It is my belief that John Williams is a genius in the genre of classical music. While some might disagree that his works belong in with the works of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, I think that it is simply a bias against composers who aren't dead or who live in the same time era as us. We look back and say, "Wow, that guy was a genius!" But I think we have a hard time looking next to us and saying, "This guy is a genius!" Agree/Disagree- Explain.
2006-07-17 09:32:30 · 6 answers · asked by cptbirdman 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I don't think it has anything to do with alive/era, but more of society and entertainment. Yes, John Williams is a genius at scoring movies and many times the score makes the movie all that better (Jaws, Stars Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter), but society sees the movie as the work and not the score alone.
Back when Mozart et al. were composing their work was the complete piece of entertainment for the masses. An opera, a symphony, even chamber music was what the people gathered to see and hear. Nowdays, we listen to modern music, watch movies, and play video games. Classical music is lost in the wasteland of an acessory ot many different medias. For comparison to Mozart et al, you would need to look at the Beatles et al, where the music is the media.
Is he a genius? Yes. Will his work always be labeled with another piece of media (ie the film)? Yes.
2006-07-17 09:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by Nice Guy 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your absolutely right.I've been a fan of John Williams since the Star Wars soundtrack came out.I still have the double-album.
I think most people in the Classical music genre feel that composing soundtracks for movies and TV is not TRUE Classical music.
One of the first CD's I bought was ,By Request...The best Of John Williams And The Boston Pops.I still listen to it.
2006-07-17 16:58:38 · answer #2 · answered by timelord1962 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
John Williams will never be in the genre of classical music because he isnt from that time period in which classical music is from. Classical music is music from about 1700-1850. John Williams is a movie music composer. He isn't writing sonatas or symphonies or concertos. So he isn't really in the same class as composers who do. He doesnt think in the same way as a lot of modern composers either. The flowing, melodic beautiful style of composing really isn't in style right now. Which in my opinion is a lot more enjoyable then some of the stuff composers are cranking out right now. I think John Williams and is an amazing composer, but I think he will always be remembered as the guy who wrote amazing movie music. But in terms of comparing him to composers such as Mozart, Bach, or Beethoven, its like comparing apples and oranges. You just can't compare them.
2006-07-17 19:33:09 · answer #3 · answered by sekushi24 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree completely John Williams is the greatest composer of all time. He is defenetly a genius. Acctually did you know he has recievied 14 honorary docters degrees. Despite his docterates and countless other awards the majoraty of people still don't rank him with the dead guys, it really ticks me off. The sad thing is he is such a good composer but he won't reach the peak of his popularity and fame till after he is dead.
2006-07-20 13:35:22 · answer #4 · answered by Han Solo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because "Star Wars" doesn't get the respect it deserves from the ivory tower, as it was a kids' movie.
2006-07-17 16:36:27 · answer #5 · answered by The Man 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People do. You just did.
2006-07-17 16:36:23 · answer #6 · answered by Snance 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋