The Music of America: John Williams (3-CD)

More than any other composer, John Williams permeates contemporary American culture. His music has met success in every arena — on the concert stage, at ceremonial events, in Hollywood films and on television. In all his works, Williams displays an unparalleled gift for brilliantly capturing character, whether of a solo musician, a fictional person on screen or even an entire nation. Over 3 discs hear the majestic and recognizable tunes of the acclaimed composer, including some of his biggest film scores and delightful chamber works.

Williams Air and Simple Gifts
Anthony McGill clarinet
Gabriela Montero piano
Yo-Yo Ma cello
January 2009, The Studios of “The President’s Own,” Washington, DC

Williams American Journey
John Williams conductor
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles
December 1999, Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City

Williams Suite from Memoirs of a Geisha for Cello and Orchestra
John Williams conductor
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
August 2008, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Williams Song for World Peace
John Williams conductor
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles
June 2000, Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City

Williams Summon the Heroes (for Tim Morrison)
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
January 1996, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Hymn to New England
John Williams conductor
Utah Symphony Orchestra
November 2001, Maurice Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City

Williams The Five Sacred Trees (Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra)
John Williams conductor
Judith LeClair bassoon
London Symphony Orchestra
June 1996, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Williams Sound the Bells!
John Williams conductor
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles
June 2000, Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City

Williams Elegy for Cello and Orchestra
John Williams conductor
Yo-Yo Ma cello
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles
April 2001, Sony Scoring Stage, Los Angeles

Williams The Mission Theme (Theme for NBC Nightly News)
John Williams conductor
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles
June 2000, Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City

Williams March from 1941
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
March 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams The Olympic Spirit
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
January 1996, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Star Wars, Main Title
John Williams conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
July 1996, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Williams Jaws, Theme
John Williams conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
July 1996, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Williams Sugarland Express, Theme
John Williams conductor
Toots Thielemans harmonica
Boston Pops Orchestra
May 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Flying Theme
John Williams conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
July 1996, No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Williams Born on the Fourth of July, Suite
John Williams conductor
Tim Morrison trumpet
Boston Pops Orchestra
November 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Schindler’s List, Theme
John Williams conductor
Itzhak Perlman violin
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
December 1996, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh

Williams Jurassic Park, Theme
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
May 1995, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Empire of the Sun, “Cadillac of the Skies”
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
American Boychoir
James H. Litton director
Tanglewood Festival Chorus
John Oliver director
May 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Raiders of the Lost Ark, “Raiders March”
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
May 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Excerpts
John Williams conductor
Boston Pops Orchestra
May 1990, Symphony Hall, Boston

Williams Star Wars, “Throne Room” and Finale
John Williams conductor
Skywalker Symphony Orchestra
March 1990, Skywalker Ranch, Marin County

Discs: 3
Record Label: Sony
Release Date: June 8, 2010