John Williams: Greatest Hits 1969-1999

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0074645133324 Format: Soundtrack Label: Sony Classical Manufacturer: Sony Classical Number Of Discs: 2 Publisher: Sony Classical Release Date: 1999-11-01 Studio: Sony Classical
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Editorial Reviews: For better or worse, John Williams has completely reshaped the art of the soundtrack. His scores for Star Wars, E.T., and Jaws are simply unforgettable, and his knack for tugging at our heartstrings is uncanny. John Williams: Greatest Hits 1969-1999 collects 30 years of the composer's best-loved themes into one double-CD package. You'll find all the soundtrack moments you'd expect from Indiana Jones, Close Encounters, and Schindler's List, along with a few surprises (The Reivers' Americana-filled main theme and Williams's 1984 Olympic theme, for starters). Most of the earlier works have been digitally rerecorded by Williams, so while you may not get the original recording of these works here, nothing shows its age. And although we really do get only his "greatest hits" (the longest track is the nearly 10-minute-long Close Encounters theme), most of these soundtracks can be purchased in their entirety for the true aficionado. John Williams may be an acquired taste, but this set proves why--year after year--he scores some of the most successful films Hollywood can produce. --Jason Verlinde
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: One of the best Musical soundtrack compilations Comment: Bottom line up front, this is one of the best John Williams compilations available. It has not only memorable movie soundtrack songs, but also his music from the Olympics. While other John Williams music CDs have lots of songs, this one has some of the best variety compared to others. Customer Rating: Summary: True works of genius, conducted by the man himself Comment: I'll keep it simple: All the essential film scores are here, and then some. Star Wars, Superman, ET, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Jaws, etc, etc, etc! Whilst the majority of these are not the originals from the 70s and 80s you can rest assured that these are extremely faithful re-recordings, all conducted by Mr Williams himself, and recorded with the highest of production values. Most of the recording sessions are from the 1990s, including a 1996 session at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London. Nice cover too - the normal CD case slips into a mock-up celluloid outer sleeve. Don't worry - it's not like one of those annoying cardboard outersleeves that prevents your CD sliding into your rack; its very thin plastic, resembling, as I said, celluloid (not to be confused with cellulite - that wouldn't look nice on your box). I have heard lesser cover recordings of these themes, often with dodgy arrangements and at poor recording quality. This is a completely official release, sanctioned by the man himself and released on the reputable Sony Classical label, and sounds nothing short of the high quality one would expect. Customer Rating: Summary: A masterpiece of superb composing Comment: John Wiiliams: Greatest Hits 1969-1999 is a collection of the composer in question has contributed to cinema history, in terms of musical talent and skills. John Williams is undoubtebly one of the greatest composers to embrace a name in cinema history. He has an unique talent which cannot be matched by anyone else. During the course of the last 30 years, he has consistently composed the best soundtracks for the greatest movies of all time, which this double digital remastered two CDs features. These include unforgottable soundtracks such as Stars Wars trilogy, Superman, Jurrasic Park, Jaws and many more. Whilst listening to the album, it feels relaxing and very smoothing, just to sample a taste of superb and high quality composing. The tunes to each soundtrack convey strong feelings in relation to each particular movie. For example, when you listen to Star Wars soundtrack, the true feelings of the movie are conveyed in relations to particular sad moments of the movie. Just to listen to the album and you will notice the feeling associated with each movie. Overall, John Williams: Greatest Hits 1968-1999 is a masterpiece of superb composing and is a great joy to listen to. If you love classical music, then this is an album which will suit your musical taste. Customer Rating: Summary: Williams is the greatest musical storyteller of all time... Comment: Anyone who loves great film music must buy this album immediately. This was one of the first williams CDs that I bought and my collection has just grown and grown... All the classics are here plus a few you my be unfamiliar with. The only gripe is that some of the tracks I wouldn't consider as greatest hits for example Rosewood or The Reivers which are included are fine but some good themes have been ommited such as "The Lost World" Theme and "Dry Your Tears, Afrika" from Amistad. Obviously this is just a matter of personal taste. So do yourself a favour and order this now, you won't regret it I promise you that. Customer Rating: Summary: Just buy it! Comment: Nothing to say but buy buy buy buy buy buy buy BUY if you heard, say, the Star Wars theme and liked it! This 2cd album will not disappoint! I bought it when i had only heard a couple of his scores and my collection has rapidly increased since then! Just buy it! The man is a genius! I have listened to this album like 20 times through and it's still as fresh as ever! I love it! Just buy it! The best track here would have to be Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan! But there all great!! Just buy it! Just buy this! Oh and a tip: listen to the Jaws theme with the volume cranked up, it only fully works this way! And 5 stars doesn't fully justify this album! More Reviews