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![John Williams - Live in Vienna [Blu-ray]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FI4L9FIjL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
Considering the prolific output of John Williams over the decades not only as a composer but also as a conductor on stage, it is surprising that there has not been any commercially available video recording of him conducting complete pieces of his own concert music...until now. Indeed a wait well worthwhile! And what a way to commemorate his achievements and contribution to contemporary classics than with this wonderful recording and long awaited collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic.
These rescheduled concerts were held in Jan 2020 and John Williams' visit to Vienna bringing home the classic tradition of American film music history of the likes of Steiner and Korngold back to its roots was a homecoming in its own right. John described working with the Vienna Philharmonic and playing in the Musikverein as a dream.
The selected programme includes the major film score themes as well as some subthemes, most in the full orchestral concert arrangements (Hook, Close Encounters, ET, Jurassic, War Horse, Jaws, Marion's, all Star Wars Tracks, Raiders) and a few arranged for violin as played by Anne Sophie Mutter (Harry Potter, Sabrina, Donnybrook, Eastwick, Cinderella, Tintin, Schindler's). The recording is beautifully done both in the video and audio format by the excellent Deutsche Grammophon team. The video includes the short anecdotal gems John Williams shares with the audience between pieces of his music, just like being in the actual concert itself. Full encores are included and notice he had a rapturous standing ovation even before he started conducting! Thus the feel is very much a live concert, although the recording quality is first class with great acoustics of the hall well captured. Spacious, detailed and warm, the excellent engineers have done a great job capturing the nuances of the music encompassing the whole orchestra.
The Deluxe Edition comprises of a Blu Ray video recording of the whole concert and an audio CD. The CD only contains 13 (all orchestral versions plus one ASM track from Eastwick) of the 19 titles seen on Blu Ray and audience applause has been edited out so you can enjoy the music on its own. The Blu Ray has DTS HD Master 2.0, DTS HD Master 5.1 and Dolby Atmos 9.1.4. Also features a 27 minute chat between ASM and JW including his preparation for the concert, his visit to Vienna and music traditions grounding film scores. Also comes with a colour booklet with programme. Compliments to Michael Beyer for doing a great job following the music programme, players, conductor and capturing the electricity of the live concert plus audience reaction.
This video concert recording of the legend himself conducting his most well known pieces, in collaboration with one of the finest orchestras in world and played in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world is a dream come true. The whole production is well worth its weight in gold. If you are a true fan then this is what you have been waiting for!
Highly recommended. A joyous collaboration and momentous concert of John Williams' legacy beautifully recorded and produced.
P.s.
Just over a year since this concert and six months since the first release of this original Deluxe Blu Ray set, there are virtually as many editions of this recording as there are Star Wars episodes!
Of note are the separate releases of the live Blu Ray video as a single disc and a 2-CD album of the unedited live music of the concert with audience applause. However, in terms of content this deluxe edition has the whole concert covered unless you prefer the audio only live recording on the 2-CD album (2021).
Version guide and contents:
1) Whole concert video recording: Deluxe edition (19 track Blu Ray plus edited 13 track CD set 2020), single Blu Ray of concert (2021)
2) Music only without applause 13 tracks: Original single CD release, UHQCD-MQA, LP, MP3 (2020)
3) Live music of whole concert: 2-CD live standard re-release, Hybrid-SACD (2021)
An important landmark performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (but one must not forget the long standing established partnerships over the decades between, for example, the London Symphony Orchestra or the Boston Pops with the composer in shaping the definitive performances of this repertoire), this is no doubt a landmark collaboration of musical giants in the cultural history of film music, and well done to the recording team for taking the opportunity of being there and documenting this magical event.
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