Σαν σήμερα, στης 8 Φεβρουαρίου του 1932 γεννήθηκε στη Νέα Υόρκη ο μεγαλύτερος εν ζωή κινηματογραφικός συνθέτης, John Williams. Θα συνδυάσουμε ένα mini tribute σ’ αυτόν, με το Space Hymns Project, ακούγοντας αποσπάσματα από κάποια sci-fi soundtracks.
Ξεκινάμε από την “αλλόκοσμη” γεμάτη σασπένς μουσική που έγραψε, ως Johnny Williams, για την κλασική σειρά επιστημονικής φαντασίας Lost In Space [1965-1968]:
On this date, February 8, 1932, John Williams, the greatest living film composer, was born in New York.
We will combine a mini tribute to him with our “Space Hymns project”, listening to some of his sci-fi scores.
Starting with two excerpts from the “otherworldly” suspenseful music he wrote, as Johnny Williams, for the classic sci-fi series Lost In Space [1965-1968]:
1. The Weightless Waltz
2. Tractor Play On-Electric Sagebrush-Will Is Threatened
I’ve loved all your tributes to John Williams – another of the great, great film composers – but this is my favourite because this music is so very different to William’s later music we all know and love so well. There’s nothing of the hints of Walton, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Stravinsky from whom he borrows so heavily to make his ‘known’ style.
It shows just what an amazing consumer of music Williams was, able to change his style and write according to the needs of the time even here early in his career, writing in the standard ‘sci-fi style’ of the day. You can’t distinguish him from any of the other TV composers of the day despite his later filmic style being so ‘calling-card’ clear when he was able to dictate the sounds that would be used.
I must say I agree 300%. I must also add that, to me, JW ‘s music is the key element that makes a childlike TV fiction series giving me goosebumps …today, beaming me back to the days I run home from school to watch it [I have the complete series on DVD, and also Star Trek, The Time Tunnel, The Invaders etc. etc.]
Thank you very much Ken!
A brilliant composer! Happy belated birthday to Mr. Williams and thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute, Oannes.
~Lauren
Thank you very much Lauren! I’m very happy you liked it.