John Williams's Film Music

June 15, 2014

Audissino (film studies, Univ. of Southampton; L'infanzia nel cinema di Steven Spielberg) ventures here well beyond the scope of the work of John Williams (b. 1932)--possibly to this book's detriment. Part I is dedicated solely to the history of film music. Part II relates Williams's music to others; however, this investigation does not begin until nearly 20 pages into the section with Star Wars, which although not his first score, was arguably what brought him fame. The examination of Star Wars, Jaws, and Raiders of the Lost Ark reveal how the composer revived the classical Hollywood musical style with what Audissino calls "neoclassical" works. Because of the analysis, a musical background is helpful. Also included are discussions of Williams's conducting career, his role in Hollywood, and his legacy. Approximately the last third of the book is dedicated to two appendixes; a list of the composer's film scores by release date and one of film and television scores, concert pieces, and arrangements. VERDICT For those seeking a comparison of Williams to other film composer greats, including Henry Mancini, Max Steiner, and contemporaries such as Danny Elfman, in the context of film music history, this resource is worth a look.--Elizabeth Berndt-Morris, Central Michigan Univ. Lib., Mount Pleasant

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