composers of the 20th century.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +3

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @kallemetsahalme5701
      @kallemetsahalme5701 Рік тому +24

      yea and also bach, mozart, tsaikovski and the others spent their career making trash music for mediocre theatre plays and concerts for cattle to listen to... if you wanna think it like that.

    • @filanfyretracker
      @filanfyretracker Рік тому +13

      @@kallemetsahalme5701 This, when what we call the great classical composers today were composing they were producing an entertainment product for money.

    • @jscho8674
      @jscho8674 Рік тому +15

      ​@@davidwilks4123Did you really have to copy and paste the same comment over and over and over? You have way too much time on your hands. 😂

    • @paulmichaelfreedman8334
      @paulmichaelfreedman8334 Рік тому +8

      @@davidwilks4123 Nice and salty, I suppose your wife hasn't let you in for a while. You do realize that same guy wrote the music?

  • @Kellhound32
    @Kellhound32 10 місяців тому +228

    The man is INCOMPARABLE. A national treasure of which there will never be another.

    • @markharold2732
      @markharold2732 8 місяців тому +1

      Hello 👋

    • @mareky1234
      @mareky1234 8 місяців тому +5

      International treasure!!

    • @weaponizedglitter69
      @weaponizedglitter69 8 місяців тому +4

      International treasure

    • @poiujnbvcxdswq
      @poiujnbvcxdswq 4 місяці тому

      Not really, some of his work is quite good, a lot of it has been "borrowed" from older composers. Undoubtably someone else will pop up and continue re-hashing older music that current generations have forgotten and be hailed as a musical genius, for others work.

    • @jadav1987
      @jadav1987 Місяць тому

      Quite good? I'm sure you could do better...

  • @joeaardvark9214
    @joeaardvark9214 2 місяці тому +26

    They are playing so hard too. They're putting everything they have into this piece for him. Amazing.

  • @jasonflay8818
    @jasonflay8818 Рік тому +595

    I love how the brass was looking at the sheets as if they haven't memorized this by heart since they were 12! It is amazing watching this it had to be surreal playing this with John Williams conducting. What a Legend.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +3

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @jasonflay8818
      @jasonflay8818 Рік тому +133

      @@davidwilks4123 aren't you full of yourself. Remember, Bach, Beethoven, and Vivaldi were all considered pop music in their day.

    • @AregPone
      @AregPone Рік тому +27

      As a former brass player, I can confirm this statement as truth 101. 😆

    • @VVardaddy
      @VVardaddy Рік тому +6

      @@davidwilks4123 lol

    • @oneaburns
      @oneaburns Рік тому

      @@davidwilks4123 You’re a pompous, joy-sucking, curmudgeon who impresses no one with your obviously self-serving critiques. “Mmm, look how cultured I ammm 🧐”

  • @sleepinggorilla
    @sleepinggorilla Рік тому +26

    I overheard this conversation once. A guy bought tickets to see John Williams, but the girl did not know who he was and thought it would be boring. He ended up choosing John Williams over her.

  • @adammullarkey4996
    @adammullarkey4996 9 місяців тому +101

    Even someone who has never heard of John Williams, someone who hasn't even heard any of his music, would know how good he is just from the way he silences the crowd with a single wave of his baton. A true master.

    • @jonp2338
      @jonp2338 7 місяців тому +5

      youve def heard his music if youre over the age 1 dude

  • @joev816
    @joev816 4 місяці тому +9

    That's the baddest 90 year old we have ever seen. The force IS strong with him, he will Never be forgotten.

  • @awmperry
    @awmperry Рік тому +201

    That’s a masterclass in conducting - no histrionics, just a conductor who’s extremely comfortable doing what he does with a piece he knows inside and out.

  • @katherinewelling6026
    @katherinewelling6026 Рік тому +451

    The joy on his face! The joy I’m feeling watching this! ❤️❤️❤️

    • @AndyRoidEU
      @AndyRoidEU Рік тому +5

      03:02 and onward

    • @MC-810
      @MC-810 Рік тому +3

      I’ve seen him at Symphony Hall in Boston several times and the joy on his face every time he conducts in front of an audience is so genuine.

  • @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan
    @TonyKimtheamusementparkfan Рік тому +65

    Just seeing him conduct at 90 years old is remarkable~ You can see the joy on his face when he was conducting his own masterpiece of a soundtrack. John Williams' film scores just make an ordinary film elevated to the next level. I mean Superman, Star Wars, E.T, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Jaws, the list just goes on.

  • @hamsterdiving7593
    @hamsterdiving7593 7 місяців тому +56

    I can imagine some of those musicians in the orchestra went to see the movie the first time in the late 70s as kids -- what an honor and a thrill to be playing the music conducted by the maestro himself, decades later... ✨️✨️✨️

    • @mikethomas6187
      @mikethomas6187 5 місяців тому +3

      Beautiful thought

    • @Halinspark
      @Halinspark 3 місяці тому +1

      Hell, some of those musicians may have seen one of the movies in theaters for the first time in the late 90's. That's how I saw Return of the Jedi.

    • @tannerbogart
      @tannerbogart 3 місяці тому

      Return of the Jedi came out in 1983@@Halinspark

    • @alexmartinez5859
      @alexmartinez5859 2 місяці тому

      ⁠@@tannerbogart Well, The Phantom Menace was released in ‘99, but Lucasfilm likely asked for a theatrical rerelease before the Prequels came out, so as to get people’s minds fresh. Heck they even released a box of VHS tapes that, in my opinion, are one of the best versions of the Original Trilogy.

  • @NotSosigRamsey
    @NotSosigRamsey Рік тому +41

    1:54 you can clearly see the winds thinking... holy crap we're actually playing this with John freaking Williams

    • @maxborg1627
      @maxborg1627 Рік тому +8

      Three years ago, when he did a full concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, he initially omitted the March from the track list because it’s always the encore and he thought it would be too much for the brass section after all the previous pieces. The head of the brass section told him “No, you don’t understand: we *want* to play it!”

    • @NotSosigRamsey
      @NotSosigRamsey Рік тому

      @@maxborg1627 Yes it's amazing!
      I that recording and interview, :D

  • @marticosta
    @marticosta Рік тому +654

    The amazing thing is he's not just giving time, he's actually correcting the orchestra and taking it seriously 😳

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +10

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @stephaniegittinger7980
      @stephaniegittinger7980 Рік тому +102

      ​​snobby much? I bet you've seen this movie a dozen times

    • @jackschleich9475
      @jackschleich9475 Рік тому +83

      he composed it. He'll never forget what he wanted it to sound like.

    • @poppyland74
      @poppyland74 Рік тому +60

      @@davidwilks4123 Sure........... they all looked mightily pissed????????? LOLS!

    • @jackgray2217
      @jackgray2217 Рік тому +75

      @@davidwilks4123 Turns out plenty of professional musicians don't suck and hate fun

  • @pennybaker6454
    @pennybaker6454 2 місяці тому +5

    John Williams is, without doubt, a National Treasure. Thank you Maestro!!!!❤

  • @joycegibbs5267
    @joycegibbs5267 6 місяців тому +22

    I shouldn't say this but I dread every day thinking they'll announce this utter genius's passing. Stay with us John, one of the last truely pure human beings left in this hideous world 😥🥺

    • @markhoward408
      @markhoward408 5 місяців тому +1

      I was genuinely just thinking this. I'm 48 and Carrie Fisher's passing hit me hard, but this dude conducted the soundtrack to my entire childhood. I dread the day.

    • @red5158077
      @red5158077 3 місяці тому

      Same here. But it's not about the time we have but the time we've had together. His music will continue on no matter where he goes.

  • @petzoogreg8624
    @petzoogreg8624 Рік тому +166

    Just yesterday, Feb 9, 2023, an episode of Wagon Train from 1958 titled 'The Jenny Tannen Story' aired on our local classic TV network. It was a real honest-to-goodness jaw dropper in the closing credits to see the music for the episode was composed by - wait for it - a 26-year-old Johnny Williams!!

    • @1mctous
      @1mctous Рік тому +9

      Williams was Vic Damone's rehearsal pianist in that era.

    • @morganfisherart
      @morganfisherart Рік тому +2

      Here's a song from that show! ua-cam.com/video/-T77ZCsVfbM/v-deo.html

    • @jedijones
      @jedijones Рік тому +1

      I think TV composer credits aren't always super-accurate from that era. I remember reading there are some issues with how he's credited on Gilligan's Island. He may have composed some background music early on, that was then reworked by other composers on later episodes, but still retained the credit.

    • @jb6712
      @jb6712 Рік тому +2

      Yep, my 70 y.o. jaw just dropped that you think it's hard to believe the man could have been a composer at the young age of 26.

    • @morganfisherart
      @morganfisherart Рік тому

      @@jb6712 Right! I mean hello - how old were The Beatles?!?

  • @derjaeger3321
    @derjaeger3321 Рік тому +52

    He wrote the music of our times. Star Wars, Raiders, the Olympic Theme, and so much more, this should be known as the “Williams Era”

    • @user-uc7ec8pk9m
      @user-uc7ec8pk9m 10 місяців тому +1

      Amen to that

    • @andresa1963
      @andresa1963 10 місяців тому +3

      And the best part ... we are alive to see him conducting his own music.. .ain't that something?

    • @watevawateva7343
      @watevawateva7343 10 місяців тому +1

      Jurassic Park

  • @joshuamulligan4155
    @joshuamulligan4155 3 місяці тому +6

    John Williams is one of the top composers of ALL-TIME. His works will transcend for centuries to come!

    • @mswritr
      @mswritr 3 місяці тому +1

      The Star Wars complete trilogy soundtrack was one of the first things I ever saved money to by on CD at Best Buy! ❤❤

  • @RJSKYWALKER
    @RJSKYWALKER Рік тому +25

    What a beautiful thing it is to see the master lead the orchestra in playing his own masterpiece. What a privilege for those who were watching live.

  • @Brucefulness
    @Brucefulness Рік тому +109

    This man made all the movies we grew up with "come alive". We owe this man more than we can give him other than our respect

  • @dimitriyg4611
    @dimitriyg4611 Рік тому +83

    “No pressure” 😅
    Imagine playing a piece with the composer as your conductor, they manage to keep themselves composed so well

  • @KateRichardsonMP
    @KateRichardsonMP 4 місяці тому +15

    Perhaps the most brilliant composer of our time. I remember laying awake at night listening to the first Harry Potter score when I was 11 years old. Having no idea at the time... all the previous work he has done... which included Home Alone; the first movie I ever saw in theaters at the age of two. He's shaped who I am, really. He has shaped how we as a whole not only look at movies, but music itself!! Bravo Mr. Williams, you will always have my ears and a piece of my heart.

    • @Donaliam
      @Donaliam 4 місяці тому +1

      For me it was the E.T. soundtrack, the first movie I really remember seeing in the theater.

  • @JeremiahSkywalker
    @JeremiahSkywalker Рік тому +46

    90 years old and he's still got it.
    Thank you SO MUCH, John for all the themes you've done.

  • @andyny29
    @andyny29 Рік тому +214

    John Williams contribution to the enormous success of Star Wars is incalculable. I remember buying the original soundtrack album in ‘77 and listening to it over and over. Bless you Mr. Williams.

    • @nunyabiznez6381
      @nunyabiznez6381 Рік тому +16

      I bought two by mistake. The price tags on the wrappers got snagged and I didn't know until I got home that I had two of them even though they charged me for one. So I thought to myself "what am I going to do with TWO of them?" So I took one and put it in a box of old records from the big band era and the other I opened up and played, and played, and played. I was 17. That box ended up in my Mom's bedroom closet. When she moved it ended up in her new bedroom closet. When she died I got it back having forgotten all about it. So it went to my bedroom closet. Then two years ago I finally decided to clean my bedroom closet and there it was, unopened all these years. I'd lost it's twin having worn it out. I played it so much the stylus was poking out the other side of the grooves. By then I'd switched to CDs long ago. Then I was at the store and they had a Crowley record player so I bought it just so I could play all those old records. Hearing that Star Wars music on vinyl again after 44 years, magic.

    • @karinwetzel1773
      @karinwetzel1773 Рік тому +1

      My parents were certainly tired of hearing it. I was not. Yep, the vinyl version! Went with me to university and beyond!

    • @mountainmantesla4395
      @mountainmantesla4395 Рік тому +1

      It was the first album I ever owned. Before home video, we listened to this over and over and our imaginations soared.

    • @catherinesanchez1185
      @catherinesanchez1185 Рік тому +1

      @@nunyabiznez6381 you posted this a couple months ago, but still a great story!! I had this on 8TRACK!! LOL! The music was a huge part of the sucess of these movies. I don't think they would have lasted this long without the music.

    • @nunyabiznez6381
      @nunyabiznez6381 Рік тому

      @@catherinesanchez1185 I totally agree. I think 8 track was at the peak of it's popularity when Star Wars first came out and I remember seeing the 8 track for this for sale in a department store circa late 1970's. I never had 8 track. I skipped over it going directly from record albums and 45's to digital. You could still buy vinyls when they first came out with CD's.

  • @Gatotsu2009
    @Gatotsu2009 Рік тому +22

    What I love most about this video is how ALL the musicians eyes lit up when they realize John Williams is going to baton them, just amazing.

  • @user-gi8pk9uc7q
    @user-gi8pk9uc7q 6 місяців тому +19

    One of the greatest movie score composers of all time!

  • @JonathanLundkvist
    @JonathanLundkvist Рік тому +37

    I love how John Williams command such respect that any audience will quiet down in a second.

    • @featherineaugustusaurora3416
      @featherineaugustusaurora3416 Рік тому +3

      I mean,Every audience do that when conductor come to the stage,they clap when conductor come then in sudden quiet down when the pieces Will start and conductor taking the gesture

  • @teslasmercury2782
    @teslasmercury2782 Рік тому +13

    The cinema would not be the same without John Williams, God bless you for many more years,

  • @GrandManor
    @GrandManor 7 місяців тому +5

    Imagine scoring Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but you don’t win the Academy Award because you also scored Star Wars that year.

  • @DerekWilliamsMusic
    @DerekWilliamsMusic 9 місяців тому +15

    Brilliant, iconic piece, brilliantly played. So nice that Denève handed Williams the baton for this, and to see the photographic accuracy of Williams' recall. How wonderful it must have been for him to be free to compose classical music for movies, so memorable that in his lifetime they remain staples of the concert repertoire decades after their debut in cinemas.

  • @anakina1
    @anakina1 Рік тому +116

    His compositions are a soundtrack for so many lives. The Imperial March is a phenomenal piece of music.

  • @ladykenobi7314
    @ladykenobi7314 Рік тому +71

    The force is strong with this one. Happy birthday John Williams. This will be a day long remembered.

  • @critique7767
    @critique7767 23 дні тому +2

    The force is strong with John Williams

  • @jacobdehaan4114
    @jacobdehaan4114 2 місяці тому +3

    I hope the musicians are deeply honored to have been in an orchestra conducted by John Williams

  • @kongmw
    @kongmw Рік тому +74

    Watching the legend conducting his own masterpiece just hits different ❤

    • @nunyabiznez6381
      @nunyabiznez6381 Рік тому +4

      This must be what it's like to hear Beethoven conduct the 5th symphony.

  • @evancortez2
    @evancortez2 Рік тому +79

    from Lost in Space to the Time Tunnel to the Land of the Giants to Star Wars to Superman to Indiana Jones to Saving Private Ryan - I've been listening and been enthralled by John Williams' masterpieces since I was a little boy!

    • @rheailiarome2287
      @rheailiarome2287 Рік тому +6

      You forgot he wrote the music for Jaws....

    • @evancortez2
      @evancortez2 Рік тому +2

      @@rheailiarome2287 how could I forget??

    • @margaretanncarno4014
      @margaretanncarno4014 Рік тому +7

      And Schindler’s list.

    • @jamesgravil9162
      @jamesgravil9162 Рік тому +7

      Don't forget Jurassic Park, Home Alone and Hook. Some of the best movies of the 90s. I think John Williams might have composed the score for Goonies as well.

    • @wyldegi
      @wyldegi Рік тому +2

      Harry Potter too!

  • @tofton1977
    @tofton1977 Місяць тому +2

    Look at his face, he live his best life and had a blast!

  • @comdutch
    @comdutch 2 місяці тому +1

    Just as we now listen to classical music composed hundreds of years ago, hundreds of years from now people will still be listening to the music of John Williams...

  • @clrobertson13
    @clrobertson13 Рік тому +47

    As I’ve said before, “John Williams, the composer of the soundtrack of my life.”

    • @tankythemagnorite9855
      @tankythemagnorite9855 Рік тому

      If your soundtrack is The Imperial March, something sinister us going on...

    • @feefeesmomma
      @feefeesmomma Рік тому

      @@tankythemagnorite9855 You do know he composed more than just this piece right? What he means is that JW has composed just about every major movie that has happened in our lifetime.

    • @tankythemagnorite9855
      @tankythemagnorite9855 Рік тому

      @@feefeesmomma yes I do, but this being the Imperial March, I assumed he was talking about that being the soundtrack to his life.

    • @PrincessJamiG
      @PrincessJamiG Рік тому

      Absolutely true.

    • @molson87
      @molson87 Рік тому +1

      Dang, your life is way more exciting than mine! When you travel, do maps with red lines from your origin to destination appear in front of you?

  • @dirtyMopar
    @dirtyMopar Рік тому +99

    I had the honor of meeting him one day while working in Symphony Hall in Boston. Walked in a room and was talking with others when this man with his back me turns around and made a comment about what we were talking about. Took a few seconds to realize who he was. Saw him several times after that but the first time was the best and the whole conversation sticks in my mind despite being decades ago. Good to see him just as spry as he was back then.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +1

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @sr7129
      @sr7129 Рік тому +13

      @@davidwilks4123 Bro stop bein toxic on John Williams.

    • @carlward
      @carlward Рік тому

      ​@@davidwilks4123👈 Sexual Intellectual

    • @stephanelecreux6840
      @stephanelecreux6840 Рік тому +3

      @@davidwilks4123 Get a life.

    • @Judi7Caroler
      @Judi7Caroler Рік тому +1

      Those were the great ole Boston Symphony years, weren't they? (So. Brookline, Mass gal hailing now in So. California.)

  • @petevredenburg4870
    @petevredenburg4870 9 місяців тому +12

    Thank you, John Williams for giving us decades of inspiration! Your musical storytelling gift is one of Earth's special treasures...

  • @mikejohnson6022
    @mikejohnson6022 Місяць тому +2

    He’s clearly using the force flawlessly and his saber is legend…

  • @catladygoddess
    @catladygoddess Рік тому +160

    This just gave me goosebumps and some tears. I was the French horn player in the school band and I loved Star Wars and John Williams for the fantastic music I got to play!!

    • @marychocolatefairy
      @marychocolatefairy Рік тому +5

      I was in school band as well (clarinet) and it was a great treat to us when we were given a medley of John Williams songs to learn for the school concert. I remember it included the NBC Nightly News theme, the Imperial March, and the main themes from Jaws and ET.

    • @kellylaliberte548
      @kellylaliberte548 Рік тому +2

      One of my favorite songs to play during my school band days was the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme. So much fun!

    • @jscho8674
      @jscho8674 Рік тому +2

      My son is a French horn player, and the first thing he taught himself was the Imperial March, back in the day. I love John Williams!!

    • @ig88killer
      @ig88killer Рік тому +2

      As a French Horn player in grade school and college, can confirm the exact same feelings. His brilliant use of the brass instruments (particularly French Horn and Tuba) in a primarily string ensemble show his true genius over the years.

  • @kali3665
    @kali3665 Рік тому +140

    One of the greatest bravura composers ever. From Lost in Space to this, an incredible career.

    • @TB1M1
      @TB1M1 Рік тому +14

      The genius of JW is in his quieter less bravura scores, Accidental tourist, AI, Munich, seven year in tibet, always, Nixon

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +2

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @RAWestover
      @RAWestover Рік тому

      ​@@davidwilks4123 You talk like somebody who's never touched an instrument in your life. In fact, I'm about 99% sure that you haven't devoted a serious amount of time to an instrument, given that you conflate "instrumental from some nondescript number of years in the past" with "classical." A John Williams piece plays very similar to a Gustav Holst piece - not surprising given that Holst was an inspiration for the Star Wars soundtrack. If you had ever put in the work to learn an instrument, learn a piece, and play with a group, you'd find pieces by talented modern composers no less intricate or satisfying to play than a piece 100 or 200 years old.

    • @jedijones
      @jedijones Рік тому +5

      @@davidwilks4123 Snob alert!

  • @CatLadyDee
    @CatLadyDee 8 місяців тому +6

    He is a legend and a personal hero. This wonderful man is a french hornists best friend. ( Yeah. I'm a french horn player ). I love his music and his humility. Much love, Mr Williams!

  • @buckeyenation1681
    @buckeyenation1681 Рік тому +36

    That song gets better and better everytime you listen to it

    • @dwightsmith2918
      @dwightsmith2918 Рік тому +4

      This word gets thrown around too much, but it is iconic.

  • @LouMires
    @LouMires Рік тому +80

    There will never be another like John Williams. He created more than music for fantastical worlds. He added magic and sustained youth.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +1

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @filmkid8221
      @filmkid8221 Рік тому +5

      @@davidwilks4123 why do you hate fun? Why do you think that because something is popular, than professionals of that area hate it?

    • @BeachBear64
      @BeachBear64 Рік тому +1

      Why did you say it like he’s dead?

    • @LadyPii
      @LadyPii Рік тому +4

      ​@@davidwilks4123 my sister is a classical musician, who enjoys playing all genres 😄 did you know that many classical composers were the pop stars of their era, like the Strauss family?

    • @B-A-L
      @B-A-L Рік тому +3

      ​@@LadyPii Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the Frank Zappa of his day!

  • @NicDunn
    @NicDunn 3 місяці тому +2

    John Williams is one of the most important creative minds of the last 100 years, maybe more. I pray to write music a fraction as brilliant

  • @garypayne2157
    @garypayne2157 Рік тому +29

    Wow, and Williams has created the original music for the next installment of Indiana Jones coming in May. He is incredible!

    • @moddedinkling4168
      @moddedinkling4168 Рік тому +6

      He stated that this might be his final soundtrack before he retires.

    • @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606
      @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 Рік тому +2

      It will be the only good thing about that movie which is unfortunate

    • @moddedinkling4168
      @moddedinkling4168 Рік тому +2

      @@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 Movie isn't even out and you're already judging it? Remember, Spielberg and Lucas are still officially working on the film.

    • @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606
      @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 Рік тому +1

      @@moddedinkling4168 Harrison Ford isn’t what he was 40 years ago, he seemed to struggle in the Crystal Skull movie, and that particular film wasn’t very good, if this upcoming movie is a repeat of that then it won’t be a good film, and if they are going to replace Harrison then it’s not a Indiana Jones film. Just my take on it, I’d like for them to reboot the series but don’t want them riding the coat tails

    • @kallemetsahalme5701
      @kallemetsahalme5701 Рік тому

      there have been plenty of stories with old batman, old welles, old connery etc. that have been great. if they just have the sense to present indy more as a wise instructor as he was in the school since movie 1 they have potential. it can still be an indy movie even if someone else does most of the jumping and running. that said i dont have too much faith in the studio seeing what kind of trash the recent terminators, jurassic parks etc have been

  • @ghostnappa2012
    @ghostnappa2012 Рік тому +107

    This song never fails to give me chills, and having Lord John Williams conducting it at 90 makes it even more awe inspiring and chilling for the best reasons

    • @HooDatDonDar
      @HooDatDonDar Рік тому +2

      He has an honorary KBE. No title with that. A real one would let him be ‘Sir John’.
      ‘Lord John Williams’ would only apply to the younger son of a Duke.

    • @coasterb1
      @coasterb1 Рік тому

      @@HooDatDonDar Lord has more uses than the British title. Check the dictionary. "someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler" (Oxford) I'd say John Williams is an authority figure and master in film scoring and directing.

  • @Martin-jk2ng
    @Martin-jk2ng 28 днів тому

    I had the pleasure of watching this man conduct twice in my life. The most iconic composer of the twentieth century.

  • @lindablue7494
    @lindablue7494 9 місяців тому +15

    The way that he conducts things is truly an art and utter genius. Watching him had me on the end of my seat and took my breath away, It made remember scenes from the movies and you could hear every terrifying note, for the bad guys. Simply Brilliant. He is a modern day Mozart, with vision and he simply creates magic for the big screen. When you love what you do its not work. Thank You Mr. Williams for the memories in sound and film.

  • @pabobfin
    @pabobfin Рік тому +39

    What a thrill it must be for the orchestra to be conducted by the author of our lives soundtrack.... Happy B'day John.

  • @strawberrana
    @strawberrana Рік тому +11

    I love how happy he is too, he's genuinely just having fun conducting his music

  • @Katalex29
    @Katalex29 5 місяців тому +5

    SO blessed to have born in the time when I can still remember this incredible composition played on the big screen for the very first time. To this day, I still get chills when I hear it. Incredible!!!

  • @DonyoSanghelei30
    @DonyoSanghelei30 9 місяців тому +1

    I don’t care who you are, to be a musician and play the Imperial March for John Williams, is an honor and achievement in Life. That is a flex!

  • @krzy6886
    @krzy6886 Рік тому +5

    I have a grandfather who is 90 who can barely move without a walker, how does Williams have such vigor? Amazing.

  • @brassinpocket7975
    @brassinpocket7975 Рік тому +39

    You can't help but smile watching a man so purely in his element. Bravo!

  • @guyfromkcmo
    @guyfromkcmo 4 місяці тому +3

    Actual legend. His music is a part of the identity of things that are virtually part of society itself. I mean, can you imagine Star Wars without this song? I cannot. Glad to see him treated with the reverence and he deserves!

  • @ryanhitchcock6738
    @ryanhitchcock6738 Місяць тому +1

    The word legend is thrown about to often. This man is a living legend

  • @blackfalcon1324
    @blackfalcon1324 Рік тому +5

    he looks great for 90.

  • @jacobvie
    @jacobvie Рік тому +360

    We will have to wait centuries to get a composer like him again. For me he is in a row with Beethoven, Bruckner and Sibelius.

  • @tomtalker2000
    @tomtalker2000 28 днів тому +1

    I love John and feel VERY honored to have seen him perform. I've also sung with the BSO as my chamber choir did a collaboration with them. Being a resident of Cape Cod, MA and also lived in the Berkshires prior. He was quite the treasure to have here in MA.

  • @24maperti
    @24maperti 9 місяців тому +1

    I see him and cry... No matter how much longer he is going to live, he is already immortal. ❤

  • @johnchessant3012
    @johnchessant3012 Рік тому +41

    He's a national treasure. Also, I love the part with the suspensions (2:34-2:51), it's a shame the countermelody isn't better known

    • @wanyeng
      @wanyeng Рік тому +1

      I was taken in by this part too. My imagination ran wild, as the storm troopers running wild, some fairy elves scurrying and sprinkling golden dusts. (duuni why I thought of tinker Bell at this part of countermelody)

    • @lebasusej
      @lebasusej Рік тому +1

      No. He's a World Treasure.

  • @TheTiedyedgal
    @TheTiedyedgal Рік тому +4

    How cool is that? To have the man himself conduct!

  • @abbygailechien6466
    @abbygailechien6466 28 днів тому

    His age just simply melts away the moment he held the baton... beyond amazing!

  • @mccpz
    @mccpz 4 місяці тому +2

    He truly is a legend in his own time, and he will be immortalized through his music. And, unlike us, it will never grow old.

  • @WickstarRunner
    @WickstarRunner Рік тому +6

    Top 5 American composer of all time and easily the greatest of the last 75 years.

  • @gabrielasaldivia7923
    @gabrielasaldivia7923 Рік тому +4

    Seeing him conduct the Orchestra is like watching a kid on Christmas Morning!!!

  • @flyingtigers3747
    @flyingtigers3747 3 місяці тому +1

    John Williams is a conductor/composer on a level with Ennio Morricone. *BOTH GIANTS.*

  • @Jimyrt.
    @Jimyrt. 3 місяці тому +1

    John Williams made so many classic franchises what they are today and for that I must thank him.

  • @gregoryboverson4292
    @gregoryboverson4292 Рік тому +6

    The man that brings films to life through wonderful music. Dear God! Let us as film fans keep John Williams. His films scores are magic! Love him! Long live John Williams!
    ❤🎵🎬❤

  • @kkampy4052
    @kkampy4052 Рік тому +41

    The Imperial March is one of the GREAT pieces of music written for a movie. One of the few movie soundtracks I bought, on vinyl to boot.

    • @davidwilks4123
      @davidwilks4123 Рік тому +1

      I bet those people playing hated having to sully their hands with pop faux classical music. They are professional musicians who studied for decades to learn to play. They play better real classical music than the pop drivel that he churns out. The conductor is a figure head, they don't need him at all.

    • @Atomicunderware
      @Atomicunderware Рік тому

      @@davidwilks4123 Copy paste copy paste copy paste. Get a life man.

  • @CharlesHepburn2
    @CharlesHepburn2 Місяць тому

    This man is a legend in every aspect of the word. His body of work is beyond reproach. His art/music is a cornerstone in Hollywood soundtracks. Tip of the hat, sir!

  • @robear2024
    @robear2024 9 місяців тому +1

    That was respect for the man.. the minute he asked the crowd to settle down n silent..
    #ThankYouJohnWilliams

  • @a.f.warrick0404
    @a.f.warrick0404 Рік тому +14

    A living legend! What an honor it must have been to be part of that orchestra!

  • @tomchidwick
    @tomchidwick Рік тому +6

    I'll have what he's having!! Thanks for all of the wonderful music and memories, Mr. Williams. You are a true treasure.

  • @glennkoons1560
    @glennkoons1560 6 місяців тому +2

    This is just wonderful and tho I am 84, John could beat me into dust.