It is without question John Williams is one of the greatest composers of our time. Throughout the span of his career, the man has churned out several memorable pieces of music for films that can only be described as iconic. Whether its for Star Wars, Jaws, Indiana Jones or another film, everyone has heard at least one piece of music done by him.
To celebrate Williams’ 85th birthday, we at Flickering Myth decided to look back on some of our favourite scores or tracks from Williams and why they are so memorable to us…
Ricky Church – ‘Clash of the Lightsabers’ (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)
It may be the Star Wars nerd in me, but his scores for the Star Wars saga is excellent. Its hard to name a favourite piece, but if I had to pin one down I go back to a lot, its ‘Clash of the Lighstabers’ from The Empire Strikes Back soundtrack. From Darth Vader’s theme slowly rising to the heroic swell of Princess Leia’s theme as she and the others escape from Cloud City, its definitely a personal favourite of mine from one of my favourite movies.
Graeme Robertson – ‘Theme from Schindler’s List’ (Schindler’s List)
The theme to Schindler’s List is one of his finest tracks in my view, mainly because it’s unlike his usual big bombastic works. More subdued and moving to put it one way. I hope I’m making sense with this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsb1lHddqv0
Oh can I suggest another one, the score to Oliver Stone’s JFK is quite good. One of his more underrated scores, lots of cheesy patriotic music, but also some really tense and suspenseful numbers.
Chris Cooper – ‘Main Title’ (Jaws)
For pure effectiveness I’d have to go with Jaws. One or two notes and everyone knows what it is.
Tai Freligh – ‘Main Title March’ (Superman: The Movie)
I can’t just pick one. I’d have to include the themes to Star Wars, Superman and Indiana Jones because they are all iconic. Like Chris said, you only need to hear a few notes of each and you immediately know what franchise it is. I get goose bumps just thinking about how inspiring those themes are. I don’t often crank up movie score music, but when I do, it’s John Williams.
Ben Robins – ‘Duel of the Fates’ (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)
Duel of the Fates. I know it’s from a tremendously shit film, but it’s the one thing I constantly defend from the prequels. One of the most epic pieces of battle music ever.
AJ Black – ‘Desert Chase’ (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark)
Man alive that’s insanely tough. I’ll say ‘Desert Chase’ from Raiders.
Eric Bay-Anderson – ‘Harry Potter theme’ (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
The main Harry Potter theme – magical
Tori Brazier – ‘The Raiders March’ (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark)
The Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark (etc.) – it’s a thrilling piece that really gets you in the mood for some serious derring-do, as well as throwing in that dash of a more romantic, swelling strings-led section… It perfectly evokes the serials of the 1930s, and who wouldn’t want that theme playing when they’re doing something pretty epic?
What are some of your favourite Williams pieces? Let us know below…
Originally published February 8, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
