John Williams luncheon/rehearsal update Detroit 2008
#1
Posted 10 April 2008 - 09:42 PM
Next up was the Monsters, Maidens and Heroes (or something to that effect) piece which sounded pretty good. And then the orchestra broke for lunch as did we. I was sort of surprised that Williams himself was not eating at the luncheon and only came out to address the patrons after desert. HOWEVER, I recorded some of his speech as my wife and I were sitting close to the stage. I didn't zoom in though and the audio needs some boosting which I will work on when I get home on Sunday then post on YouTube for you all to see (for those who are interested). Williams talked a little bit about finishing up Indiana Jones (he's still working on it from the sounds of it!). Then he was wisked off the stage so he could have a turkey sandwich. One or two fans got the chance to get an autograph and picture but he did not remain long enough for me to get over there. Perhaps tomorrow night.
So anyhow, that's the report. Did see a few younger patrons but wasn't sure who from this forum was there. See you guys tomorrow night!
#2
Posted 10 April 2008 - 10:09 PM
Ted
#3
Posted 10 April 2008 - 11:13 PM
"Yi wang si-i wa ye kan dao
Xin li bian yao la jing bao jin tian zhi
Dao
Anything goes."
#6
Posted 11 April 2008 - 12:54 AM

"You must understand the importance of the past, but if you don't realize the importance of the present and the future, you don't nourish that—and our art form does not—then it's like a tree that grows no new shoots. Without new shoots the tree dies." -John Corigliano
Check the Duo Concertante for Violin and Viola (2006) thread on John Williams' latest work.
#7
Posted 11 April 2008 - 12:55 AM
In any event, I did not leave with the majority of the patrons at the break. A number of folks stayed behind, in fact, and caught the second half of the rehearsal. It was here revealed that the three encores Williams was preparing were Sayuri's Theme from Memoirs, Olympic Spirit and the Raiders March. He only rehearsed the first two. He also did not rehearse the Star Wars Main Theme. ("Let's let it sound a little spontaneous," he joked -- and I'm paraphrasing here -- "That's a challenge for me these days.") He did rehearse the train chase from Last Crusade, but not to picture -- which I found nice, actually, just taking the music on its own merits.
Williams ultimately dismissed most of the orchestra, and most of the remaining patrons left the hall. I stuck around to hear him run the woodwind section through Nimbus 2000. After that, he took a breather, and I approached the stage for a handshake, an autograph (for Images, which elicited an "Oh my!"), and a few quick words. A few members from JWFan had stuck around as well, and Williams walked down to the edge of the stage to greet them, sign a few CDs, and even posed for a few photos.
Then it was off to the luncheon, where I was pleased to find that my meal had indeed been held. A few minutes later, Williams entered, was introduced, and delivered his address. I plan on writing more later, probably as part of a larger article for FSM (I've been promising them a second concert article for AGES), but I just want to note that Williams seemed very happy to be in Detroit. His praise for the orchestra during rehearsal was effusive, and he seemed overall more casual and at ease than I've seen him before.
(BTW, the box seats were open for the taking! I had a nice, close side-view of Williams as he conducted, and could hear every word he said to the orchestra.)
In a nutshell, he said they just finished editing the recorded tracks to picture yesterday, and they're going to give it one more pass for minor tweaking and polishing before they send it out on Tuesday. AFAIK, this is a phase of production that Williams *usually* isn't that involved in -- but it's easy to see where that could be different on a Spielberg/Lucas project.
#8
Posted 11 April 2008 - 12:59 AM
Composed and Typed by King Mark
© King Mark 2010
Copying all or portions of this post may result in a $1,000,000 fine or 10 years in prison.
*WILLIAM ROSS involvement in COS(Interview with William Ross from 2002).<a href="http://www.mania.com/37027.html" target="_blank">http://www.mania.com/37027.html</a>
In addition to that new material, Williams took several themes and expanded them into more developed pieces for the soundtrack album. "I was stunned by the amount of music he wrote," says Ross. <b>"We were on the 12th day of a 13-day recording schedule and I received a package with new cues to record.</b> That night I actually called John and told him I was sending the music police to confiscate his pencil! I think he just couldn't stop writing." Ross did not compose any new material himself; everything he wrote was based on John's material. Williams insisted, though, that Ross receive a "Music Adapted by" credit onscreen. "That credit was something that John insisted on from our first meeting," says Ross. "The reality, however, is that CHAMBER OF SECRETS is a John Williams score beginning to end."
#10
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:06 AM
None that I could discern. He seemed hale as ever. He held his back a few times (wouldn't any of us!) and did his typical "lean against the podium rail with one hand" move that he's been doing since the 70s. After the concert, he laughingly commented that if the fans wanted a photo they would have to climb up, since he certainly wasn't climbing down. And he made a joke at the luncheon about Spielberg having him under contract until 2020, and him protesting that he wouldn't be here in 2020. (To which *I'd* say, tell Christopher Lee an artist can't do great work into his late 80s!) But the dominant tone was one of energy and enthusiasm. Williams described the morning as "joyous" at one point, and that's the impression he conveyed.
(He DID wipe his nose at one point during ET... Perhaps he was simply overcome with emotion.
#11
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:08 AM
k.M.Getting his hopes up for Deathly Hallows
Composed and Typed by King Mark
© King Mark 2010
Copying all or portions of this post may result in a $1,000,000 fine or 10 years in prison.
*WILLIAM ROSS involvement in COS(Interview with William Ross from 2002).<a href="http://www.mania.com/37027.html" target="_blank">http://www.mania.com/37027.html</a>
In addition to that new material, Williams took several themes and expanded them into more developed pieces for the soundtrack album. "I was stunned by the amount of music he wrote," says Ross. <b>"We were on the 12th day of a 13-day recording schedule and I received a package with new cues to record.</b> That night I actually called John and told him I was sending the music police to confiscate his pencil! I think he just couldn't stop writing." Ross did not compose any new material himself; everything he wrote was based on John's material. Williams insisted, though, that Ross receive a "Music Adapted by" credit onscreen. "That credit was something that John insisted on from our first meeting," says Ross. "The reality, however, is that CHAMBER OF SECRETS is a John Williams score beginning to end."
#12
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:10 AM
In a nutshell, he said they just finished editing the recorded tracks to picture yesterday, and they're going to give it one more pass for minor tweaking and polishing before they send it out on Tuesday. AFAIK, this is a phase of production that Williams *usually* isn't that involved in -- but it's easy to see where that could be different on a Spielberg/Lucas project.
Thanks for the reply, it's good to hear he's working so closely in this project.
Congrats for meeting the maestro!!!

"You must understand the importance of the past, but if you don't realize the importance of the present and the future, you don't nourish that—and our art form does not—then it's like a tree that grows no new shoots. Without new shoots the tree dies." -John Corigliano
Check the Duo Concertante for Violin and Viola (2006) thread on John Williams' latest work.
#13
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:13 AM
Composed and Typed by King Mark
© King Mark 2010
Copying all or portions of this post may result in a $1,000,000 fine or 10 years in prison.
*WILLIAM ROSS involvement in COS(Interview with William Ross from 2002).<a href="http://www.mania.com/37027.html" target="_blank">http://www.mania.com/37027.html</a>
In addition to that new material, Williams took several themes and expanded them into more developed pieces for the soundtrack album. "I was stunned by the amount of music he wrote," says Ross. <b>"We were on the 12th day of a 13-day recording schedule and I received a package with new cues to record.</b> That night I actually called John and told him I was sending the music police to confiscate his pencil! I think he just couldn't stop writing." Ross did not compose any new material himself; everything he wrote was based on John's material. Williams insisted, though, that Ross receive a "Music Adapted by" credit onscreen. "That credit was something that John insisted on from our first meeting," says Ross. "The reality, however, is that CHAMBER OF SECRETS is a John Williams score beginning to end."
#14
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:13 AM
i have to try to attend to one of his concertos before 2020.
[The Avatar] Score is sublime. Parts of it are freakin' awesome -Quint
Luke Skywalker, on 07 October 2002 - 08:11 PM, said:
#15
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:26 AM
Many Bothans died to bring us this information.

ON THE WAY:
#16
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:37 AM

"He's only a kid Harry. We can take him. "
#17
Posted 11 April 2008 - 01:43 AM
Many Bothans died to bring us this information.
1. Superman: The Music (The Blue Box) - John Williams, Ken Thorne, Alexander Courage, Ron Jones
2. SpaceCamp - John Williams
#18
Posted 11 April 2008 - 10:39 AM
Enjoy the concert and keep us updated!
"Let me say, however, there is no "next" John Williams. Sadly, he is unique--- a figure who simultaneously embodies and transcends the music of all the masters of film music who preceded him (much like Brahms and Wagner of the Romantic era). He comes from a time when the craft of music in film was still one of the ear, heart and mind. Today, sadly, the craft is largely technical. Most composers do not conceive their music "inwardly" but rather at the computer--- and with rather limited skills, musically, at that. The inner spirit knows no boundaries--- our plastic abilities, sadly, do. John is a man of spirit, heart, intellect and soaring music." -- Conrad Pope about John Williams
#19
Posted 11 April 2008 - 11:28 AM
#20
Posted 11 April 2008 - 11:30 AM
Did you shake the Cat's hand?
#21
Posted 11 April 2008 - 04:03 PM
Did you shake the Cat's hand?
I think John got a chance. I was whisked away to the luncheon before I had a chance to ask about staying for the remainder of the rehearsal. I'll try to see if I can get an autograph tonight after the performance. I know where the dressing room is since I was able to talk to John Adams for a spell after the concert he gave back in 2000.
p.s. the video that I shot WILL be uploaded onto YouTube when I get home on Sunday. It's not great quality as I took it from a Canon digital camera which has movies as an after-thought and I was holding it at my chest to make it look like I was merely holding it not recording when the maestro was talking. But it's nice to have something from the day. Does anyone know if iMovie can zoom in on shots? It might just be the display size but even though I was seated close to the stage, the maestro still looks far away on the recording.
#22
Posted 11 April 2008 - 05:16 PM
What a great time we had at the rehearsal. It was definitely a day that I will never forget because it was my first time seeing/hearing Williams live.
I enjoyed meeting John, Ray, and his brother at the event, and I think I saw Fiery Angel, but before I thought about going up to him, the doors to the luncheon opened and I ran in!! Anyway, Fiery Angel, I think I know what you look like, so if I see you at tonight's concert, I'll make a point to introduce myself and talk to you.
WOW....there's just so much to say about yesterday's event!!! Hearing Williams talk to the orchestra and go over the "weak" parts was very cool.
Yes, I did get a chance to shake his hand, talk with him briefly, have him sign my JP CD, and pose for a photo with him. It was truely a great experience and I consider myself very lucky to meet him the first time that I've seen him in person.
JW has one of the best personalities and he seems just like an ordinary person who anyone could just go up to and talk to and Williams wouldn't mind one bit. I would say that JW spent a significant amount of time just meeting the 4-8 people for autographs and photos, even though he only really spent a few minutes with each person. He didn't have to do anything, but he did because he is EXTREMELY professional and is just one of the nicest people I've ever met.
I woke up this morning and I thought to myself.......what the hell did I just do yesterday.....I met THE BEST film composer ever in person and I heard/saw him live!!!!! I surely didn't deserve this and this whole experience has been very humbling.
I took photos and audio of his speech, meetings, and rehearsal performance so give me a few days to prep the stuff for you guys.
I have so much more to say about this event, so I'll be writing a bunch more on this thread in the future.
I can't wait for tonight's performance!!! Everyone out there.......enjoy yourself and take care.
#23
Posted 11 April 2008 - 06:52 PM
- Alexandre Desplat on the Maestro
#24
Posted 11 April 2008 - 08:59 PM
#25
Posted 11 April 2008 - 09:13 PM
#26
Posted 11 April 2008 - 09:23 PM
Sounds like everyone is having a great time.
Thanks for posting.
#27
Posted 11 April 2008 - 09:44 PM
"Yi wang si-i wa ye kan dao
Xin li bian yao la jing bao jin tian zhi
Dao
Anything goes."
#28
Posted 11 April 2008 - 10:21 PM
I wouldn't recommend that, Henry Buck.
#29
Posted 12 April 2008 - 04:42 AM
I wouldn't recommend that, Henry Buck.
What do you think Williams would do if someone actually came up to him with that? Thats like shoving a Bible in an atheist's face.
#30
Posted 12 April 2008 - 05:27 PM
I attended the rehearsal/luncheon with my brother Michael (aka "Sturgis_Podmore" on the board), and we sat in the box seats which are just below the balcony level and wrap all the way around to the sides of the hall. Specifically, we sat in the fourth box on the left, and were pretty close to the stage. There was an older gentleman a couple boxes away from us with his back turned, who actually looked a lot like Williams from the back, but with darker hair. We were almost sure it wasn’t him, since he was just sitting there doing a crossword as the orchestra warmed up, but the idea of it was pretty funny since he looked so similar. He eventually got up and walked past us, confirming that he was not, in fact, John Williams.
The rehearsal began promptly at 10:00 AM, with a brief introduction to the audience (which was probably no more than a hundred people). Then Williams came out to much applause from the orchestra and audience, and began the rehearsal with The Cowboys Overture. I was blown away from the start – the orchestra sounded wonderful, and it was as if I was listening to the recording (except much more breathtaking, of course, being live). They also rehearsed Excerpts from Close Encounters, "Hedwig’s Theme," "Harry’s Wondrous World," and the "Monsters, Beauties, and Heroes" medley. Williams didn’t stop the orchestra much, and worked on very few things with them. He remarked frequently about how great they were playing. Here are some pics of the rehearsal:

The orchestra warming up

Williams arriving at the stage

Introducing Williams to the orchestra
At around 11:00, the orchestra took a break, and people started exiting the hall to go to the luncheon. We wanted to be sure and see as much of Williams as possible, and were told by an usher that we could come back to the rehearsal after eating, and then return to the luncheon for Williams’ appearance following the practice. We went to the luncheon with Vince (“vmw331”), who we’d met before the rehearsal. The food was good, but we were anxious to get back and see Williams continue the rehearsal, so we left after a bit and went back into the hall. This time, we decided to sit up close on the main level, since no one seemed to be governing who sat where. We settled into the fifth row or so, with a great view of Williams as he conducted “The Olympic Spirit” and “Adventures on Earth.”
As the rehearsal came to a close, Williams spent a short time with just the woodwinds on “Nimbus 2000.” During this time, we noticed that John Takis (who we’d also briefly met beforehand) was waiting near the stage with some items to be autographed. Following his lead, we made our way to the edge of the stage, not sure how things would work out (but hopeful!). I had the Star Wars CD cover and Michael had Prisoner of Azkaban, in case we’d be able to get autographs. As Williams sat gathering some papers in the front row of the orchestra after he finished with the woodwinds, a few orchestra members came to him for autographs, and John Takis climbed up onto the stage to prepare to catch Williams as he left. We edged closer to the stage, and were joined by some official lady who passively tried to get us to leave. We just ignored her though, and soon Williams had made his way to right in front of us on the stage.
After talking some more with a couple people from the orchestra and signing an autograph for John Takis, he approached the few of us who had gathered at the edge of the stage, very nicely said hello, and asked if we had anything for him to sign. A tad awestruck, we handed him our album covers, and I stammered something about how we were thrilled that he had come to Michigan. As he finished up, I threw caution to the wind and asked if it would be possible to get a quick picture with him. He looked around and said something like “Oh, well how can you get up here?” since he was on the stage and we were still below him. Undaunted, we climbed up onto the stage with a single step (fueled by our racing adrenaline at the thrill of it all, no doubt) as Williams humorously remarked, “If I tried to get down there, I’d never get back up again!” We posed for a few pictures, and thanked him profusely. He was so gracious to grant us his time like that – truly a classy guy! It was a huge thrill for me as you can imagine, and I feel really fortunate to have had such an opportunity.

Signing autographs

The brother, Williams, and me
Following all that excitement, we went back to the luncheon, where Williams arrived shortly and was introduced by Anne Parsons, President and Executive Director of the DSO, and also apparently a great friend of Williams. She gave him a glowing introduction, and when he took to the mic he affectionately named her as one of his “three favorite women in the world,” aside from his wife Samantha. He talked a bit about how they were currently finishing the music editing for Indy 4 and how great the DSO was, and then proceeded to tell two of the most oft-heard anecdotes about his collaboration with Steven Spielberg: the editing of the last reel of E.T. to fit his music, and the “You’re gonna need a better composer than me for this film” / “I know, but they’re all dead” exchange regarding Schindler’s List. Of course the crowd just ate this up, having never heard it before, and it was fun to hear such an enthusiastic response to such a familiar story. I have some low-quality video of this from my digital camera, which I’ve uploaded, though the audio isn’t very clear. Anyway, he then thanked us all for coming and left the podium, politely stopping to sign another couple autographs on the way out.

Introducing Williams

The start of Williams' talk (it cuts off right at the beginning of the E.T. story)

The Schindler's List story
It was a pretty amazing experience all around, and it was nice meeting the other few JWFanners who were there! I’ll post a bit about the concert itself later.
#31
Posted 12 April 2008 - 05:44 PM
I wouldn't recommend that, Henry Buck.
What do you think Williams would do if someone actually came up to him with that?
He would sign it without even noticing I'm sure.
#32
Posted 12 April 2008 - 06:01 PM
Ted
#33
Posted 12 April 2008 - 06:20 PM
#35
Posted 12 April 2008 - 08:35 PM
Again, I enjoyed meeting you, your brother, and John Takis at the event.
I will post my recap of the event soon.
BTW, that was an excellent experience at last night's concert, wouldn't you say?
#36
Posted 12 April 2008 - 09:07 PM
Thanks for posting, sounds like a great time.
#38
Posted 13 April 2008 - 10:59 AM
Join the club.

Human aggression is instinctual. Humans have not evolved any ritualised aggression-inhibiting mechanisms to ensure the survival of the species. For this reason man is considered a very dangerous animal.
-- Konrad Lorenz
#39
Posted 13 April 2008 - 04:23 PM

"He's only a kid Harry. We can take him. "
#40
Posted 13 April 2008 - 10:14 PM

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