Anyone
who is a true Star Wars junkie knows
that May 4 of each year is International Star
Wars Day – “May the fourth be with you!” The London Symphony Orchestra
celebrated Star Wars Day this year
with the release of their new album, John Williams: A Life in Music. This release
marked the LSO’s over forty-year collaboration with John Williams, which all
began back in 1977 with the filming of Star
Wars. Although this new album doesn’t offer any new works from Williams, it
does include the world premiere recording of the Theme from Schindler’s List for solo cello
(normally the solo part is played by the violin). The album also contains music
from iconic Williams film scores including Star
Wars, Hook, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws,
Superman, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter,
Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T.
Although
it’s a bit disappointing that Mr. Williams is not the conductor on John Williams: A Life in Music (Gavin
Greenaway performs that role), this album does offer the John Williams
enthusiast all of the best from this legendary American composer. An added
bonus is the beautiful packaging – each page of the liner notes contains
commentary from members of the LSO.
Interested
in hearing this album? Tune in during the WGUC September Fund Drive when you
will not only hear it but can request your own copy! It’s our way of saying
“thank you” for supporting the classical music on 90.9.
