Great Composers

by John Williams [composer]

Overview

Although the selections on Varese Sarabande's Great Composers may not be pulled from the original soundtrack recordings, that's not the biggest problem with the disc. The major problem is that it's skewed toward a general audience -- the kind that wants to have John Williams' "greatest hits" and best-known themes on one disc -- but overlooks such major moments as the soundtracks to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and Born on the Fourth of July, among others. That will undoubtedly frustrate some listeners, but if they get past that initial frustration, they'll find that Great Composers is actually a fairly entertaining listen. Yes, it may have a few too many of his lesser-known works (Midway, Presumed Innocent, Family Plot, Stanley & Iris, The Cowboys), but these are still very good and sit well with Superman, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and Star Wars. So, while it may not be perfect, it is entertaining and it does confirm the variety and depth inherent in John Williams' music.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/29/1999
Label:	Varese Sarabande
UPC:	0030206604726
catalogNumber:	6047
Rank:	87537

Tracks

1. Star Wars (Main Titles)
2. The Imperial March
3. Parade of the Ewoks
4. Jurassic Park Theme
5. Amazing Stories (Main Titles)
6. Superman: The Movie (Main Titles)
7. Midway March
8. Schindler's List Theme
9. Presumed Innocent (End Credits)
10. Sabrina (End Credits)
11. Family Plot (End Credits)
12. Stanley & Iris (End Credits)
13. The Poseidon Adventure (Main Titles)
14. The Cowboys (Main Titles)
15. Earthquake (Main Titles)
16. The Towering Inferno (Main Titles)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Williams [composer]   Primary Artist
Utah Symphony Orchestra   Track Performer
Royal Scottish National Orchestra   Track Performer
Seattle Symphony Orchestra   Track Performer
Lynda Cochrane   Piano

Technical Credits

Robert Townson   Producer,Liner Notes