The Magic of John Williams

by Andrew Pacholyk MS, LAc ~
Peacefulmind.com

One of my most all time favorite modern day composers is John Williams. This gifted genius of the musical landscape has given us some of the most magical and awe- inspiring melodies from dozens of movie soundtracks to incredible, classical masterpieces.

What seems to speak to me most are his movie themes that are undoubtedly recognizable within the first few bars of each song. He has the ability to make us feel as if we are flying with his Flying Theme from E.T. and the overture from Superman to his ominous presence of a predator in Jaws. John Williams set the tone with the turn of a wizard’s wand in Harry Potter to the dancing of witches in the Witches of Eastwick. He made disaster movies infamous with Irwin Allen’s The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. Who could forget the precious lilt of Princess Leia’s theme or the choral powerhouse of Duel of Fates from Star Wars.

My Magical Playlist of John Williams

1. Main Title, Jaws
2. Raiders March, From Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Indiana Jones Suite, Raiders of the Lost Ark
4. Flying Theme, E.T. The Extra- Terrestrial
5. Main Theme, Superman
6. Main Theme, Jurassic Park
7. Opening Title, Catch Me If You Can
8. Main Title, The Towering Inferno
9. Main Title, Earthquake
10. Prelude, Main Title, The Poseidon Adventure
11. Hedwig’s Theme, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
12. Harry’s Wondrous World, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
13. Dance Of The Witches, Witches Of Eastwick
14. Instrumental Theme, Chariots of Fire
15. American Version, Summon the Heroes
16. Bugler’s Dream and Olympic Fanfare, Olympic Fanfare Medley
17. Main Theme, Star Wars
18. The Imperial March, Star Wars
19. Princess Leia’s Theme, Star Wars
20. Duel Of The Fates, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace