Editorial Review

Director Rob Marshall hired three of Asia's most fabulous stars (Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, and Gong Li) for this Japan-set movie, so one wonders why he didn't put in a call to a local composer as well. Was Tan Dun's line busy? Was Joe Hisaishi otherwise engaged? In any case, John Williams won the assignment, and he didn't end up with egg on his face. Mercifully, Williams left the bombast at home and put cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman to good use in this sensitive score.The lovely "Sayuri's Theme" resurfaces at regular intervals, and it's good to hear Williams keep his showier instincts in check through a good chunk of the movie, as he delivers a more subdued sound. One of the most dramatic moments happens during "The Fire Scene and the Coming of War." By then Williams has basically reverted to the familiar, brooding mode he uses for ominous scenes, when suddenly the track integrates an excerpt from "The Folding Fan as a Target," a traditional piece for voice and the Japanese lute known as biwa. Though Williams is right to err on the side of low key, it would have been nice to get more of these stark sounds in his competent but ultimately unmemorable compositions. Read more

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Reviews (51)

A wise choice

Good Soundtrack
I saw the movie and liked the theme music "Sayuri's Theme". It has got a haunting mood that is infectious. The "Chairman's Waltz " by Yitzak Perlman is also very Good. Overall a very good soundtrack by John Williams in conjuntion with Yo-Yo Ma and Perlman.

It's like a wonderful concert!
The music in the film is hauntingly beautiful.I just love listening to the entire CD and replay the events in the movie over and over in my head.This is classic John Williams with Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Pereman as the icing on the cake! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

This new version of the Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (12)

Great a classic
Totally enjoyable.After a few listens you can't help but sing along.

Liked the movie, loved the songs!
Aside from the fact that I loved the movie, most of that came from loving the songs on the movie. I got to a place where I wanted to hear them a lot, but didn't want to skip around on the movie to find the song I wanted to hear. So I bought this soundtrack. It was well worth it.
Excellent overall
The "Fiddler on the Roof" film has a terrific reputation, and deservedly so-the casting was excellent, and it shines through on this recording, both in subtle nuances and changes and in larger, more noticeable things, such as added musical numbers. At a couple points I was disappointed at the omissions of some parts-a handful of lines scattered through, as well as a number from the original, "The Rumor"-but those weaknesses aren't sufficient to lower the rating I give it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Film Music    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Orchestral    6. Orchestral Music    7. Original Score    8. Pop    9. Soundtrack    10. Soundtracks    11. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Reviews (5)

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music
As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The guitar is an orchestra inminiature!
This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.
GUITAR MAJESTY
John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    11. Guitar Solo    12. Keyboard    13. Orchestral    14. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    15. Suite for Orchestra    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    17. Vocal   

Editorial Review

You needn't see the film of Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (231)

I hate to rain on your parade, but...
Most peole rank this score higher than they should (in my opinion).They give it 5 stars because John Williams wrote it (so it must be good, right?) or because it's part of the Harry Potter franchise, which is reason enough to declare that it is wonderful for some.For me, this album was a huge let-down.Yes, the theme is recognizable (does that mean it's great?), but not enough for me to say this score is anything but okay.Track 2 IS wonderful, and some of the final tracks are excellent, but this score is plagued by wall-paper music throughout the rest of it--it's just there--it doesn't do anything for me.If you want a great score for a children's film by Williams, go for ET or Hook, if you want a great score for a H.P. film, go for Prisoner of Azkaban, or Goblet of Fire.This one did okay, but that's about it as far as I'm concerned.

Year One Begins!
I have been a John Williams fan for some time now.Since his music in Star Wars, E.T., Jaws and Indiana Jones grabbed my ears and my attention, I have followed the music where ever it played.When he did Harry Potter though, I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, John Williams is incredibly talented in movie scores, but the first Harry Potter he slipped a bit.
Still the best
This is still the best score out of all the movies. Don't get me wrong each film has it's own tone and needs to vary, but this score hit the mark perfectly. Anyone who tries to tell you that it's unoriginal because of small 3 second sections that resemble what another master has done is just an idiot. My response is, "welcome to the world. Nothing is fully original anymore. You take what has worked in the past, adapt and perfect (in rare cases). That's what's made film scores work for years now. There isn't one music writer who hasn't taken from another, who either influenced them in the past or just had something great. If you don't like it, don't watch anymore movies. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the 'Aliens' soundtrack show up in either a film or trailer at random." Anyway, the other films' soundtracks are good, but not like this. This was perfect like "Star Wars," "Jaws," and "Indiana Jones." There's just a certain magic to how it flows. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Halloween    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

If the commercial constraints of genre and chronic Hollywood sequelitis threaten to musically straitjacket even a legend like John Williams,the veteran playfully rebuffs such cynicism in his rich, mirthful score for this third chapter of the Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (145)

Why retreat?
Everyone has songs that they listen to when they want to escape the outside world.To go to a sactuary that has never been seen of, or heard of, by anyone else but you. When you listen to the songs on these tracks, it is like you are looking over a hill. The sky is grey, and it is quite windy.You can see the grass waving in the wind.Everyone would want to escape to a place like this, a place that they can retreat to when feeling sad, or lonely.That is why you should buy this.So that you can go to your own sactuary.

I loveeeee it.....
I falled in love with the Children's Choir "Double Trouble". The first time I heard, I didn't like it but after I heard again and again, I started to like it. The song grews in me and always came in my head. The combinations of the music and song are superb. The rest are also good such as Hagrid the Profesor, A Window to the past,Buckbeak Flight, Aunt Marge's Waltz and Mischief Managed. Like the other 2 of Harry Potter soundtrack which I also owned, this one is another great job from John William that I really impressed and saluted. Now I think I am going to add Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire Soundtrack as another one of my collections.

Harry Potter 3
Still haunting and mysterious just as the first two, this would have to be my most favorite out of the Harry Potter installments. Each track on this soundtrack gives you a clear idea of how the movie is like in your head, having the same theme of the last two movies, but making it more eerie and more amusing to listen to it. Having loud tracks, some tracks are beautiful; such as Track 6 and Track 15. I'm very happy that most of the tracks are over 2 minutes long, not having to change the track in like a minute and able to enjoy the melodic score. John Williams is an excellent composer. I highly recommend this to anyone!
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Features

• Collector's Edition
• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (10)

A masterpiece for XX Century.
STAR WARS ARE THE BEST SCORE of the Maestro John Williams,
Will outlast the movies, no question.
I have listened to John Williams score for this film from start to finish more times than I've watched the film!
An Inspired & Intense Soundtrack for an Epic Film
I still remember the first time that I ever saw the original "Star Wars" film back in 1977 in a local theater.In silence, the classic line, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...," appeared against a black screen.Suddenly, a blaze of John William's main title for "Star Wars" filled the theater and began to capture the minds and hearts of the audience for an adventure of epic proportions.Rich with percussion, brass instruments and a string orchestra, the main title for "Star Wars" is probably one of the most recognized pieces of music in the world today.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Orchestral    4. Orchestral Music    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Read more

Reviews (13)

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams.A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.
Excellent!!
This is a delightful compilation.The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

The title says it all
I mainly bought this because I can listen to "Cavitina" or "Theme from the Deer Hunter" 20 times per day. This CD is better than herbal tea for relaxation. Love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Classical Crossover    10. Classical Guitar    11. Classical Music    12. Classical Pop    13. Concerto    14. Film    15. Film Music    16. Guitar Concerto    17. Guitar Solo    18. Keyboard    19. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    20. Lute Solo   

Editorial Review

The Read more

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Reviews (388)

The Begining of the Prequils
I bought this one to complete my collection of all of the SW Soundtracks, it plays okay but is not my favorite, except for Duel of the Fates. It also doesn't have CD Text Capablility, not the best one prefer OE Trilogy and EP. 3 but good to have to complete your collection.

Pure, unadulterated Star Wars
This isn't the full soundtrack, but it's got the majority of the important cues, and more importantly the most memorable ones. There was also an Ultimate 2-Disc set that was released, but that one felt like it was ripped directly from the film, complete with edits and jumps in the music. Here the music is presented as stand-alone pieces, the way it was probably written and the way it should be.
Beyond Excellent
This music proofs there is more between heaven and earth.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Movie Themes    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Released during the era of leisure suits and pet rocks, the film Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (71)

AWESOME! John Williams shows again why he's the master of movie scores
After over a year of trying to find a seller of this fine soundtrack, I finally found it! It is high time that the full score was released on CD.
Is John Williams Superman???
After listening to the CD, John Williams must be Superman.By far, the greatest movie score ever written.

Excellent!
Other than the over kill of "Can you read my mind", an excellent collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Orchestral Pop    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

There's never been anything quite like the symphonic film music series that John Williams has forged for George Lucas's sprawling Read more

Features

• Limited Edition
• Soundtrack

Reviews (228)

Genuine Star Wars
This CD is great! It's everything you'd want it to be in a Star Wars CD. As an avid fan of Star Wars listening to the tracks gives me great mental pictures. Many of the songs have good rising and falling crescendos. My personal favorite is the Love Theme. I just can't get enough of it! It almost makes me want to cry or something. There is only one downfall. Knowing John Williams (the writer and conductor) he writes almost every piece of music for a scene and not really as a song. Sometimes the songs take strange dips and sounds but then this isn't a classical Bach or Beethoven score. Definitely check it out if you love Star Wars

quick question
Anybody know where I can get the full scores for episodes II and III? I know they released a two-disc for episode I, but did they release any two-disc sets for the other two?

A whole galaxy of inspiration and imagination ...
John Williams is - by far - my own favorite film music composer. And John Williams' music for Star Wars is in a class on its own within his astounding oeuvre. Taken as a whole, John Williams' music for Star Wars IMHO even surpasses his own superb soundtrack music for Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, ET, Close Encounters, Jaws, etc.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Film    3. Film Music    4. Original Score    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Features

• Collector's Edition
• Soundtrack

Reviews (11)

Great Soundtrack! But I got a question . . .
This ISN't Joseph. I am his oldest DAUGHTER.
The best film in the Star Wars trilogy is also the best soundtrack in the trilogy
I have been a Star Wars fan since the original Star Wars was released back in 1977 and was still called Star Wars and not Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. But I became a dedicated fan in 1980 when The Empire Strikes Back was released. Not only is it the best film of all six Star Wars films, but it also the best soundtrack in, dare I say it, film history. John Williams is a musical genius who can produce so many emotions with his music. And with The Empire Strikes Back he is able to express sadness, anger, loss, love, fear and tragedy with some great pieces of music. My favorite piece on this soundtrack is The Imperial March. The moment I heard that piece of music chills went down my spine. Every time I hear that piece of music I expect to see Darth Vader march down the hall. It is a strong piece of music along with the other tracks on this two CD set. This is a great addition to a CD collection along with the other Star Wars soundtracks. But if you had to buy only one, then The Empire Strikes Back is the Star Wars soundtrack to own.

A Tremendously better sequel and equally great soundtrack!

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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Movie Themes    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral Music    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Soundtrack    9. Soundtracks    10. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Reviews (26)

Good popular music.
The interesting issue about this recording is that Williams himself directs. It is always a plus to listen to music played by its author. Average performance by the orchestra.

Still great!
John Williams has the magic of translating music from movies. Even not watching the movies themselves, you can still understand what's happening because of the music that comes with it.
Great Performances as well as Music
When I picked up this CD I was amazed. I am a big Williams fan and love the Boston Pops. All the pieces are well done and flawless (except for some small tempo issues in "1941") Though all the peices stand out the handsdown best is "The Cowboys" Overture. The ritch sound as well as the great musicmanship make this a joy to here. Another good highlight is the "Midway" March. Midway was a relitivley underated score being in the middle of "Jaws" and "Star Wars" (Both of witch are also on the CD but, Jaws could have had solid feeling but is otherwise performed rather great) The rousing March in my opinion is as rousing as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" or "Superman" (Both yet again are on the CD and Superman's opening is absolutly breathtaking even better than the actual soundtrack. The Trumpet and French Horn fanfare makes you yourself visualize the might of the man of steel himself. But the Midway march is given a stunning representaion with the ritch, lush sound of the Boston Pop's brass section. The CD also has some of John Williams music for the concert stage such as the well known Olympic Fanfare (1984 Los Angeles), The Liberty Fanfare as well as the Mission Theme (The NBC news anthem) all offer a nice break from the movie scores. The only down side to the CD is that because it was made in 1987 it doesn't have music from Hook, Far and Away, Schindler's List and of course Jurassic Park. But even though it lacks Williams' early 90's scores its always a Joy to listen to as well as a treat for the ears. So i give it two thumbs up and *****.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Classical    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Music    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Orchestral   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (2)

Wispelwey's newest disc
I've really enjoyed Wispelwey's recording of the Six Suites, and consider his phrasing and musicality unparalleled.This disc breaks new ground in subtlety and sensitivity, and the quality is superb.

Great Artistry - Fantastic Sound
In the interest of continuing my SACD collection, I spend some time on Amazon buying well reviewed discs.These Beethoven Sonatas and Variations perf by Wispelwey and Lazie had no reviews, but since this was the only SACD with this repertoire, I did the blind buy.Boy, I'm glad I did.
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Subjects:  1. Cello with Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers   

Reviews (15)

Rousing but....
This CD, with John Williams at the baton, summons the heroes in a rousing manner with a wide range of Olympic as well as "heroic" (e.g., "Parade of the Charioteers" from "Ben Hur")selections.Three of the twelve tracks were written by Williams himself with his "Olympic Spirit" being recorded for the first time.The electrifying "Ode to Zeus" by Mikis Theodorakis is probably the single greatest selection.
Enjoyable romp through Olympic Themes
In the US at least, John Williams is known more for his movie scores (Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark to name a few), but he has put his stamp on the Olympics with his several themes and fanfares for the Olympics.Dating back to 1984, Mr. Williams has composed many well known fanfares to the Olympics, and this compilation contains several of his fanfares in addition to music used in other Olympics.The original release for the disc was 1996, which makes it current through the Atlanta Games; if you're looking for the work that John Williams composed for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (2002), you have to go with American Visions (I believe that's the title).
One of the most uplifting and motivating albums!!!
When I first listened to this album, I was in awe of the beauty and grandness of the music composed/performed by John Williams. John can make composing music an exalted art. His music is purely genius and captures the ideas of the album in which the score is in. Back to the album . . . it is AWESOME! This includes many well-known songs but also many undiscovered treasures. Of the twelve songs, I especially enjoyed:
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. 20th/21st Century Overture    3. Big Band    4. Cantata    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Crossover    9. Classical Music    10. Film    11. Film Music    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Orchestral    15. Orchestral & Symphonic    16. Orchestral Music    17. Orchestral Pop    18. Secular Choral Music with Orchestra   

Features

• Collector's Edition
• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (9)

A Final and Astounding Work of Art from John Williams

John Williams knows music
Okay, so this isn't my favorite star wars CD but it's good.I'm still hooked on Ep III soundtrack so that's why I haven't broken this one with repeated use.Still, ROTJ was an awesome movie and the soundtrack is responsible for much of the moodsetting.Happy or sad, the tune tells all.

Is it the best?
This soundtrack CD is probably one of the best John Williams has ever had and the best among all the star wars CD soundtracks of the classic ones. The songs are much more fun and lively. John Williams knows how to translate the music so well that it can blend in perfectly with the movie.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Orchestral    4. Orchestral Music    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Reviews (12)

Marvelous!
If you like both beautiful melody and rhythm of the Latin American sort, you will like this recording. If you like solo classical guitar of the supremely virtuosic sort, add that into the equation (plus a few excellent duets). These pieces are played with an uncanny rhythmic precision that does not sound mechanical. They are played elegantly, eloquently and with feeling neither overstated nor understated. Bear with me, because it is impossible to do justice to this beautiful recording with mere words. It is among my favorite recordings of all time - I never tire of listening to it.
Excellent interpretation
John Williams shows, once again, his guitar mastery in this album. Nice surprise to have few pieces accompanied by a "Cuatro".
amazing!
I discovered this record by chance. I had followed the work of John Williams for some time, but I never suspected that he had recorded Venezuelan music. John Willimas not just plays Venezulean music superbly but also catches the genuine spirit of it in all its sense.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Guitar Solo    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Vocal    11. Vocal Music   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Subjects:  1. Baroque Individual Dance Movement for Orchestra    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Guitar Solo    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Orchestral   

Reviews (3)

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs!Great Sound Quality Too!
The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs.The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York.John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good.In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better.John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there.I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays.If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there.Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear
The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album.It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done.Not robotic like some freaks out there.This is true beautiful music.Runs together like a long summer drive in the country.It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.
A little something for everybody
First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing.John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the