Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2, Mutter (CD)

“It’s a hugely expressive, deeply atmospheric four-movement work and, like all his concertos, quite far removed from the thematic narrative music we’re all so familiar with. That’s not to say Williams doesn’t paint a vivid picture, and there’s plenty of orchestral drama.” — BBC Music Magazine 

Written for and recorded by the venerated composer’s friend and frequent collaborator, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Deutsche Grammophon presents the premiere recording of Williams’ Violin Concerto No. 2 along with three film themes newly arranged by the composer. The pair has worked together for the better part of a decade, collaborating on two previous DG releases — Across the Stars (2019) and John Williams in Vienna (2020). This new concerto reflects his deep admiration for the lyrical warmth and dynamism of Mutter’s playing and for her sense of musical adventure. 

Williams Violin Concerto No. 2 
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin 
John Williams conductor 
Boston Symphony Orchestra 
October 2021, Symphony Hall, Boston 

Williams Theme from The Long Goodbye 
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin 
John Williams conductor 
Boston Symphony Orchestra 
October 2021, Symphony Hall, Boston 

Williams Han Solo and the Princess from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back 
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin 
John Williams conductor 
Boston Symphony Orchestra 
October 2021, Symphony Hall, Boston 

Williams Marion’s Theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark 
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin 
John Williams conductor 
Boston Symphony Orchestra 
October 2021, Symphony Hall, Boston 

Discs: 1 
Record Label: Deutsche Grammophon 
Release Date: June 3, 2022