Two thoughts, close to Christmas.

ChrisBlair · 12-22-2016, 01:11 PM

Thought one: I am currently on vacation (read: catch up on crap I need to do week) and listening to the soundtrack from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes back as I stare at the pile of Christmas gifts I must wrap.

I will always associate this masterpiece of of signature aural artwork with Christmas. I enjoy many soundtracks and film scores. For instance I am a huge Morricone fan. But John Williams...one of the greatest composers in the history of the world. Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff...they have nothing on Williams in my opinion. It is a soaring, gossamer, understated and bold work all at once. I was born in '71 and I had the great fortune to have experienced the original Star Wars films from the age of six. I can still recall seeing Star Wars for the first time, at a drive in, opening week. I actually live close to that former Drive in, and the screen I saw it on still stands. The experience has been branded into my brain and as an adult, I recognize that it is because of the delicate and insistent score. Delightful. Memories of an AT-AT under the Christmas tree or a hard to find action figure my Father scoured the stores for almost transport me to that time.

Thought two: Dark and stormy? Step outside the standard Gosling's arena for this drink. Try Sailor Jerry spiced rum and Saranac Ginger beer. Good gravy, 'tis sublime.

PS.

Yes. I am drunk. Go me.

Donald · 12-22-2016, 05:54 PM

George Ocean spiced rum and Canada Dry ginger ale is a favorite of mine. Enjoy!

fighting irish · 12-23-2016, 01:19 AM

My thoughts on Williams as a composer: I have seen him conduct several of his great works at Tanglewood during "Film Night". He truly has a gift for making memorable themes, and then playing off that theme for the entire work (Leitmotif). It just so happens that the medium (Film) for which he has composed his works wasn't around during many of the great previous composers. To me, it is difficult to draw comparisons to the great composers for this reason, but I really do feel that he will be remembered as one of he greatest composers in history.

Just as an example, here is a brief list of his well known film works/themes:
-Indiana Jones
-Star Wars
-Jaws
-Close Encounters of the Third Kind
-Superman
-ET The Extraterrestrial
-Home Alone
-Schindler's List
-Saving Private Ryan
-Harry Potter

Part of his success has also been dependent on working with great directors such as Steven Spielberg. Regardless, his music can stand by itself. If you have the chance to go to Film Night at Tanglewood, I highly suggest it. Williams is turning 85 in a few months, so take advantage of it while you can.

12-22-2016, 01:11 PM	#1
ChrisBlair Buick 455 Fan Drives: 1970 Buick, 2012 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston MA Posts: 5,957	Two thoughts, close to Christmas. Thought one: I am currently on vacation (read: catch up on crap I need to do week) and listening to the soundtrack from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes back as I stare at the pile of Christmas gifts I must wrap. I will always associate this masterpiece of of signature aural artwork with Christmas. I enjoy many soundtracks and film scores. For instance I am a huge Morricone fan. But John Williams...one of the greatest composers in the history of the world. Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff...they have nothing on Williams in my opinion. It is a soaring, gossamer, understated and bold work all at once. I was born in '71 and I had the great fortune to have experienced the original Star Wars films from the age of six. I can still recall seeing Star Wars for the first time, at a drive in, opening week. I actually live close to that former Drive in, and the screen I saw it on still stands. The experience has been branded into my brain and as an adult, I recognize that it is because of the delicate and insistent score. Delightful. Memories of an AT-AT under the Christmas tree or a hard to find action figure my Father scoured the stores for almost transport me to that time. Thought two: Dark and stormy? Step outside the standard Gosling's arena for this drink. Try Sailor Jerry spiced rum and Saranac Ginger beer. Good gravy, 'tis sublime. PS. Yes. I am drunk. Go me. __________________

12-22-2016, 05:54 PM	#2
Donald Drives: Just a dream... Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Lewisville TX Posts: 140	George Ocean spiced rum and Canada Dry ginger ale is a favorite of mine. Enjoy!

12-23-2016, 01:19 AM	#3
fighting irish The Doctor is in Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Nightfall MRC NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NY Posts: 231 View My Garage	My thoughts on Williams as a composer: I have seen him conduct several of his great works at Tanglewood during "Film Night". He truly has a gift for making memorable themes, and then playing off that theme for the entire work (Leitmotif). It just so happens that the medium (Film) for which he has composed his works wasn't around during many of the great previous composers. To me, it is difficult to draw comparisons to the great composers for this reason, but I really do feel that he will be remembered as one of he greatest composers in history. Just as an example, here is a brief list of his well known film works/themes: -Indiana Jones -Star Wars -Jaws -Close Encounters of the Third Kind -Superman -ET The Extraterrestrial -Home Alone -Schindler's List -Saving Private Ryan -Harry Potter Part of his success has also been dependent on working with great directors such as Steven Spielberg. Regardless, his music can stand by itself. If you have the chance to go to Film Night at Tanglewood, I highly suggest it. Williams is turning 85 in a few months, so take advantage of it while you can.