Have you ever watched a film where the action moves to powerful music? Movie producer and director Steven Spielberg said of his friend, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t fly. Nor do brooms in quidditch matches. Nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not wonder. We do not weep. We do not believe.” John Williams has won five Academy Awards and received 52 more nominations, all for composing the music of America’s favorite movies.
Williams was born and raised in New York. As a kid, he played the piano, cello, trumpet, and trombone, and had a band with his friends. After a stint in the Air Force, Williams enrolled in the Juilliard School to study piano. When he was finished, he moved to California. There he made connections that got him started in film composition.
He has continued to compose throughout his life, working closely with Steven Spielberg to guide audiences through feature films. Many of the most popular films in the US boast his compositions, including Star Wars, ET, Hook, Home Alone, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jurassic Park.
The Works
Williams wrote many pieces for the movies. Enjoy these excerpts presented by different orchestras.
Internet Resources
Websites for more information:
- https://makingmusicfun.net/htm/f_mmf_music_library/hey-kids-meet-john-williams.php
- https://www.dallassymphony.org/community-education/dso-kids/listen-watch/composers/john-williams/
Photo of Artist: Headshot – https://www.arkansassymphony.org/john-williams
