I grew up loving the excitement
of the Star Wars series and my son, who
is also a fan, had all the action
figures. Listening to the musical scores
from these films brings me and many of
us back to a happy place. I recently added the Pittsburgh Symphony PNC POPS to my list of favorite experiences so I was eager to hear the orchestra play the music of John Williams, composer of many popular and recognizable movie scores such as the Star Wars series, Harry Potter,
Superman, Jaws, JFK and Raider of the Lost Ark sequence, just to name a few. His music
like these movies are in many ways "larger than life” and truly come alive with the talents of a top
notch symphony such as our very own
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Reflection
I love how the POPS pairs
the beauty of the symphonic sound with a “twist” which often makes the shows appealing to some who might not otherwise venture
to the symphony. There were many children in
the audience enjoying the music from their
favorite movie and when doing so, they got a dose
of some “real” music!
 |
| Trombone Choir-"Planet Krpton Fanfare" from Superman |
Under the direction of Lawrence Loh, the POPS opened with light tingling sounds which flowed
into a dreamy sequence in “Tedwig's Theme” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Then they played the “Raiders March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark and added a trombone choir (James Nova
director) to “Planet Krypton Fanfare and March” from Superman. This music is so recognizable that even
without the visual in front of me I “saw” the movie scenes as I enjoyed the
full sounds that filled the theater.
I did not realize how many movie scores were birthed from
John Williams. I surprisingly found my favorites in the Theme from J.F.K.
and the Theme from Far and Far Away, which included a fantastic violin solo by Jeremy A.
Black and familiar Irish sounds.
 |
| "Yoda's Theme" from Empire Strikes Back |
The second half was solely dedicated to the Star Wars series opening with
the universally recognizable “Main Title” from Star Wars. The POPS played music from “The Force Awakens”, “The
Empire Strikes Back”, “Revenge of the Sith”, and of course “Star Wars”. Even my
friend who later admitted to not seeing any of the movies recognized and enjoyed the music. How could you not when
it’s so “larger than life”!
(I can’t wait to see how the Pittsburgh Symphony POPS meshes
with the music of Hip Hop artist Common on July 20th. For the symphony
schedule and POPS schedule go to
Spiritual Reference
Other Sources
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra https://pittsburghsymphony.org/
John Williams Move Scores http://www.classicfm.com/composers/williams/guides/john-williams-ten-best-movie-soundtracks/empire-strikes-back_4/
Best of John Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSW3a4bYwdM
Hedwig’s theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUOnmnE0nns
Throne Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpv835qjwiU
Raiders March (Pgh Symphony) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cv4tjLt_D4
Far and Far Away https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5miK0Nz3Uw