JOHN WILLIAMS
THE MAGIC OF MUSIC IN FILM
BY GABRIELLE CABANES ILLUSTRATIONS BY NICOLE REESE
What would “Star Wars” be without “The Imperial March?” What would “Harry Potter” be without “Hedwig’s Theme?” Through the power of music, one can recognize these timeless pieces no matter the occasion.
John Williams has built his fame and talent around scoring numerous successful films known and loved by many people around the world. In addition to the compositions he created for nine “Star Wars” films and the first three films in the “Harry Potter” franchise, Williams has also composed scores for classics such as “Jaws,” “Home Alone,” and “Jurassic Park.”
At the age of 91, Williams continues to produce music. In an interview with Classic FM, Williams explained that if a new and exciting project were to appear on his radar and the project allowed him to work at his own pace, he would not want to rule it out completely.
“Everything is possible,” he said in the interview. “All is before us. Only our limitations are holding us back. Or, to put it simply: I like to keep an open mind.”
In a media landscape almost obsessed with famous artists, composers can often be put on the back burner due to the difference in popularity between a classical piece and music considered more modern. However, Williams’ dedication to the art of composing and creating beautiful pieces for notable movies illustrates the importance of recognizing composers for their work. Without the popular pieces embedded throughout these well-known movies, the films would not be able to capture the intensity of the moments Williams’ music accompanied.
According to Brittanica, Williams has scored more than 100 films, many of which were directed by famous director Stephen Spielberg. Williams was exposed to music at a young age as his father was a percussionist for the CBS Radio orchestra. He studied composition at the University of California in Los Angeles and was later drafted into the U.S. Army in 1948. After coming back from the Army in 1954, he briefly attended Julliard in New York City, where he studied piano. When he returned to California, Williams started working in Hollywood studios and went on to compose some of the most famous pieces heard today.
Williams also worked in music beyond the world of film. According to Brittanica, Williams conducted for the Boston Pops and guest conducted for both the London Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Williams also composed a song for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
Williams’ dedication to the art of composing and his natural talent of leaving audiences in childlike wonder is unlike any other composer. The power of music in film and the art of evoking emotion can sometimes be a tedious process, but for Williams, the art of bringing an audience to its feet brings him joy.
