John Williams: ‘I’d love to compose a Bond score’ | Exclusive 90th birthday interview
Ойын-сауық
Legendary film composer John Williams joins Andrew Collins, host of Classic FM’s Saturday Night at the Movies, in an exclusive interview recorded at Hollywood's iconic Amblin Studios.
Why was his score to Jaws met by the ultimate criticism, ‘You can’t be serious?’ from Spielberg? How the Star Wars theme was made possible by a one-take wonder trumpeter? And what’s still to come for the composer, including writing to the wire for the latest instalment of Indiana Jones and whether he’d ever score a Bond film?
John Williams at 90 | A Classic FM Exclusive. With thanks to Deutsche Grammophon, Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic.
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Пікірлер: 636
Why has nobody done a video / film documentary on him while we still have him? A proper documentary just focused on him and his work.
@matthewfisher4677
Жыл бұрын
Yes! I was just thinking the same thing!
@nevertheless123
Жыл бұрын
there is a BBC documentary from 30 years ago. This guy is a relic of hte past present and future. But I agree wouldnt hurt to have another docu.
@Wills-Corner
Жыл бұрын
RIGHT?! He deserves it!
@swimboyfree
Жыл бұрын
YES
@BryanRiel
Жыл бұрын
Whoever made HBO's Spielberg doc should do it!
"Is my job the hardest job in the world? ... I've never laid bricks ..." These are the words of a man who is great because he sees himself as one human in a vast collection of humans doing their part, neither one more special than the other, and he appreciates the work even in a brick layer. To be that humble after having accomplished that much means he has zero ego. His music speaks for itself. Thank you John for entertaining our ears and breathing life into movies.
@Joemma-cq4jk
Жыл бұрын
AMEN !!!
@esra_erimez
Жыл бұрын
*This*
@SolarMumuns
Жыл бұрын
What a lovely and true comment. Well said. May the universe bless JW
@ender7278
Жыл бұрын
I think to be composing for an orchestra one would have to see themself as one human in a vast collection of humans doing their part. Every member of the orchestra has their part.
@lukeshioshio
Жыл бұрын
Bro what? His job is obviously not the hardest job in the world. Is that all it takes to impress you??
If the man wants a Bond score, give him a bond score. I love John Williams and all his work. He is truly the best. And such a wonderful man
@dreamarcher4018
Жыл бұрын
It would have to include the main theme as all the other scores before have. I don’t know whether I’d like his signature sound on it though. He is more worthy of action films just like Danny Elfman is known for horror, fantasy and stories by Tim Burton.
@Shadowman820
Жыл бұрын
I'm sure he would do great but I fear I won't happen anymore now .
@davidleavitt835
Жыл бұрын
Amen. I am not a big Bond fan, but would love Williams' take on Bond.
@Swarm509
Жыл бұрын
@@dreamarcher4018 At times having constraints on a project can be rewarding as one works around them. I'm sure he understands he will need to incorporate the Bond Theme, and possibly past ones, but there is still a wide canvas to work on with the rest of the movie... especially with a new Bond in the next movie.
@TANKTREAD
Жыл бұрын
That would be very interesting.
"Is my job the hardest in the world? I don't know, I've never laid bricks" Man, not only he's a great musician, he's a wonderful person.
Wow he doesn't even look 90, I thought he was in his early 70s. Absolutely insane, he's also as sharp as a knife. I hope to be this put together at his age. Love you Mr. Williams, you're a legend!
@gunnarkilborn3915
Жыл бұрын
Exactly! He looks like he will reach 100 and I hope he does, at 2:47 he said "Film composing is only 80 years old or 90 years old" so he's basically saying that he's older than the idea of his own job.
@henriktveit3069
Жыл бұрын
Music makes him alive
@masonrenne7190
Жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more
@hoosier3060
Жыл бұрын
Music has a special life force that helps maintain our molecular structure. I bet it’s helped his brain stay incredibly sharp.
@kthx1138
Жыл бұрын
Music, that which stimulates his imagination, enriches his passion and brings him so much joy, keeps him young!
Humble man for being one of the most important people in film history. At 90 still incredibly articulate. Amazing person.
@LyleFrancisDelp
Жыл бұрын
As a retired Marine Band arranger, I've met him, and yes...he a most gracious gentleman. May he live forever.
@tulinfirenze1990
Жыл бұрын
And he's always been this way and never changed. There are no words for how I feel about this man and what he has given to my life.
@tulinfirenze1990
Жыл бұрын
@@LyleFrancisDelp Hear, hear!
@mattkirkhamm
Жыл бұрын
@@tulinfirenze1990 if there were more people like John Williams the world would be a more beautiful place
His contributions to cinema and pop culture is immeasurable.
Williams shrugs off vanity like no one else. Every interviewer praises him like a godly man, for obvious reasons, and he'll refuse the compliments no matter how kind. He ought to be the definition of integrity.
@JoelEverettComposer
Жыл бұрын
Amen, not only is he extremely beyond talented; his humbleness and genuine warmth is such an example for all professions and just being a decent human being in general.
@rickdeckardbladerunner2049
Жыл бұрын
A high mark we should all shoot for indeed.
I purchased tickets to see him conduct this year. I'm so excited. The legend who wrote music for Star Wars, Jaws, Harry Potter, and so much more.
@yapyap66
15 күн бұрын
Not forgetting Lost in Space in the 1960s What a incredibly awesome menacing piece of music
This man enriched my childhood ...he must live forever.
@Winduct
Жыл бұрын
His music will for him.
@albertpeterson5585
Жыл бұрын
...he will, through all the music he's composed and conducted.
@kevinprzy4539
Жыл бұрын
he will live forever through his music look at bach, mozart and beethoven
@Peterx648
Ай бұрын
@@kevinprzy4539 But who will replace him as a person? Nobody does such a great and honest music like him.
I can't wrap my head around how humble he is. I'd be a raving ego maniac if I'd written just one of his memorable themes, let alone a life time of incredible music.
John Williams is one of those few people in the movie industry that I wish would live forever. I cannot think of a world where I cannot hear another brand new great musical score made by him. He always delivers!
Not just one of the best film composers, One of the best composers in the last 100 years for me. If he wants to write a Bond score, let him write a Bond score!
It might sound selfish, but he brings so much joy with his music, you want him to live forever.
@madworker1927
Жыл бұрын
How does that sound selfish? Please explain!
@esra_erimez
Жыл бұрын
Agreed
@tbass94
Жыл бұрын
@@madworker1927because living forever would be torture
@MrZAP17
Жыл бұрын
@@tbass94 That's certainly one perspective. If you continue to be happy there's no reason to not want to continue living. I hope John is happy doing whatever he does and I hope he keeps living.
@kathleen7849
Жыл бұрын
@@madworker1927 Because I'm sure he may want to go rest one day :)
He deserves a place right amidst the greats, and I'm talking about the greatest composers of all time period, not just movie soundtracks.
I love this man. We are all very lucky to have heard his compositions. ICONIC films. Does not look nor sound his age.
The fact that this guy is 90, still writing, still conducting and explaining music to us is incredible. May he continue to work for many more years because he is awesome
Lovely man, genius composer, icon of music, and an aspiration to us all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, John Williams.
Greatest film score composer to have lived. Bernard Herrmann, Henry Mancini, James Horner, Hans Zimmer all greats. All superb. John Williams is a genius though and he's the best of the best.
@MrRbjunior83
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely agree ❤
@MaestroStefanoPetrini
Жыл бұрын
@diogof1978
Жыл бұрын
Don't forget Jerry Goldsmith!
@JordanWeberMusic
Жыл бұрын
And to think, he has said that he prefers to write more jazzy styles like Tin-Tin’s score, coming from his piano days and time with the Boston Pops. For it not to be his main area of writing boggles my mind even more!
@albdeno
Жыл бұрын
Don't forget Ennio Morricone he is to big to be left out, and agree John Williams is one of the best.
Please do a live documentary while John is still alive - like this year - like NOW! This man is too important to miss out of hearing all his brilliant dialogue!
"I've never laid bricks" Very humble man, lots of respect
John Williams shows that if you are really gifted you don’t need to shout about it. He is undoubtedly a genius but also has genuine humility.
@twoot63
5 күн бұрын
Yes he does and he is not looking or coming off as 90! He is in his full strength and STILL working and sounding wonderful! What an example of a blessed life!
2:48 "film composing is only 90 years old, it's very young" -John Williams, 90
We would love you to compose a Bond score too!
@GratDuForloradeArgumentet
Жыл бұрын
Not with what Bond has turned into. All films after Casino Royal have been a complete catastrophe.
@madworker1927
Жыл бұрын
@John Williams yo fake john williams are you Johns grandson or something?
@AlbertKimMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@GratDuForloradeArgumentet Yup, hate it. We need a new Spy protagonist completely, with an ost in the style of Metal gear solid 3's: Snake Eater
@Scalaflow
4 ай бұрын
The question whether he’d ever score a Bond film was not even asked in this video
Also amazing is that at 90, with 3/4 of a century of writing music, he is _still_ not a has-been. He's still very much in the trenches, fighting and producing wonderful new scores.
@Jwellsuhhuh
Жыл бұрын
trenches?
@rajatgupta9043
Жыл бұрын
@@Jwellsuhhuh sort of a long hollow cut/hole in the ground made during the war where soldiers hide as they prepare far a charge.
@rajatgupta9043
Жыл бұрын
He has just been nominated for an oscar this year only.
@axelvetter
Жыл бұрын
John Williams conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker in 2021. Released in 2022 "The Berlin Concert" went to the top of the German album charts. This recording also bagged the title of the best selling classical music album of 2022 here. At no. 5 was "John Williams in Vienna", at no. 19 "Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes" 👏
John's one of the most important creators in film history. His work is etched into all of our minds. Consciously and even subconsciously. Brilliant talent.
@esra_erimez
Жыл бұрын
John's one of the most important creators in music history
Here's the best way I can describe the impact of Williams' music: his themes were the soundtrack to my childhood. When I had my own children thirty years later, his themes were also the soundtrack of their childhood, including many of the same themes.
You can just tell how emotional the orchestra gets when playing his music. John Williams is a legend.
He and Spielberg had wanted to make a 007 movie for decades. It would've been interesting, I'm sure. Williams' approach to the music would be undoubtedly great.
Currently watching while I wait to get in the front of the queue of a John Williams concert wish me luck everyone
90 years old and still working the magic , i salute you sir john .
oh, he's such a sweet, old master of his craft! I saw him conducting the Vienna Philharmonics in 2022, he was standing less than two meters away from me, I will never forget.
@adeeo
Жыл бұрын
I did not get the info, he would be there... Missed it...
If we had to choose just one person to be inmortal in this planet that chosen one should be John Williams. But not only cause of his endless genius in its craft, but because of his endless humanity and humbleness. Some creeps scoring now in hollywood should learn from him, not just music but of how to be a better person.
@mydogskips2
Жыл бұрын
I hate to ask, but can you name some of those you are referring to?
A 90 year old that can be so amazing? incredible.clearly music is great for your brain!
Williams is our generations Tchaikovsky, a real musical legend in our time.
No film composer has crafted as many iconic classic scores and created a legacy that stands the test of time like John's work. A Master and a Legend.
@samuelbarber6177
Жыл бұрын
It’s impossible for me to pick a favourite of his. I’ll think “Star Wars” but then my mind goes to Jaws, Superman, Harry Potter, Schindler’s List, even JFK. He has the most Oscar Nominations of any living person, and the second most overall just behind Walt Disney.
When he passes we will have so many ways to remember his legacy
A bottomless pit of brilliance.. . . Absolutely love the Lost in Space themes
John Williams exemplifies that rare person whose brilliance is matched by his humbleness.
He is the Beethoven of modern instrumental music. My dad, me and my kids will always hold his music as the best of all theater. Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc... He's amazing
Let’s hurry up and have a new James Bond movie and give to this man the soundtrack
Jurassic Park is my all-time favorite movie. During my childhood, I'd watch it over and over again. Just hearing the sample of the main theme made me choke up a little.
He's a musical genius who has enriched the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and who probably will continue to do so for centuries to come. This guy is too humble.
I'm OVER THE MOON, Mr Williams is finally going to get his honourary knighthood. I'm not sure if it was up to our beloved Queen to grant it, but those two are my greatest heroes & I'm so glad she may have. I've written to politicians to get this man a knighthood for a few years and finally he gets one. I'm just scared we'll lose him soon too !!
The end credit theme to 'The Poseidon Adventure' is brilliant and under-appreciated. It presages so much of Williams's brilliance to come. It's his first blockbuster score.
@RenePeraza
Жыл бұрын
Hear, hear! I just purchased the limited edition of his Disaster Collection which includes The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno and Earthquake, which I first really heard him through and find great.
What a delightful interview, I'm so glad I stumbled across this, it made my day.
@tulinfirenze1990
Жыл бұрын
Me too.
John Williams on his compositions for Star Wars - "I did the best I could." He then goes on to praise the late Maurice Murphy, the principle trumpeter in the original score, for his invaluable contribution to the classic opening main titles. Here is a man who is humble beyond his years! He cannot countenance his own inclusion in the great names of classical music because of this deep humility, but rest assured, in hundreds of years, the name and music of John Williams will still be ranked alongside them!
@kjw79
Жыл бұрын
I think that is a joy to him, having the best of the best bringing his musical ideas alive to a new level. Any composer’s score is limited or magnified by those who perform it, and his partnership with LSO was something special in that regard.
"my little score"....brilliant and humble too! My goodness, his genius is something to behold.
YES!!!! Get this man a Bond film before he passes
I'm not a huge James Bond fan but I've seen all the films and would absolutely LOVE if he would score one! A new John Williams score? Who can say no to that!
@JoelEverettComposer
Жыл бұрын
Unless something amazing comes along my understanding is that he is retiring from film scoring as soon as whatever re-scoring is finished for Indy 5.
@jedijones
Жыл бұрын
@@JoelEverettComposer No, he said he isn't retiring. At this point he just likes to whimsically amuse us with such statements. He's earned the right to troll us. His pace has certainly slowed down over the years, and I imagine it may slow further, but I don't think he'll ever stop scoring movies.
What a grand person and artist! Unmatched in his time
A most remarkable human being. So humble after all his tremendous success and out-of-this-world accomplishments for more than five decades by now (e.g., more than 50 Academy Award nominations). And such an impressive personality, and still that active in his field at age 90. Wishing him all the best! ❤
Not only is he such a great composer. He is such a humble, greatful man. Big respect.
It’s your gift 🎁. You cannot help it. You do it super well! How does it feel to be doing what you love for a living and be killing it at the same time? To be second to none in the world?
Not just arguably the greatest film score composer but maybe one of the greatest classical composers. I believe that his music, as a standalone entity, will be listened to for centuries to come.
@globalturfwar
Жыл бұрын
Completely agree
wow, hes so put together for a 90 year old man
If I was Barbara Broccoli I’d be straight on the phone to him asking him to come up with a score, even though the next Bond movie probably won’t even start shooting till a few years time… but it’s John Williams (and he’s 90) so whatever he gives you just make it fit.
In the early 1980's myself and some friends were swimming at low tide and I started doing the da dum da dum song from jaws! They all screamed at me to shut up!!! There wasn't an orchestra! But they all knew what I was referencing! Powerful real and emotional! Just two notes!!!!! That's John Williams 😊.
I don't know if I could pick a favorite John Williams score (I adore so many of them), but "Superman" and "Raiders" would be right up there. Wow, those are amazing works!
John Williams’s is quite humble man and has his own artistic process. Yes, they need to find a proper way. What a lovely person and such a breadth of art he has made and continues to produce.
This man is my absolute favorite composer. He’s humble, kind, and brilliant. It’d be a dream come true to attend one of his concerts.
I saw John Williams retiring for film scoring after Jurassic Park and Schindler's List thid year but I can't let him die here and 1993. He still alive.
@chiefscheider
10 ай бұрын
I was somewhat intelligent before reading that comment.
What a gifted and humble person. So greatful he lives in our time.
Even from his early work on TV’s Lost In Space, his music stands out. What a talent and what a contribution he has made to cinema and our lives.
@evertonporter7887
Жыл бұрын
As a child growing up, William's music made you believe you could be with the Robinsons in space and walk among giants.
At his age to be able to speak with such sharpness is amazing. The brain of a musician is something else man
The Jaws theme is brilliant because it's more of a heartbeat, an impulse, a signal, than music. When you hear that thump thump, it resembles your own heartbeat and it gets your heart racing!
Those 2 notes in Jaws, fantastic!! Love hearing the audience cheering to the Imperial March and seeing John William's response! I've only seen bits and pieces of Bond flicks through the years but I'd purchase a ticket and watch the entire movie if it was a John Williams score! This was wonderful, thank you!
Dude looks and sounds so fantastic for 90.
John Barry to John Williams. Legend to living Legend. If anyone can do it, it's Williams. Arguable GOAT of modern film composition. Also, love the host, Andrew's enthusiasm and respect, which makes sense given his love of music.
Mr. John Williams, dearly beloved family friend, the happiest of birthdays and another one has passed, your 91st. At the Hollywood Bowl concert last September you mentioned feeling the love and hoping you’d live to be 100. I second that! I’ve been blessed to know you since you were “Johnny” and, in my many decades career as a studio singer, I was privileged to work with you on several occasions. I even have a claim to fame that you accompanied me on piano when I sang at a fund raising dinner for the school my brothers and your boys attended and I corrected a chord you were playing wrong! LOL imagine that! Thank you for every brilliant note that has nourished my soul for years and years. Live long and prosper! 🖖
A gentle man of incredible talent and grace. I hope he truly knows how much joy and emotion his music has given to Billions of people. Thank you Mr Williams.
A very forthright interview. On the few occasions that I was in the company of John T Williams I always found him to be a very humble man.
What an absolute LEGEND of a man, and still maintains the utmost humility and dignity. I wish I'd have the honor to meet him, and gush over the greatness of his work. Amazing.
It's like talking to Beethoven or Mozart. What a privilege to be alive at the same time as this living legend.
What an incredible, modest and articulate man. Greatest composer ever
This is not an interview, its a film music masterclass.
Listen to the way he speaks. So articulate. 91 years old and still sharp as ever. This man is simply brilliant.
What a time to be alive to hear the works of Mr. John Williams.
Simply, thank you so so so much, Mr. John Williams.
Truly the greatest film composer ever. Sure, there are many films I barely remember but he has made so many memorable, beautiful scores that elevates everything
I'm so glad Maestro Williams mentioned the principal trumpet player of the London Symphony Orchestra Maurice Harrison Murphy... IMO the voice of the original three Star Wars, Superman, The Movie and Raiders of the Lost Ark with his easily recognizable sound...
So inspirational to create music that truly captures our emotion such a class person you and Jim Johnston are my favorites 👌🏽👌🏽
I hope to live to at least 90 and that I'm like John Williams at 90.
To still have that spark for his age is quite extraordinary.
I think most of my memories of watching movies has been down to this man,absolute master at what he does!
This is awesome! I hope you can do another interview with John Williams. Part 2, 3, 4, etc. There is so much music by him. Glad you talked about the Superman Theme. One of my favorites.
Seems like a very humble guy given all his accomplishments
What an absolute legend. I mainly grew up with Hans Zimmer but love John William's music as well. Amazing! 🎵 🎶
12:09 - I've literally taught his "little scores" in my music appreciation classes.
Definitely the greatest film composer of all time. No question. Most great get a couple famous themes, this guy puts them all to shame, he has the most Oscar Nominations of any living person.
Dear mr. John Williams I want to personally thank you for hanging around!!
What a gem of a person, on multiple levels.
This man is a blessing to have and hear. His genuine kind words are just as great as his music.
Wow... John Williams with 90 years old having such a great health! Wonderful!!!
Truly one of the greatest minds on our earth.
The music this man has composed endures so far beyond simply the films they where created for. Legend.
I would love him to do a Bond score ....🙏🙏🙏
I'm attending one of his concerts in Milan soon and I am so excited, this man is an absolute legend
@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584
Жыл бұрын
Enjoy!!! I wish I was there!!! His music is just simply amazing.. soundtrack to my life
@obiwan-
Жыл бұрын
@@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584 It was the most beautiful and unique experienced I've ever had!! Williams looked so happy and satisfied with the orchestra's performance, I had goosebumps the whole performance, especially during Star Wars song and Hedwig's theme, asbolutely amazing!
@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584
Жыл бұрын
@@obiwan- Wow!! Awesome!! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I see he performed the classics!! Did he perform any songs from Superman?
@obiwan-
Жыл бұрын
@@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584 Oh yes!! 'Love's theme' and 'March', both incredible, especially the iconic Superman march that literally everybody knows the sound of.
@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584
Жыл бұрын
@@obiwan- now I’m extremely jealous 😂😂😂..he performed the love theme..that’s excellent!!
When I was a kid I would go to the movies and I could remember the themes of the music the next day at school. Along with Jerry Goldsmith's score for Capricorn One, one of the first I remembered forever was Williams' theme for The Poseidon Adventure. I love Herrmann, Goldsmith, Newman and others, but Williams stands along with those and I wish he could do a Bond film too.
His words are incredible, so much wisdom, so much authenticity