The Film Music of John Williams: Reviving Hollywood's Classical Style (Wisconsin Film Studies)

From the triumphant "Main Title" in Star Wars to the ominous bass line of Jaws , John Williams has penned some of the most unforgettable film scores—while netting more than fifty Academy Award nominations. This updated and revised edition of Emilio Audissino's groundbreaking volume takes stock of Williams's creative process and achievements in music composition, including the most recent sequels in the film franchises that made him famous. Audissino discusses Williams's unique approach to writing by examining his neoclassical style in context, demonstrating how he revived and revised classical Hollywood music. This volume details Williams's lasting impact on the industry and cements his legacy as one of the most important composers in movie history. A must for fans and film-music lovers alike. Part I. The classical Hollywood music style: rise and demise. "The classical Hollywood music": a chronicle -- "The classical Hollywood music": a stylistic definition -- The "modern" Hollywood music style: the context of Williams's restoration -- Part II. John Williams and the classical Hollywood music style. Star Wars: an oppositional score -- The saga of the Star Wars music -- Williams's early years: spotting the first traces of neoclassicism -- Jaws: Williams's neoclassicism floats up to the surface -- Williams's neoclassisicm: style and habits -- Raiders of the Lost Ark background: a neoclassical film -- Raiders of the Lost Ark analysis: the return of Max Steiner -- Dark neoclassicism: the "sublime" score to Dracula -- Reviving the Hollywood music classics beyond the films: conductor John Williams -- Conclusion: Neoclassical film scoring and today's Hollywood John Williams has penned some of the most unforgettable film scores - while netting more than fifty Academy Award nominations. This updated edition of Emilio Audissino's groundbreaking volume takes stock of Williams's creative process and achievements, including the most recent sequels in the film franchises that made him famous.